Base Oil

Base Oil is a lubrication grade of oils produced from both refining crude oil and chemical synthesis. Base oil is typically defined as oil with a boiling point range between 550 and 1050 F, which its material consist of hydrocarbons with 18 to 40 carbon atoms. This oil can be either paraffinic or napthenic in nature depending on the chemical structure of the molecules. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has categorized base oils into five categories (API 1509, Appendix E). Base stocks are classified into various grades such as Neutral, Solvent Neutral, Bright Stocks, The most common names are for group I (SN: Solvent Neutral), group II (N: Neutrals) and group III grade names refer to the viscosity (4cst, 6cst, 8cst …).

Group I base oil is described as solvent neutral (SN) which are classified as less than 90 percent saturates, greater than 0.03 percent sulfur and with a viscosity-index range of 80 to 120. The temperature range for these oils is from 32 to 150 degrees F. Group I base oils are solvent-refined, which is a simpler refining process. This explains about its cheapest price on the market.

Group II base oils are defined as being more than 90 percent saturates, less than 0.03 percent sulfur and with a viscosity index of 80 to 120. They are often manufactured by hydrocracking, which is a more complex process than what is used for Group I base oils. Since all the hydrocarbon molecules of these oils are saturated, it has better antioxidation properties. In terms of color, they are clearer and in terms of price, Group II base oils are becoming very common on the market today and are priced relatively close to Group I oils.

Group III base oils are greater than 90 percent saturates, less than 0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index above 120. Comparing to group ll these oils are refined more and generally are severely hydrocracked (higher pressure and heat). Which longer process is due to purer base oil. sometimes Group III base oils are called synthesized hydrocarbons. these oils are also becoming more widespread.

Group IV base oils are polyalphaolefins (PAOs). These synthetic base oils are made through a process called synthesizing. They have a much broader temperature range and are great for use in extreme cold conditions and high heat applications. This group is not extracted but made from small uniform molecules. This is also the biggest advantage of PAOs because they can be completely tailored to have a structure with predictable properties. They are ideal for using in severe cold or hot conditions.

Group V oils consist of any type of base oil other than mentioned in the previously defined groups. If it is a synthetic oil and it is not PAO it is a group V base oil. They include, among others, of naphthenic oils and esters. Group V include types such as  silicone, phosphate ester, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyolester, biolubes, etc.

The main field of application for these base oils is the formulation of lubricating oils for automobiles, industry, maritime use, greases and other special applications. The wide range of viscosity levels of the SN series means it can cover all the most common lubrication needs of these applications. These base oils can also be used for the production of white oils and as a fluidifier in asphalt production. WE Company is able to supply SN 100, SN 150, SN 500, SN 600, SN 650 and SOC 4.

Base oil packing by WE Company includes Bulk, new steel drum and flexitank. However WE can meet customers’ needs for customize packaging.