Shell Lubricants has introduced a revamped Shell Rotella heavy-duty engine antifreeze/coolant product portfolio, led by the new Shell Rotella Ultra ELC, an extended-life antifreeze/coolant for use in heavy-duty diesel, gasoline and natural gas-powered engines.

"Shell Rotella Ultra ELC is an improved performance, next-generation, extended-life engine coolant that is designed to meet the more severe operating conditions of new emission-compliant engines," explains Stede Granger, technical manager, Shell Lubricants.

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC is joined in the line of heavy-duty coolants by Shell Rotella Fully Formulated, which has replaced Shell Diesel Ready Fully Formulated Coolant/Antifreeze, and Shell Rotella ELC.

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC, Shell Rotella ELC and Shell Rotella Fully Formulated are currently available in bulk and drums and will be available in gallon bottles before the end of 2010.

Unlike fully formulated coolants, ELCs are designed to go 600,000 on-highway miles (and beyond with proper monitoring) and provide overall reduction in cooling system maintenance. ELCs also offer complete cooling system component protection by helping to reduce water-pump failures, hard-water-scale deposits and silicate gel (the green goo you often see).

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC is formulated to meet more severe operational conditions of modern, hotter-running engines. This is particularly important for new emission engines, especially those with exhaust gas recirculation.

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC does not contain nitrites, amines, phosphates (NAP), borates or silicates. Improvements compared to Shell Rotella ELC antifreeze/coolant include enhanced oxidation control and corrosion protection of aluminum alloys and lead solder, as well as better elastomer compatibility with silicone seals, according to the company. In addition to organic additive technology corrosion inhibitors, Shell Rotella Ultra ELC antifreeze/coolant contains molybdate to provide extra protection to cylinder liners found in heavy-duty applications. It will not require an initial charge or additional supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) in the future.

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC antifreeze/coolant also provides protection in light-duty engines, making it highly suitable for mixed fleets that include light-duty as well as heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines. The product can provide protection for up to 12,000 hours or 600,000 miles in heavy-duty applications under normal operating conditions.

Shell Rotella Ultra ELC antifreeze/coolant is available in two formulations - a pre-diluted 50/50 and a concentrate. Shell Rotella Ultra ELC antifreeze/coolant Pre-Diluted 50/50 is premixed and ready to use and requires no further dilution. Shell Rotella Ultra ELC antifreeze/coolant Concentrate should be diluted with water, preferably with demineralized or de-ionized water.

Shell Rotella ELC uses organic additive technology corrosion inhibitors with nitrite and molybdate that protect cylinder liners from pitting corrosion damage. The product provides excellent high-temperature protection and heat transfer. Shell Rotella ELC helps reduce maintenance costs and improve water pump life. It also eliminates the need for supplemental coolant additives. It can provide protection for up to 12,000 hours or 600,000 miles with an extender added at 300,000 miles.

Shell Rotella Fully Formulated contains supplemental coolant additives (SCAs) to provide complete engine and cooling system protection. The product offers a highly stabilized, low-silicate formula that reduces deposits and the risks of hard water scale. Shell Rotella Fully Formulated contains nitrite and molybdate to prevent corrosion damage from pitting on cylinder liners. The product can provide protection for up to 200,000-250,000 miles/two-three years in heavy-duty applications under normal operating conditions, provided that the user monitors and maintains SCA additive levels.

For more information: www.rotella.com.