Overview

Lubricants are often selected based on upfront cost, but this approach can overlook their broader impact on equipment performance, maintenance, and operational efficiency.

By combining laboratory analysis, performance testing, and operational data, TLW provides a clear understanding of how lubricant selection affects reliability, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and overall asset performance.

True Lubricant Worth (TLW) is Viswa’s data-driven methodology that evaluates lubricants based on how they perform in real-world conditions and translates those performance differences into measurable financial impact.

The Challenge

A lower-cost lubricant may appear to reduce expenses initially, but can introduce hidden costs over time, including:

  • Increased fuel consumption due to reduced lubricity
  • Higher oil consumption from evaporation losses
  • Premature wear and component failure
  • Deposit formation and reduced system efficiency

Focusing only on price can lead to higher total cost of ownership and increased operational risk.

The TLW Approach

TLW evaluates lubricants using a combination of standard testing and performance-based analysis to assess how a lubricant behaves in actual operating conditions.

Standard Evaluation Includes:

  • Physical and chemical characteristics
  • Metals content
  • FTIR analysis

Performance Evaluation Includes:

  • Lubrication efficiency
  • Oxidation stability
  • Volatility characteristics
  • Air release performance
  • Water separability

These factors directly influence equipment reliability, maintenance intervals, and operating efficiency.

Turning Performance into Value

What differentiates TLW is its ability to convert technical performance into financial outcomes.

Using a proprietary model, Viswa translates lubricant performance into:

  • Cost per hour of operation
  • Annual operating impact
  • Fleet or system-wide savings

This allows organizations to make informed decisions based on total cost—not just purchase price.

Business Impact

Organizations using TLW gain the ability to:

  • Optimize lubricant selection based on real performance
  • Reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency
  • Extend equipment life and reduce wear
  • Increase maintenance intervals where appropriate
  • Lower overall operating and maintenance costs

Additional Value

Beyond direct cost savings, TLW supports:

  • Improved equipment reliability and uptime
  • Reduced environmental impact through lower emissions and waste
  • Better procurement strategies through data-driven decisions
  • Standardization of lubricants across operations

Applications

TLW is applicable across a wide range of industries and equipment types, including:

  • Marine and offshore operations
  • Power generation systems
  • Industrial and manufacturing equipment
  • Construction and heavy-duty fleets
  • Data centers and advanced cooling systems

Why Viswa

Viswa combines independent testing, technical expertise, and operational insight to deliver a complete view of lubricant performance.

Our TLW methodology bridges the gap between laboratory data and real-world application, providing actionable recommendations that support both technical teams and business leaders.