Comprehensive Guide to Group I Base Oils: Grades, Applications & Advantages
When it comes to industrial and automotive lubrication, Group I base oils have long been trusted for their reliability, affordability, and versatility. Whether you’re formulating motor oils, industrial lubricants, greases, or rubber process oils, selecting the right base oil is a critical decision.
At Work and Energy Company (WE), we specialize in supplying high-quality Group I base oils, including SN-150, SN-500, SN-600, and SOC-4. Below, we’ll break down the differences between these grades, their typical applications, and also explore why recycled Group I base oils are gaining popularity as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative.
Understanding Group I Base Oils
Group I base oils are produced through solvent refining processes and typically have:
- Saturates: <90%
- Sulfur: >0.03%
- Viscosity Index (VI): 80–120
These oils are ideal for general-purpose lubricants where extremely high oxidation stability isn’t necessary, making them the foundation for a wide range of industrial and automotive applications.
Comparing Group I Base Oils — Grades & Specifications
The table below summarizes the properties and applications of WE’s featured Group I base oils:
| Product | Kinematic Viscosity @100°C (cSt) | Viscosity Index | Flash Point (°C) | Pour Point (°C) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN-150 | 4.7 – 5.7 | Min 90 | Min 200 | Max -6 | Automotive lubes, industrial oils, white oils, greases, asphalt fluidifier |
| SN-500 | Min 10.8 | Min 87 | Min 235 | Max -3 | Engine oils, industrial lubricants, process oils, marine lubes |
| SN-600 | Min 12 | ~90 | Min 246 | Max -6 | Heavy-duty lubes, greases, industrial applications, process oils |
| SOC-4 | Min 12 | Min 120 | Min 120 | -9 | High-performance lubricants, hydraulic fluids, greases |
Applications of Group I Base Oils
Each base oil grade serves a unique purpose:
- SN-150 offers excellent fluidity for light lubricants in cold and moderate climates.
- SN-500 is a thicker option used in gear oils, industrial lubricants, and engine oil formulations.
- SN-600 provides maximum film strength, making it perfect for applications requiring robust load-bearing capacity.
- SOC-4 stands out for its high Viscosity Index, delivering superior performance in extreme conditions, such as high-temperature industrial settings or specialized synthetic formulations.
Why Recycled Group I Base Oils Make Sense
In addition to conventional Group I oils, recycled base oils are becoming an industry favorite due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
Recycled oils are re-refined from used lubricants using advanced distillation and hydro-treatment methods. The final products often match or even exceed the original specifications of virgin base oils, especially in key properties like:
- Viscosity Stability
- Flash Point
- Sulfur Content
By choosing recycled Group I base oil, businesses not only lower operational costs but also reduce waste and carbon emissions, supporting a more sustainable supply chain. Work and Energy Company partners with advanced refineries to ensure our recycled oils meet international quality standards.
Why Choose Work and Energy Company for Group I Base Oils?
Work and Energy Company (WE) is a trusted global supplier of petroleum raw materials, offering:
✅ High-quality base oils with reliable and consistent properties
✅ Multiple packaging options (bulk, steel drums, flexitanks)
✅ Fast and secure worldwide shipping
✅ Technical consultation to assist with product selection
Our products are used in a wide variety of industries, including lubricants manufacturing, automotive, marine, industrial maintenance, and rubber processing.
Explore Our Group I Base Oil Product Archive
Looking for specific technical sheets or availability updates? Visit our Group I Base Oil Archive for more information on SN-150, SN-500, SN-600, and SOC-4. You’ll find everything from specs and MSDS to packaging formats.
For orders and inquiries, contact us directly via:
📧 Email: sales@workandenergy.com
📞 WhatsApp: (+971) 585992028
🌐 Website: www.workandenergy.com
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Group I base oils used for?
Group I base oils are commonly used in the production of automotive lubricants, industrial oils, marine lubricants, greases, rubber process oils, and as blending components.
2. What is the difference between SN-150 and SN-500?
The main difference lies in viscosity. SN-150 has lower viscosity and is ideal for lighter lubricants, while SN-500 is thicker and better suited for heavy-duty applications like gear oils and engine oils.
3. Are recycled base oils as good as virgin base oils?
Yes, modern re-refining processes ensure recycled base oils can match or exceed the performance of virgin oils while reducing environmental impact and offering cost savings.
4. What is the viscosity index, and why does it matter?
The viscosity index (VI) measures an oil’s ability to resist viscosity change with temperature. A higher VI ensures stable performance across a wider temperature range.
5. Does WE offer custom packaging for base oil orders?
Absolutely. We offer bulk shipments, new steel drums, flexitanks, and custom solutions to suit your specific logistics and storage requirements.
6. What makes SOC-4 different from SN-600?
SOC-4 offers a significantly higher viscosity index (Min 120) compared to SN-600 (~90), providing better thermal stability and performance under variable conditions.
7. How do I select the right base oil grade?
Selection depends on your application’s temperature range, load conditions, and desired lubricant performance. Our technical team can assist you in making the right choice.
8. Can WE ship globally?
Yes, Work and Energy Company supplies base oils to clients worldwide, including the UAE, India, Africa, and Europe.
9. What quality standards do WE base oils meet?
Our base oils are refined or re-refined to meet ASTM and API specifications, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
10. Where can I find more information or get a quote?
Simply visit our website www.workandenergy.com or reach out to us via WhatsApp at (+971) 585992028 for a fast response.
WhatsApp: (+971) 585992028
Phone: (+971) 58 599 20 28
Email: info@workandenergy.com
Office Address: No. 106, Sabkha Tower, Deira, Dubai, UAE
💡 Whether you’re looking to reduce costs with recycled oils or require premium virgin base oils for your blends, WE (Work and Energy Company) is your reliable partner for Group I base oil solutions.
The key difference between SN-150 and SN-500 virgin base oils lies in their viscosity and applications:
In short:
Both are Group I virgin base oils supplied by Work and Energy Co., available in bulk, drums, and flexitank packaging.
Let us know if you’d like a sample or technical datasheet for either grade. We’re here to help! 💼🛢️
What is the difference between virgin base oil SN-150 and SN-500?