What are lubricant detergents and detergent-dispersants?

Detergents and detergent-dispersants are surface-active additive classes designed to clean and prevent formation of deposits such as sludge, varnish (paint film) and insoluble carbonaceous particulates in lubricants and fuel systems. They adsorb combustion and wear-generated solids, keep them in suspension and maintain lubricant cleanliness throughout the service interval.

In practice the term covers two closely related uses: (1) gasoline detergents that limit deposit formation in carburetors, intake valves and intake ports; and (2) lubricating oil detergents/dispersants that protect engine oil circuits from sludge, varnish and corrosive by-products.

Chemistry & common classes

Typical detergent and dispersant chemistries implemented in modern lubricant formulations include:

Alkaline/metallic detergents — overbased sulfonates, salicylates and phenates used for acid neutralization and deposit control.

Amine salts of acidic phosphates — effective in gasoline detergents and certain engine deposit control systems.

Succinimide dispersants — polyisobutylene succinimide (PIB-succinimide) and related PIB-adducts for sludge suspension and varnish control.

N-phenyl stearoyl-1,3-propanediamine and similar surface-active organics — used in gasoline and fuel system detergency.

Boron-modified chemistries — borated dispersants and boron-containing detergents offering improved thermal stability and ashless performance.

Ashless phosphate esters/benzylamine derivatives — niche formulations for specific compatibility and performance objectives.

For broader context on additive functions see our Lubricant Additive Components page and the Ashless Dispersant page.

Primary functions & application scenarios

Detergent additives perform three core roles in lubricants and fuels:

Deposit prevention: reduce formation of varnish and soft deposits on rings, piston crowns and intake valves.

Sludge control: suspend insoluble oxidation products and soot to prevent agglomeration and filter blocking.

Acid neutralization & corrosion mitigation: neutralize acidic by-products and protect ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces.

Common application sectors for BASOIL detergent grades:

Automotive engine oils (gasoline and diesel)

Two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycle oils

Gasoline detergents for fuel systems and port-injected engines

Industrial engines and stationary gas engines

Specialty lubricants where deposit control is critical (e.g., marine, power generation)

Performance indicators & typical dosing

Key laboratory and bench indicators used to evaluate detergent/dispersant performance include:

Deposit tendency (cam rig, engine bench tests)

Soot handling and dispersancy (MPC, TEOST, or ASTM-equivalent tests)

Base number (BN) and acid neutralization capacity for alkaline detergents

Thermal & hydrolytic stability (RBOT, PDSC, hydrolysis resistance)

Compatibility with other additive classes and base oils (PAO, mineral, ester)

Typical treat rates vary by application:

Gasoline detergent (fuel additive): 10–500 ppm (fuel system dosage varies by product)

Engine oil ashless dispersant: 1.0–8.0 wt% (as part of additive package)

Alkaline detergent (overbased): 0.5–4.0 wt% (depending on BN target)

(Note: exact dosing depends on final formulation targets such as BN, SAE grade, and emissions requirements.)

BASOIL — supplier profile & capability

BASOIL manufactures integrated base oils and additive chemistries and positions itself as a technical lubricant detergent additives supplier. Key credentials:

Integrated production: additive formulation supported by in-house ester base oil lines (total base oil capacity > 8,000 t/year; polyester approx. 2,000 t/year).

Additive capacity: engine coolant corrosion inhibitors ~1,500 t/year; glass fiber additives ~3,000 t/year — formulation labs and blending lines support additive package production.

Technical team: 30+ years cumulative formulation and lubricant chemistry experience; laboratory capability for bench testing, GC/MS and oxidation testing.

Customer base & validation: products used by major domestic enterprises (Sinopec, Shantui, Liugong, Hafei, FAW) and exported to EU markets with long-term customers.

Custom workflows: target specification → sample formulation → test validation → pilot → bulk production; packaging from trial drums to container loads.

For broader supply and formulation services see About Us and our Lubricant Additive Package page.

Quality control & validation

Quality controls applied to detergent and dispersant grades include:

Raw material QC (identity, water content, residual acid value) and supplier traceability;

Analytical screening: GC/MS, FTIR, elemental analysis for boron/phosphorus content;

Performance test matrix: deposit control benches, RBOT/oxidation, BN stability, and sludge/varnish bench tests;

Compatibility checks: miscibility and stability with typical base oils including ester base stocks, PAO and mineral oils;

Batch records, TDS and stability certificates provided on request.

Engine coolant corrosion inhibitor series have been laboratory-tested by recognized national testing centers—BASOIL applies the same lab rigor to detergent and dispersant product lines.

Packing, MOQ & lead times

BASOIL supports flexible commercial terms to accommodate trials and production scale-up:

Packing: steel drums (25–210 L), IBC (1,000 L), bulk tank (FOB/EXW by arrangement).

MOQ: trial drums available; MOQ for bulk depends on grade and customer requirements — typical pilot quantities from one drum; container loads available for larger orders.

Lead times: sample formulation and lab validation typically 2–4 weeks; bulk lead time depends on production scheduling and order volume.

For specific export documentation and shipping support see Contact Us.

FAQ — common technical & commercial questions

Q: How do detergents differ from dispersants?

A: Detergents commonly neutralize acidic by-products and form surface films to prevent deposit adhesion, while dispersants (especially ashless succinimide types) keep insoluble oxidation products in suspension to avoid agglomeration and filter blocking. Most engine oils use both classes for complementary control.

Q: Are your detergent grades compatible with ester base oils and POE refrigeration oils?

A: Yes. BASOIL develops detergent/dispersant grades with compatibility testing against ester base stocks; compatibility data and miscibility reports are provided on request for refrigeration or specialty ester applications.

Q: Can you supply combined detergent/dispersant packages?

A: Yes — we offer tailored additive packages and can blend performance packages aligned to customer BN, SAE grade and emissions targets. See Additive Package.

Q: What technical documentation is supplied with orders?

A: Standard deliverables include TDS, MSDS, batch analysis and stability test summaries. Additional performance bench data (e.g., deposit tests) can be supplied under NDA or commercial agreement.

Q: How long is shelf life for additive components?

A: Unopened additive components stored under recommended conditions (cool, dry, sealed) generally retain stability for 12 months; blended packages have storage guidance specified on the TDS.

Contact BASOIL — detergent additives supply & formulation services

For technical data sheets, compatibility reports with your base oil, pilot samples and quotation, contact our formulation team. Provide target application, base oil type and performance targets for a rapid response.