A detailed technical comparison of Infineum D1212 and Afton HiTEC 9348P HDDO additive systems—covering treat rates, TBN delivery, viscosity, density, approvals, and performance—to guide formulators in selecting the optimal engine-oil package.
Infineum D1212 vs. Afton HiTEC 9348P
Technical Comparison of High-TBN HDDO Additive Packages
Heavy-duty diesel engine oils rely on robust additive systems to meet stringent API, ACEA, and OEM requirements. Two popular high-Total Base Number (TBN) packages—Infineum D1212 and Afton HiTEC 9348P—address core HDDO demands. This article provides a side-by-side technical comparison, helping formulators choose the best package for their applications.
1. Package Overviews
| Feature | Infineum D1212 | Afton HiTEC 9348P |
|---|---|---|
| Type | DI package for API CF–CA cascade | Stand-alone HDDO package for API CD/CF/SF |
| Primary Focus | High TBN in mono- & multi-grade oils | High TBN cost-effective solution for older diesel engines |
| Cascade Capability | With D1222 for mixed gasoline/diesel | Cascade options to meet MB 227/0 & military specs |
| Key Applications | Mixed-fleet engine oils, API CF1–CA | API CD/CF/SF, MIL-L-2104B, MB 227.0/227.1 |
2. Treat Rate & TBN Delivery
| Performance Level | Viscosity Grade | D1212 Treat Rate (%) / TBN (mg KOH/g) | 9348P Treat Rate (%) / TBN (mg KOH/g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| API CF | 15W-40 / 20W-40 | 5.0 % / 11.0 | 5.75 % / 12.7 (multigrade) 5.00 % / 11.0 (multigrade) 4.55 % / 10.0 (monograde) |
| API CD | 15W-40, 20W-40 | 4.0 % / 8.8 | 5.75 % / 12.7 (cascade) |
| API CC/SC | 10W-30, multigrade | 2.8 % / 6.0 | 2.50 % / 5.5 (multigrade) 2.24 % / 4.9 (monograde) |
| API CB/SB | Monograde | 2.3 % / 5.0 | 2.00 % / 4.4 |
| API CA | Monograde | 2.1 % / 5.0 | — |
| API SF/CF (mix) | 15W-40 | 2.5 % + D1222 / TBN boost via C9340 | 5.75 % / 12.7 (cascade) |
3. Typical Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | D1212 | 9348P |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown viscous liquid | Brown oily liquid |
| Density @ 15 °C | 1.030 kg/L | 1.048 g/mL |
| Flash Point | ≥ 110 °C | ≥ 130 °C |
| Viscosity @ 100 °C | 73 mm²/s | 90 mm²/s |
| Viscosity @ 40 °C | 1 122 mm²/s | (not specified) |
| Total Base Number | 221 mg KOH/g | 220 mg KOH/g |
| Key Elements | Boron 0.05 %; Mg 4.83 %; P 1.15 %; Zn 1.26 % | (not specified) |
| Mineral Oil Content | 47 % (m) | (not specified) |
| Storage & Handling | Load/Unload 40–50 °C; max 50 °C | Max handling 70 °C; shelf life 24 mo. |
4. Approvals & Specifications
| Package | API Specs | ACEA / OEM / Military Approvals |
|---|---|---|
| Infineum D1212 | CF1–CD, CC, CB, CA, SF/CF (cascade) | MB-Approval 227.1; ACEA E1-96; Allison C4 |
| Afton 9348P | CD/CF/SF | API CD/CF/SF; MB 227.0/227.1; MIL-L-2104B; Mixed-fleet API SF |
5. Technical Analysis & Selection Criteria
TBN Efficiency
Both packages deliver ~220 mg KOH/g, but 9348P can achieve higher TBN (12.7) at modest treat rates via cascade, making it slightly more efficient for very high TBN targets.
Treat-Rate Flexibility
D1212 offers finer treat-rate control across five API levels, ideal for multi-spec blending.
9348P simplifies logistics with dual-spec cascade for core HDDO plus SF gasoline performance.
Viscosity Profile
9348P’s higher viscosity at 100 °C (90 mm²/s) suits thicker finished oils.
D1212 (73 mm²/s) is optimized for lower-viscosity formulations.
Approved Applications
D1212’s MB 227.1 and ACEA E1 approvals make it a top choice for Mercedes-Benz compatibility.
9348P excels in mixed fleets requiring MIL-L-2104B and broad API CD/CF/SF coverage.
Performance Trade-Offs
D1212 has higher boron and magnesium levels for enhanced dispersancy and wear protection.
9348P emphasizes cost-effectiveness and deposit control in older engine designs.
6. Pros & Cons
| Infineum D1212 | Afton HiTEC 9348P | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Fine treat-rate granularity; MB and ACEA approvals; strong dispersancy | Higher TBN at low treat; simpler logistics; mixed-fleet flexibility |
| Cons | Requires cascade for gasoline specs; slightly lower TBN per % | Fewer intermediate API levels; higher base-oil viscosity |
Conclusion
Choose Infineum D1212 when you need precise treat-rate control, MB 227.1 and ACEA E1 compliance, and exceptional dispersant reserve for modern HDDOs.
Choose Afton HiTEC 9348P for cost-effective, high-TBN formulations in mixed fleets, especially older engines, with simplified cascade for gasoline/diesel performance.