Viscosity is one of the most critical properties of base oil used in lubricant production, directly impacting performance, flow characteristics, and operational temperature range. As a logistics manager or a chemical lab supervisor in a motor oil factory, understanding base oil viscosity grades, standards, and specifications is essential for choosing the right feedstock for blending and production.
Whether you’re dealing with Group I base oils like SN 150 and SN 500, or Group II and Group III base stocks, this article will help you compare viscosities and select the right product for your formulations.
π For details on available viscosity grades and pricing, visit our Base Oil Product Page
What is Base Oil Viscosity?
Base oil viscosity refers to the oil’s resistance to flow at specific temperatures, commonly measured at 40Β°C and 100Β°C, following the ASTM D445 kinematic viscosity test method.
- Low viscosity base oils (e.g., SN 150) flow easily at low temperatures, suitable for light-duty lubricants.
- High viscosity base oils (e.g., SN 500, SN 600) offer better film strength, ideal for heavy-duty and high-temperature applications.
Viscosity also plays a key role in lubricant formulation, affecting:
- Cold start performance
- Oxidation stability
- Volatility
- Shear stability
- Oil consumption rates
Viscosity Comparison of Common Base Oils
Hereβs a detailed comparison table of viscosity ranges for major Group I base oils:
| Base Oil Grade | Viscosity @ 40Β°C (cSt) | Viscosity @ 100Β°C (cSt) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SN 150 | 28 β 32 | 4.5 β 5.5 | Light motor oils, hydraulic fluids |
| SN 500 | 90 β 110 | 10.5 β 12.5 | Engine oils, gear oils, industrial lubes |
| SN 600 | 110 β 130 | 12.0 β 14.5 | Heavy-duty engine oils, marine oils |
| Group II 150N | 28 β 32 | 4.7 β 5.6 | Low sulfur automotive lubricants |
| Group III 4cSt | ~35 | ~6.0 | High performance synthetic blends |
π Need detailed technical data? Download the SN 500 Base Oil Specification PDF
Importance of Selecting the Right Base Oil Viscosity
Choosing the correct base oil viscosity affects:
- Fuel efficiency
- Engine protection under load
- Thermal stability under high temperatures
- Low-temperature flowability
For example, SN 150 base oil is preferred for multi-grade motor oil blending requiring lower viscosity, while SN 500 is better suited for mono-grade oils with higher viscosity requirements.
Factors Affecting Base Oil Viscosity
Several factors influence the viscosity behavior of base oils:
- Temperature: Viscosity decreases with temperature increase.
- Base oil refining process: Group II and III base oils have better viscosity index (VI) than Group I.
- Additive compatibility: Viscosity modifiers in the final lubricant formulation.
Call to Action: Order Base Oils with Target Viscosity Today
At Work and Energy Company (WE Co.), we supply virgin base oils in a wide range of viscosities, tailored for automotive and industrial lubricant manufacturers.
π Contact us now for latest virgin base oil SN 500 price, technical data, and bulk order inquiries.
π² WhatsApp: (+971) 158 599 20 28
π Phone: (+971) 158 599 20 28
π§ Email: info@workandenergy.com
π Visit: https://workandenergy.com/base-oil/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Base Oil Viscosity
1. What is the standard method for measuring base oil viscosity?
The most widely accepted method is ASTM D445, which determines kinematic viscosity at 40Β°C and 100Β°C.
2. How does viscosity affect engine oil performance?
Higher viscosity base oils provide better film strength and load-carrying capacity, while lower viscosity oils offer improved fuel economy and cold start performance.
3. What is the viscosity index (VI) of base oils?
Viscosity Index (VI) indicates how viscosity changes with temperature. Group II and III base oils typically have higher VI, making them more stable across temperature ranges.
4. Which base oil is better for high-temperature lubricants?
SN 500 and SN 600, or Group II 500N/600N, due to their higher viscosity at elevated temperatures.
5. Can I mix different viscosity base oils?
While technically possible, blending base oils with different viscosities requires careful formulation and lab testing to meet OEM specifications.
6. Where can I download viscosity specifications for SN 500?
You can download the SN 500 Base Oil Specification PDF from our website.
7. How does temperature affect base oil viscosity?
Viscosity decreases as temperature rises. This behavior is critical for formulating multi-grade motor oils.
8. Is there a price difference between low and high viscosity base oils?
Yes. Virgin base oil SN 500 price is typically higher than SN 150 due to higher yield loss during refining and greater demand for heavy-duty applications.
π Check todayβs price: https://workandenergy.com/base-oil/
9. Can Work and Energy Company export base oils globally?
Yes, we supply bulk shipments and drum packaging, exporting from Dubai to Asia, Africa, and Europe.
π² Contact our sales team on WhatsApp: (+971) 158 599 20 28
10. What packaging options are available?
We offer bulk deliveries, IBC totes, and 208-liter drums, depending on the destination and customer requirements.
Final Word
Understanding base oil viscosity is essential for lubricant manufacturers looking to optimize performance, reduce costs, and meet end-user demands. At Work and Energy Company, we provide high-quality Group I and Group II base oils with viscosity grades suitable for all your blending and formulation needs.
π Visit our Base Oil Product Page for more information and online inquiries:
https://workandenergy.com/base-oil/
Contact Work and Energy Company:
π Phone: (+971) 158 599 20 28
π² WhatsApp: (+971) 158 599 20 28
π§ Email: info@workandenergy.com
π’ Office: No. 106, Sabkha Tower, Deira, Dubai, UAE
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