Code of Engine Oil

Dear Readers,

As you are aware, water is important to humans and their livelihoods; similarly, Engine oil is essential for an engine. Not only does it lubricate engine components, but it also cleans them and protects them from corrosion.

When purchasing engine oil, you will see numbers like 15W-40, 20W-40, and 5W-30 printed on the containers. This information is crucial for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners and drivers. Engine oil usage depends on vehicle operation and weather conditions, such as daytime or nighttime, summer (hot) or winter (cold), and flat or mountainous roads.

Therefore, the specifications of the oil are based on research findings related to these factors. This is why the engine and driving conditions are two crucial factors in determining the right engine oil for your car. Individual oil products are labeled with a range of temperatures indicated in degrees Celsius to specify their suitability for vehicle operation. For instance, oil marked as 15W-40 is ideal for vehicles operating in hot weather. Conversely, in colder climates, using oil with a rating of 5W-30 would lead to better engine performance.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a global standards organization that grades engine oils based on their viscosities for classification..

The engine oil grade is represented by an alphanumeric code, commonly formatted as XW-XX. Let us clarify what each character signifies.

The "W" stands for WINTER, and the number before the "W" indicates the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, or when the engine is cold. Generally, a lower viscosity means better pumping and flow capabilities in colder temperatures. The number following the hyphen (-) indicates the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperatures, which is approximately 100 degrees Celsius in an engine.

For example, 10W-30. The 'W' indicates winter, while the number 10 signifies the oil's thickness at lower temperatures or before starting the engine.

The lower the viscosity of an oil, the better it can be pumped and flow in cold temperatures. Therefore, in extremely cold conditions and during engine start-up, 0W oil flows more quickly than 5W oil, allowing it to reach crucial engine components such as pistons, valves, and cylinder walls more efficiently.

Whereas the number 30 after the hyphen indicates the oil thickness at normal engine running temperature.

Consider using oils with higher viscosity ratings (like 40 or 50) for better protection against high temperatures.

Next time you need to change your engine oil or are thinking about purchasing oil, make sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended oil grade. I hope this article has been helpful to you. Having a basic understanding of this process can instill a sense of confidence.

SWL

Dear Readers,

On a construction site, you may often notice SWL warning messages on lifting tools and tackle. SWL stands for Safe Working Load. Understanding key terms like Safe Working Load (SWL) and Working Load Limit (WLL) is important for ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to best practices in material handling.

SWL is very important and essential for rigging & hoisting works during construction activities, and sometimes stated as the Normal Working Load (NWL). 

It’s the mass or force that lifting equipment, a device, or an accessory can safely handle to lift, hold, or lower a load without the risk of breaking. This is usually marked on the equipment by the manufacturer and is often set at 1/5 of the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS), though other fractions like 1/4, 1/6, or 1/10 may also be used.

The SWL is determined by dividing the minimum breaking strength (MBS) of a component by a safety factor assigned to that type and use of equipment. The safety factor generally ranges from 4 to 6 unless a failure of the equipment could pose a risk to life; in that instance, the safety factor would be 10.

For example, if a line has an MBS of 1,000 pounds and a safety factor of 5, then the SWL would be 200 pounds. 1000/5 = 200.  

Thumb Rule for Determination of SWL of Wire Rope Slings:

SWL = 8*D2; in Tons; Where D diameter of the rope in inches.

Example: 

    1 Inch diameter rope 1*1*8 = 8 Tons 

    ½ inch diameter rope 0.5*0.5*8 = 2 Tons

Another way to calculate the SWL of any wire rope is by 

    1. Obtained the Breaking strength of the wire rope as per the class.

    2. Consider the Safety factor (Generally taken as 5 for wire rope, except taken as 10 when used for lifting a person)

    3. Divided the breaking Strength by the factor of safety.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer, a safety officer, or just starting out in the industry, understanding these concepts can make a big difference in creating a safer workplace.

New Year Wishes

Dear Readers,

Wish You a Happy New Year - 2026

Happy New Year just feels good to say. Doesn’t matter where you’re from, your religion, your country—everybody celebrates it.

Happy new year, happy new year. May we all have a vision now and then of a world where every neighbor is a friend.

Regards,

S. Arivazhagan & Arivu