Rubber Process Oil (RPO)
WHAT IS RUBBER PROCESS OIL (RPO)
Rubber process oil, whether synthetic or natural, plays a crucial commercial role in manufacturing a wide array of rubber-based products, ranging from small items like rubber bands and toys to large-scale applications such as aircraft tires. Specifically designed for use in the mixing of rubber compounds, rubber process oils exhibit a kinematic viscosity at 100 °C ranging from 25 to 50 CST, containing less than 3% of polynuclear aromatic compounds. These oils, particularly beneficial for aromatic rubbers, aid in enhancing the dispersion of fillers and improving the flow characteristics of the rubber compound during various processes.
RAHA OIL rubber process oil is a specialized formulation, carefully developed with consideration for the specific type of rubber and the intended applications of the end product. The process oil is compatible with aromatic rubbers while containing fewer toxic polynuclear aromatic compounds compared to conventional aromatic RPO. Utilizing this oil composition ensures the production of rubber products of high quality, meeting acceptable standards.
Rubber process oil is a substance made of oil or other types of fossil fuels. This oil product is broadly categorized into two main categories. First, Synthetic RPO: Synthetic RPO is manufactured in industrialized countries such as Brazil, which has the privilege in the RPO industry, among others. Second, Natural RPO: Natural RPO is predominantly obtained in Southeast Asia.
HISTORY OF INDUSTRIAL OILS
Industrial oil has a long history of use in machinery and industry. The use of oil was not always so simple that it found a place in technology and industry. In fact, high hardness is necessary for the oil to have the properties required for use in machines. In addition, it must have distinctive characteristics such as high viscosity and flash point. Any oil that lacks these characteristics is almost impossible to use in equipment and industry. Once upon a time, humans used cow and whale oil to prepare the oil they needed. Despite being natural, these oils were not particularly stable. Due to their significant friction, the possibility of ignition was also high in them. On the other hand, lubrication was done using vegetable oil. These oils, like other animal oils, had their own problems.
RUBBER PROCESS OIL HAVE TWO GENERAL GRADES: HEAVY AND LIGHT
- The RPO grading is based on its viscosity. Rubber Process Oils with the viscosity of 20 to 30 are considered as light (low viscosity) grade.
- Rubber Process Oils with a viscosity of 30 to 50 are titled as heavy (high viscosity) grade.
- Light RPO grade is suitable for cold seasons and regions. On the contrary, heavy RPO grade is appropriate for the hot season and climate.
- As a positive point of RPO, Rubber Process Oil is safe and environment-friendly.
RAHA OIL CO can provide high-quality Rubber Process Oil in any type and RAHA OIL CO can also supply Treated Distillate Extracted Solvent (TDAE) for Korea market with a proper price.
USES OF RUBBER PROCESS OIL
Rubber process oil finds versatile applications as a crucial component in the formulation and manufacturing of various rubber-based products. Its uses extend to the production of automobile tires, rubber shock absorbers, footwear, industrial hoses, wire and cable coverings, flooring materials, and acting as a carrier fluid. Furthermore, it serves as a vital solvent in the manufacture of adhesives, sealants, polishes, and is an integral component in the production of carbon black. This broad spectrum of applications underscores the significance of rubber process oil in diverse industrial processes and end products.
- Automobile Tires
- Rubber shock absorbers
- Footwear
- Industrial Hoses
- Wire and cable coverings,
- Flooring materials and carrier fluid
- The solvent in the manufacture of adhesives
- Sealants
- Polishes and carbon black
As an overall notion of the RPO application, about 2/3 of this product is applied in tire industries, and the rest is devoted to non-tire industries.
None tire industries in which RPO is used
- Hoses
- Conveyor belts
- Paints and coatings
- Sponge rubber
- Latex products
- Rubber tiles
RUBBER PROCESS OILS COME IN THREE DISTINCT TYPES
- Aromatic oils
- Paraffinic Oils
- Naphthenic Oil
AROMATIC OIL
Aromatic hydrocarbons are characterized by the presence of a double-bonded mixed-ring carbon structure. These oils, recognized for their viscosity meeting ASTM D-445 standards, exist in different grades such as high (heavy), medium, and low (light) viscosity, including TDAE, MES, and DAE. Specifically sourced aromatic furfural extract rubber process oil (RPO) from selected refineries undergoes suitable blending to meet stringent specifications. This type of RPO is instrumental in compounding batches for manufacturing various rubber products like tires, automotive components, tubes, belts, hoses, battery casings, and more. Known for its high solvency, calendared and molded sheets, as well as rubber articles with reclaim rubber, benefit from the distinctive properties of TDAE oil. The process oil (furfural extract) further exhibits characteristics such as color stability, solubility, and excellent thermal stability.
AROMATIC RPO USAGE
Tires, lactic, automotive tires and tubes, bicycle tires, tire re-treading materials, belting, hoses, battery casings and containers, extruded products, technical molded goods and rubber articles with reclaim rubber due to high solvency. Process Oil ( furfural extract ) has color stability, solubility, and thermal stability which make RPO ideal for molded articles, slippers, LPG tubes, floor tiles, etc.
PARAFFINIC OILS
Paraffinic oils, falling into the category of hydrocarbons, consist of branched chain or straight-linked hydrocarbon molecules with diverse viscosities. The viscosity of these oils increases as the chain length grows, making the rubber process oil more viscous. Paraffinic oils are extensively utilized in ethylene-propylene rubbers. Known for their stability and having the highest flashpoint for a given viscosity, these hydrocarbons play a crucial role in various applications, providing distinct characteristics to the rubber process oil.
PARAFFINIC OILS USAGE
This type of RPO, supplied by RAHA Oil Co, is well known for its viscosity. As the chain length increases, the viscosity increases. It is extensively being used in Butyl rubbers.
NAPHTHENIC OIL
Naphtha belongs to a group of hydrocarbons commonly known as ‘cycloparaffins.’ Despite sharing a structural resemblance to the aromatic ring, these hydrocarbons are uniquely single-bonded, resulting in a stable molecular structure. These hydrocarbon rings are often interconnected, providing a spectrum of available grades. Their distinctive attributes, including color stability, solubility, and excellent thermal stability, position them as well-suited for diverse applications such as molded articles, slippers, LPG tubes, floor tiles, and more. Naphthenic hydrocarbons, also identified as ‘cycloparaffins,’ stand out for their stable structure, characterized by single bonding, even as their structure bears similarity to the aromatic ring.
NAPHTHENIC RPO USAGE
Naphthenic RPO is a series of hydrocarbons which is also referred to as cycloparaffins. It has a unique color and thermal stability and solubility. These mentioned items make the RPO suitable for being used in molded articles, slippers, LPG tubes, floor tiles, etc.
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) report:
A typical passenger tire weighs about 11.5 kg which contains
- 1.5 kg of natural rubber
- 3 kg of synthetic rubber
- 3 kg black carbon
- 1.5 kg steel tire cord and bead wire
A truck tire weighs about 54.5 kg which contains
- 14.5 kg of natural rubber
- 7.5 kg of synthetic rubber
- 15 kg of black carbon
- 7.5 kg steel tire cord and bead wire
SPECIFICATIONS INTRODUCTION OF RPO
Kinematic Viscosity Test
Kinematic viscosity of RPO at 100c ranges from 10 to 70. The most preferable viscosity ranges from 30 to 60. If the viscosity is lower than 10, the ordinary properties of a vulcanized rubber decrease. Viscosity rate higher than 70, indicates that the process ability and operability in blending with rubber are poor. The kinematic viscosity is reported by ASTM D 445.
Flash Point Test
- RPO flash point ranges between 170c and 250c depending on the type.
- The desired point is 210c. Low flashpoint increases the risk of flammability.
- RPO flashpoint is indicated by ASTM D 92.
RPO Density Test
- The normal density of RPO is between 0.870- 0.970 g/cm3.
- The desired density is 0.900 to 0.960 g/cm3.
- RPO density is reported by ASTM D4052.
- Aniline Point in RPO
The lowest temperature at which oil and aniline dissolve in each other proportionately is called aniline Point of the oil. The aromatic proportion can be estimated by the aniline point. The more aromatic portion causes the less aniline point. Aniline point is measured by ASTM D611.
PACKINGING FOR RUBBER PROCESS OIL
Rubber process oil is meticulously packaged in either new or used 180 kg drums, ISO tanks, Flexi tanks, and bulk shipments, ensuring versatile options to meet diverse requirements. Notably, each 20-foot container accommodates 80 drums, streamlining the logistics and transport efficiency of this essential product.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF RPO
| No. | SPECIFICATION | UNIT | TEST METHOD | RESULT OF GRADE 22 | RESULT OF GRADE 113 | RESULT OF GRADE 125 | RESULT OF GRADE 135 | RESULT OF GRADE 145 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kinematic viscosity @ 40 °C | mm²/s (cSt) | ASTM D7042 | 22-26 | 125-145 | - | - | - |
| 2 | Kinematic viscosity @ 100 °C | mm²/s (cSt) | ASTM D7042 | - | 12-14 | 20-30 | 30-40 | 40-50 |
| 3 | Density in 15.6 °C | Kg/m³ | ASTM D4052 | 890 | 900 | 990 | 1010 | 1020 |
| 4 | Flash Point | °C | ASTM D92 | 180 | 220 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 5 | Drop Point | °C | ASTM D5950 | -3 | -3 | +36 | +33 | +27 |
| Aniline Point | °C | ASTM D611 | 70-90 | 140-120 | 40-55 | Max45 | Max40 | |
| 6 | VGC | °C | ASTM D2501 | 0.84 | 0.83 | 0.95 | 0.96 | 0.97 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF LIGHT RPO
| No. | Characteristic | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flash point | 200-230 | ASTM D-93 |
| 2 | Kinematic viscosity @ 100 °C | 20-35 | ASTM D-445 |
| 3 | Aniline point, ˚C | — | ASTM D-611 |
| 4 | Density@15°C | 1.01 | ASTM D-1298 |
| 5 | Refractive Index | 1.55 | ASTM D-1218 |
| 6 | Oil Type | Aromatic | Aromatic |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF HEAVY RPO
| NO | Characteristic | Value | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flash point | 230 | ASTM D-92 |
| 2 | Kinematic viscosity @ 100 °C | 30-40 | ASTM D-7042 |
| 3 | Aniline point, ˚C | Max 45 | ASTM D-611 |
| 4 | Pour point, ˚C | Max +36 | ASTM D-97 |
| 5 | VGC (typical) | 0.96 | ASTM D-2501 |
| 6 | Density at 15.6 °C Kg/m3 | 1010 | ASTM D-4052 |
