Base oils can be segmented into 2 main groups, according to the used treatments
- Mineral Base Oils:
group I and II, are base oils refined from crude oil. Actually cracking heavy, high-sulfur molecules of the oils into better quality, low-sulfur molecules under high temperature and pressure.
- Synthetic Base Oils:
group III, which are mineral base oils refined through hydrocracking, and group IV and V, which are oils purely generated by synthetic or chemical processes. Produce by certain chemical processes that make them perform better performance to their consistent molecular structure and purity. Because of the consistent size and shape of the molecules and the adherence between them, there will be less friction between the metal surfaces and a significant overall better performance.
The American Petroleum Institute (or API) has categorized the different types of base oils into five distinctive groups:
Group | Manufacturing Process | Saturate Level | Sulfur Level | Viscosity Index |
Group I | Solvent Refining | < 90% | > 0.03% | 80 – 120 |
Group II | Hydro – Processing | ≥ 90% | ≤ 0.03% | 80 – 120 |
Group III | Severe Hydrocracking (Catalytic De-Waxing) | ≥ 90% | ≤ 0.03% | ≥ 120 |
Group IV | Chemical Reactions (Synthesizing) | 100%poly-Alpha-Olefins | ||
Group V | As Indicated | All others not included | ||
- Group I
The least refined type produced by Solvent Refining. Oils are solvent-refined (which is a simpler refining process) making them the least refined and therefore also the cheapest base oils available.
- Group II
Similar to Group I base oils, Group II base oils are considered to be mineral oils. The better grade of petroleum base oil, which may be partially produced by Hydrocracking. All impurities will be removed from the oil leading to a clearer color.
- Group III
High quality grade of mineral base oil is Group III because they are fully produced by Hydrocracking, which makes the base oils purer.
- Group IV
Not similar to the first three base oil categories (which are all mineral oils). Include of synthetic oils made of Poly-alpha-olefins PAO. Poly-alpha-olefins PAO oils are much more stable in extreme temperatures (Very cold and very hot temperatures).
- Group V
Another type of Base Oils which are not in other groups.
The wide range of viscosity levels of the SN series means it can cover all the most common lubrication needs of these applications. Our Company is able to supply virgin base oil in following grades:
| Unit | Method | SN 80 | SN 90 | SN 100 | SN 150 | SN 220 | SN 300 | SN 500 |
Density@15°C | g/ml | ASTM D128 | 0.865 | 0.865 | 0.87 | 0.875 | 0.875 | 0.89 | 0.885 |
Viscosity@ 100°C | cSt | ASTM D445 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.4 | 8.2 | 11.0 |
Viscosity at 40°C | cSt | ASTM D445 | — | 11.5 | >20.5 | 32 | 43 | 62 | 98 |
Viscosity Index | — | ASTM D2007 | >95 | >90 | >95 | >98 | >95 | >95 | >95 |
Flashpoint | °C | ASTM D92 | > 180 | > 160 | > 185 | > 200 | > 210 | > 225 | > 230 |
Color | — | ASTM D1500 | < 1 | < 0.5 | < 1.5 | < 1.5 | < 1.5 | < 2.5 | < 3.0 |
Aniline point | °C | ASTM D611 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 94 | 96 | 96 | 103 |
Sulphur | %w | ASTM D4294 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 |
Freezing point | °C | ASTM D97 | -9 | -26 | -9 | -9 | -14 | -9 | -9 |
SN stands for Solvent Neutral base oil and the following numbers are based on the SUS Viscosity at 40 c. As a general notion, the more viscosity index is, the darker the color will be.
In terms of revenue, the global base oil market was valued at $29.66 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach $39.08 billion by 2030, progressing with a CAGR of 3.12% during the forecast period. Also, in terms of volume, the global base oil market is estimated to increase from 32563.42 kilotons in 2021 to 44923.94 kilotons by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.65% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2030. The market study has also analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on the base oil market qualitatively as well as quantitatively.
Base oils find most of their use in automotive products, including engine oils, transmission and gear lubricants, and greases. So, the major use is in process oils and general industrial lubricants such as:
- Engine oils
- Industrial oil
- Transmission lubricants
- Gear lubricants
- Greases
- Metal processing fluids
- Bulk
- Steel drum
- Flexi tank
- IBC tank
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