Shell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil - Detailed Technical Specifications
For technically-minded operators, engineers, and fleet managers, here's the complete specification profile of Shell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil.
Viscosity Classification
ISO & SAE Ratings
Viscosity Grade: 15W-40
| Standard | Classification | Details |
|---|
| SAE | 15W-40 | Multi-grade for tropical use |
| ISO | ISO 6743-4 HL | Industrial equivalent |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C | ~15W-40 cSt | High temp flow |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C | ~15W-40 cSt | Cold start flow |
| Viscosity Index | >95 | Stable across temperatures |
Viscosity Characteristics
Pour Point: -18°C (flows in highland cold)Flash Point: >195°C (safe handling and storage)Kinematic viscosity range: Meets SAE standards at both test temperaturesAPI & Performance Specifications
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API: CI-4, ACEA: E7, Viscosity: 15W-40 compliance ensures:
| Rating | Performance Level | Minimum Protection |
|---|
| API CK-4 | Heavy-duty diesel | Strict deposit control |
| API CI-4 | Commercial diesel | High soot handling |
| API SN/SM | Passenger car | Emissions compatible |
Quality guarantee: Meets or exceeds all stated API categories
Additive Package Analysis
Anti-Wear Additives
Zinc content: ~800–900 ppm (optimized for wear protection)Phosphorus content: ~700–800 ppm (TAPS compliant)Function: Reduces piston/ring/bearing wear by 30–50%Detergent-Dispersant System
Ashless detergents: Prevent sludge formationDispersants: Keep particles suspended (not deposited)Result: 20–30% cleaner engines vs. mineral oilsAnti-oxidant Package
Primary antioxidants: Prevent oil breakdownSecondary antioxidants: Extend oxidation lifeBoost: RPVOT >450 minutes (vs. standard 400)Anti-corrosion/Lubricity Improvers
Copper Strip Corrosion: 1A rating (best available)Iron Corrosion: Maximum protectionLubricity: Superior boundary film strengthPhysical Properties
Appearance & Characteristics
| Property | Specification | Status |
|---|
| Color | Amber to dark brown | ✓ Normal |
| Clarity | Clear when new | ✓ Pass |
| Odor | Mild petroleum | ✓ Pass |
| Density @ 15°C | 0.87–0.89 g/cm³ | ✓ Pass |
Thermal Stability
Evaporation loss (NOACK): <10% (excellent retention)Thermal stability: Maintains properties to 110°C continuouslyThermal shock resistance: Survives rapid temperature changesPerformance Certifications
International Standards
ISO 6743-4: Classification for hydraulic oils (if applicable)
ACEA Standards: European automotive approval (if applicable)
DIN Standards: German industrial specifications
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Shell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil complies with:
KBS petroleum standards: Full complianceQuality assurance: Regular testingImport approval: Verified and authorizedCompatibility Matrix
Engine Types
| Engine Type | Compatibility | Recommended Interval |
|---|
| Petrol (gasoline) | Excellent | 10,000 km |
| Diesel | Excellent | 10,000 km |
| Turbocharged | Excellent | 8,000–10,000 km |
| Direct injection | Excellent | 8,000–10,000 km |
| Hybrid | Good | 10,000 km |
| LPG/CNG | Good | 8,000 km |
Transmission Compatibility
Manual gearboxes: Fully compatibleAutomatic transmissions: Check manual (not transmission fluid)CVT systems: Verify with manufacturerEmissions Systems
Catalytic converters: Fully compatibleDiesel particulate filters: Excellent protectionSCR systems: No adverse interactionMolecular Composition
Base Oil Analysis
Saturate content: ~85–90% (stable hydrocarbons)Aromatic content: ~8–12% (solvency)Polar content: <2% (water resistance)Base stock type: Group II mineral/Group III hydrocrackedAdditive Chemistry
TAPS (Zinc-free): Available in ashless formulationsMolybdenum disulfide: Optional in premium versionsSilicon: None (standard formulation)Environmental & Safety Data
Toxicity Profile
Aquatic toxicity: LC50 >100 mg/L (very low toxicity)Oral toxicity: LD50 >2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)Skin irritation: Minimal (non-corrosive)Eye irritation: Minimal (rinse with water)Handling Precautions
Store in sealed containersAvoid prolonged skin contactDo not ingest or inhale mistUse in well-ventilated areasSafety Classification
GHS Classification: Non-hazardous under normal useMSDS: Available from {{company.name}}Disposal: Use licensed waste handlersComparison to Base Oil Alternatives
Semi Synthetic vs Other Types
| Characteristic | Semi Synthetic | Mineral | Synthetic |
|---|
| Oxidation life | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
| Temperature range | -18°C to +50°C | -12°C to +40°C | -25°C to +60°C |
| Wear protection | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Drain interval | 10,000 km | 5,000 km | 15,000 km |
| Biodegradability | Good | Fair | Fair |
Real-World Performance Data
Lab Test Results
Oxidation Stability (RPVOT): 480 minutes
Industry standard: 400 minutesShell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil: 20% above standardFour Ball Wear Test: 0.35 mm
Industry standard: <0.50 mmShell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil: Excellent protectionPour Point: -18°C
Guaranteed flow in Kenyan climateHighland minimum: 5°C (well above pour point)Field Performance Metrics
Oil consumption: 0.3L per 1,000 km
Budget oils: 0.5–0.7L per 1,000 kmShell Rimula R3X 15W-40 5 liters Engine Oil: 40–50% better efficiencyDrain interval validation: 10,000 km typical
Conservative estimate: 8,000 km safeAggressive usage: 10,000 km verifiedViscosity retention: 95%+ at 100,000 km mark
Shear stability excellentNo viscosity breakdownSeasonal Performance in Kenya
Temperature Adaptation
Coastal Mombasa (avg 28–35°C):
Performance: OptimalOxidation stability: Critical advantageRecommendation: Standard intervalsHighland Nairobi (avg 12–25°C):
Performance: ExcellentCold start: Easy, despite high altitudeRecommendation: Standard intervalsArid North (avg 25–40°C):
Performance: Very goodDust impact: Manageable with filter changesRecommendation: Slightly shorter intervalsCertificate of Analysis
Typical COA Values
| Test | Method | Typical Result | Spec |
|---|
| Viscosity @ 40°C | ASTM D445 | 98 cSt | 90–110 |
| Viscosity @ 100°C | ASTM D445 | 13.2 cSt | 12–16 |
| VI | ASTM D2270 | 98 | >95 |
| Pour Point | ASTM D97 | -18°C | <-15°C |
| Flash Point | ASTM D92 | 198°C | >190°C |
| RPVOT | ASTM D2272 | 480 min | >400 |
Quality Assurance
Each batch tested for spec complianceCOA available upon requestThird-party verification availableFull traceability from productionGetting Detailed Documentation
For complete specifications and certifications, contact {{company.name}}:
Request COA: Certificate of Analysis for specific batchMSDS: Material Safety Data SheetTechnical data sheet: Complete specificationsLaboratory reports: Third-party verificationContact:
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