Base Oil
Base oil as the base of all industrial lubricants, is classified under two major groups; mineral and synthetic. Industrial lubricants might include mineral, synthetic, or a combination of both, plus additives (1%-20%) considering the properties and functions looking for.
Viscosity, thermal stability, hydraulic stability, aniline point, volatility, oxidation, and pour point, are some of the important indexes in base oil composition.
According to API (American Petroleum Institute), base oil is divided into five classes as follows:
Group 1: Solvent-refining base, produced via solvent extraction technology, contains >.03% sulfur and a viscosity index of 80-120.
Group 2: this kind is made through hydrotreating, hydrocracking, or hydrogenation which is a process that uses hydrogen gas to refine oils.
Group3: This kind of base oil, also called synthetic technology oils or hydrocracked synthetic oils, is very similar to Group 2, but the process of hydrogenation or hydrotreating includes high pressures and temperatures that result in turning all improper materials to desired ones in hydrocarbon structures. the product contains ≤.03% sulfur with ≥ 120 visco. index
Group4: Groups4 base oil, contains just one type of synthetic oil called poly alpha olefin (PAO). PAO oils show better function in various and extreme temperatures while they enjoy a high viscosity index of 120-200, high oxidation stability, less volatility and great performance in high and low temperatures.
Group 5: All other base oils not included in the mentioned groups, which are synthetic but not PAO, fall into this class. Phosphate esters, polyesters, silicones, diesters, and poly-ethylene glycols are some of these kinds. Group5 base oils generally are used as an additive and are ester or naphtha-derived.
The first 3 groups are considered mineral oils since 2 others are in synthetic classification.
The most popular products in the market, are SN150, SN300, SN500, and SN600; in which SN comes for Solvent Neutral base oil, offered in bulk or drum. If you are interested in base oil, do not hesitate to contact us.
