Historically, base oil was made from animal fats and vegetable oils, but as demand for more efficient lubricants grew, petroleum-based oils became the norm. In the 1930s and 1940s, synthetic oils emerged, offering superior performance. Advancements in refining technologies have since allowed the production of high-performance base-oil for various applications.

Definition of base oil and its production

Base oil is the primary ingredient in lubricants such as engine oils, transmission oils, and greases, accounting for 80–95% of their weight. It directly influences key properties like viscosity, oxidation resistance, and friction behavior.

Additives are introduced to enhance or modify specific performance characteristics. Modern lubricants combine base-oils with advanced additives to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and protect moving parts. These lubricants are crucial for a variety of industries.

Base oil can be derived from both crude oil refining and non-petroleum sources. They are categorized into several groups and types.

Base oil production

Its production involves refining crude oil or chemical synthesis. Crude oil is heated to separate light hydrocarbons, used for fuels like gasoline, and heavy hydrocarbons, refined into bitumen and base oils.

To ensure quality, base-oil undergoes hydrogenation, where sulfur and aromatic substances are removed under high pressure, enhancing properties like oxidation resistance and stability.

Additives, comprising 1-20% of the formulation, are blended with base-oils to improve performance characteristics, such as friction reduction, oxidation resistance, and corrosion inhibition. Motor oils, for instance, often include over 20 additives for optimal functionality.

Base oil general types

Lubricants are categorized into mineral, synthetic, and vegetable oils based on their base-oil composition. So base oil for lubricants based on their oils are:

Mineral Oils

Derived from refining crude oil, with 1-2% of a crude oil barrel refined into base-oil, while the remainder is used for gasoline, diesel, kerosene, bitumen, and other hydrocarbons. Mineral base oil is further divided into:

• Paraffinic Oils: Composed of straight-chain and branched-chain hydrocarbons, offering high oxidation resistance, good thermal stability, and a high viscosity index.
• Naphthenic Oils: Composed of saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, known for excellent solubility and low-temperature performance.

Synthetic Oils

Man-made through chemical synthesis, these oils are designed for specific applications. They resist oxidation, maintain viscosity at extreme temperatures, and reduce fire risks. Synthetic oils are ideal for high- or low-temperature operations and applications requiring performance beyond the limitations of mineral oils.

• Paraffinic Synthetic Oils: Engineered to perform well under extreme temperatures and pressures.
• Naphthenic Synthetic Oils: Known for superior low-temperature properties and solubility.

Vegetable Oils

Derived from plants, these oils are eco-friendly and renewable but less common. They feature high combustion points (~326°C) but limited oxidation stability and high pour points, which require additives to enhance their performance.

Base oil specifications

Base oil forms the foundation of lubricants and is categorized into some groups based on refining processes and performance characteristics. Base oil formula varies based on its properties and specifications:

Base-Oil Specifications and Properties

Category	Specification/Property	Details
Base-Oil Specifications	Escaping	Reduces oil evaporation, thickening, and sedimentation, ensuring better performance.
	Surface Behavior	Prevents foaming, gas release, and emulsion formation; enhances compressibility.
	Oxidation	Mitigates sediment, sludge, oil thickening, and metal corrosion, enhancing longevity.
	Viscosity	Ensures optimal low-temperature fluidity, energy efficiency, abrasion resistance, and cooling capacity.
	Solvability	Promotes engine cleanliness, sealant compatibility, and stable formulations, and supports diverse processes.
Base-Oil Properties	Mineral Oils	Refined to enhance properties, providing effective lubrication and cost-effective performance.
	Synthetic Oils	Engineered for specialized qualities, offering higher performance and tailored for specific applications.
	Viscosity & Viscosity Index	Reflects temperature stability and the ability to maintain flow at various temperatures.
	Pour Point	Indicates the lowest temperature at which the oil remains flowable, ensuring operability in cold conditions.
	Oxidation & Thermal Stability	Resistance to degradation under high heat and stress, preserving the oil’s integrity and performance.
	Aniline Point	Measures the solubility compatibility of the oil with additives, ensuring proper formulation.
	Hydrolytic Stability	Resists breakdown in the presence of water, maintaining oil performance in wet conditions.

Base oil groups

Base-oils are categorized into five groups based on viscosity, saturate levels, sulfur content, and other characteristics. This classification ensures suitability for diverse applications, from automotive lubricants to industrial machinery and eco-friendly solutions.

Based on API (American Petroleum Institute) Categories of base-oil are:

Group I

Group I oils have <90% saturates, >0.03% sulfur, and a viscosity index of 80-120. Produced via solvent refining, they are cost-effective and used in basic lubrication for temperatures between 32°F and 150°F.

Group II

Group II oils have >90% saturates, <0.03% sulfur, and a viscosity index of 80-120. Produced via hydrocracking, they offer better antioxidation and clearer color than Group I. While more expensive, they are increasingly used for various applications.

Group III

Group III oils have >90% saturates, <0.03% sulfur, and a viscosity index of>120. Produced through severe hydrocracking, they are highly purified and offer superior performance compared to Group II oils. Commonly used in demanding applications, they are sometimes called synthesized hydrocarbons.

Group IV (Synthetic)

Group IV oils, made from polyalphaolefins (PAOs), are synthesized through a specialized process. They perform well in extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, making them ideal for high-performance applications in harsh environments.

Group V (Other)

Group V base-oil, including silicone, esters, and PAG, is used in specialty lubricants to improve properties like high-temperature tolerance and detergency, often blended with other oils for specific applications.

API (American Petroleum Institute) base oil classification:

Group	Viscosity Index (VI)	Saturated Hydrocarbons	Sulphur Content	Description
I	80-120	< 90%	> 0.03%	Low-treated mineral oils. Suitable for less demanding applications.
II	80-120	≥ 90%	≤ 0.03%	More powerful oils through hydrocracking. Better oxidation resistance.
III	> 120	≥ 90%	≤ 0.03%	Highly refined oils with strong hydrocracking. Almost synthetic purity.
IV	–	–	–	Polyalphaolefins (PAO). High-performance synthetic oils.
V	–	–	–	Includes all other oils not in groups I-IV, e.g., esters and polyesters.

Base-oil grades

Base oil grades are available based on the types and groups of this product. Base oil price can be different based on their grades and formula. However different grades are available in the market, including SN grades (which refer to solvent-neutral oils):

Grade	Viscosity (cSt at 100°C)	Applications
SN 150	15-18	Used for low- and medium-quality lubricants, such as automotive oils and industrial oils with moderate performance requirements.
SN 300	28-34	Ideal for medium-quality lubricants, including engine oils, industrial oils, and greases.
SN 500	50-55	Suitable for high-performance lubricants, including high-quality engine oils and industrial oils.
SN 650	65-75	Best for high-performance applications requiring superior stability and performance under extreme conditions.

Base oil uses

Base-oil makes up 70-95% of the final product and is essential in various applications, including lubricants and industrial fluids. They are often combined with additives to enhance properties like friction reduction, oxidation resistance, and cleaning action. In the chart below there are base oil examples of application.

Base Oil Uses and Applications

Category	Application	Purpose
Automotive	Engine Oils	Minimize friction and clean combustion residues.
	Hydraulic Oils	Lubricate and transfer power in systems like brakes and steering.
	Greases	Semi-solid lubricants for lubrication and sealing; viscosity depends on base-oil type.
Industrial Equipment	Metalworking Oils	Lubricate metal during machining processes.
	Heat Transfer Oils	Used in heat exchange systems for stability and low viscosity.
	Turbine & Compressor Oils	Lubricate, cool, and protect machinery.
Aviation & Marine	Aircraft Engine Oils	Designed for high-altitude and high-pressure conditions.
	Marine Engine Oils	Resistant to corrosion and moisture, protecting marine environments.
Other Industries	Process Oils	Used in industries like cosmetics and rubber to soften polymers and aid processing.

Kiapetro for purchasing

Kiapetro is a versatile company that specializes in the manufacturing, procurement, distribution, and export of various grades of base oil. With a focus on high-quality products, Kiapetro meets the diverse needs of clients globally.

Our products are competitively priced, providing cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality. We ensure reliable and efficient delivery, so your orders are always on time.

To cater to our clients’ needs, we offer flexible payment options with multiple stages. All our base-oils meet international standards, guaranteeing consistent performance and reliability across various applications.

FAQ

1. How is base-oil used in construction?

It enhances the performance of emulsions and bitumen in construction.

2. Is base-oil safe to handle?

Handle base oil with care. Avoid skin contact and inhalation. Follow MSDS.

3. Can base-oil be blended with other oils?

Base oils are mixed with additives for specialized formulations.