Management Board

Unconfirmed Minutes from the last Management Board meeting, held on 20th November 2008, are now available to CEC Group members on the CEC Web Site.

Reference Fuels

The RFG Chairman attended the last CEC Board Meeting.
The Reference Fuels Manual is going through a major update and should be ready for publication soon.  CEC Working Groups will be contacted by the RFG and asked if they have any problems because of the reduction in benzene content to 1% v/v in accordance with EN 228 for all except legislative fuels.  Groups needing fuels for their tests should contact the RFG via their Reference Fuels Co-ordinator.  The Reference Fuels Group needs more active members.  Anyone interested in participating should contact the CEC Secretariat.

All gasoline fuelled CEC test methods should include a general statement in Section 10 warning about compatibility issues in fuel systems due to increased use of ethanol, which can attack seals and corrode fuel pipes and tanks.

Statistics and the CEC Quality Process

ACEA is most concerned that the CEC quality process will not allow all the required parameters in a test.
Some parameters are rejected by CEC under its current rules because high and low reference oils do not discriminate for a given parameter, but they do show good reproducibility.  Consideration should be given to a process which would support using such parameters within CEC.

The use of a Quality Index system has been introduced to a number of engine test Groups in CEC.  It is designed to encourage detailed discussion and analysis of tests and leads to improved precision.  A presentation on this system will soon be made available to all CEC Group members.

Update on CEC Test Monitoring

An update on the new CEC Test Monitoring system.
The CEC-TMA system is operational for the following CEC Test Methods: CEC L-07-A-95, CEC L-84-02, CEC F-06-96, CEC L-14-93, CEC L-45-99, CEC L-40-93, CEC L-39-96, CEC L-66-99 and CEC F-23-01.
Users can now view, amend and delete their test records.
User documentation has been updated and TMA technical notes can be viewed for each test when appropriate.
We are awaiting a revised data dictionary for CEC L-85 (PDSC test) and beta testing is still required.

If you use the system to upload reference data and have a problem, please note the web page that you are using (from the address bar of the browser) and make a screen shot, or, transcribe the error message that you see. Please send the message to cec-tma@pdcnet.org.uk. Alternatively, please call Paul Bromby or James Harris on +44(0)1455 290222.

TDG-L-103 Biodegradability of Lubricants in the Natural Environment

This new voluntary Working Group has had its first meeting.  Its primary purpose is to upgrade the CEC L-33-A-93 obsolete test method to current environmental standards.
The analytical method for determination of residual oil after biodegradation will remain as IR (infrared spectroscopy), using a non-hazardous, highly volatile solvent that can easily be removed by evaporation before quantitative IR analysis.  The GC (gas chromatography) procedure received less support.

TDG-T-091 (Controlled Slip Torque Convertor Clutches) and TDG-T-102 (Wet Start & Shift Clutches)

Both tests are accepted into CEC with good supporting statistics and precision statements.  Each Group will move to Surveillance Group status as the Test Method is published.
Original Group members will receive access to the Test Methods free of charge.  Other interested parties will pay Euro 1,000 for Test Method access.

CEC Group Activities

It has come to our attention that there are individuals in many Working Groups that are taking the bulk of the responsibilities of the Group.
CEC needs members of Groups to come forward to take on the officer responsibilities (Chairman, Secretary, Reference Fluid Co-ordinator, Test Method Co-ordinator etc).  It is unfair to rely on just a few committed individuals.  Please ensure your active participation by helping out with these responsibilities.

SG-L-101 – OM501 LA Bore Polishing and Piston Cleanliness Test

Further progress has been made.  Additional reference data has been produced and the full statistical analysis is awaited so that the Board is in a position to make a good judgement about accepting the test into CEC.

TDG-L-100 – Turbo Deposits Test

The request for calibration oils is currently with ACEA members.  A reply is expected after their next meeting.

SG-L-051 – OM602A

All engines have been used and the last test completed.  The Group has been closed by the CEC Board.  The Chairman and members of the Group are thanked for their contributions.

Marine and Large Engines Group

The Chairman attended the last Board meeting to give a presentation on the work of this specialist group.
A closing report on Liner Lacquering from TDG-L-097 will be published on the CEC Web Site, available in the public area for all interested parties.  A new investigation is taking place into the danger of water in used engine oil.

CEC Help Desk

Help is available from Lyn, Barry and Monique.  See the CEC Web Site for details:  www.cectests.org

And Finally

The CEC Secretariat will be closed from 1200 hours on 24th December 2008 and re-open on Monday 5th January 2009.  Lyn, Barry and Monique send Christmas Greetings and wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2009!