Virgin Base Oil
WHAT IS BASE OIL
We have heard the name base oil many times, but do you know what base oil is and how many categories it is divided into? Base oil is a type of oil that is used as a base to produce different oils. The base material is, in most cases, a crude base oil that has been used and then mixed with other materials to produce oils with specific characteristics, depending on the type of oil being considered. All lubricants are composed of a base oil. Typically, lubricants consist of 90% base oil and 10% additives.
We all know that different oils, including motor oil, hydraulic oil, etc., are all used to lubricate car parts and industrial machines. Base oil as a raw material is present in all these lubricants. All lubricants follow a simple formula (base oil + additives). The only difference between oil and grease is that grease has an additional thickener. Up to 30% of grease is made up of a thickener (a simple or complex soap).
Base Oil is the name given to lubricating grade oils that are originally produced from refining crude oil (mineral base oil) or through chemical synthesis (synthetic base oil). The American Petroleum Institute (API) has classified base oils into five groups. Group I, II and III are from crude oil (mineral oil), Group IV is a fully synthetic oil and Group V is for all base oils. They are characterized by saturation level, sulfur level and viscosity index.
Level of Saturation: Saturates are a type of molecule commonly found in base oil. They are naturally present in the base oil, but higher levels of saturation are achieved during the refining process. If the level of saturation is higher, the molecular bond of the oil is stronger. This increases resistance to breakage and oxidation or loss of viscosity.
Sulfur level: Sulfur is a naturally occurring mineral found in crude oil. It reacts with oxygen and can be harmful to the performance of the oil. Also, due to being an effective antioxidant, sulfur improves oxidative stability. When the amount of sulfur is less, its purity is better. It means that it reduces the possibility of corrosion and oxidation.
Viscosity index: Viscosity index refers to changes in viscosity compared to oil temperature. Viscosity is measured at 40°C and 100°C. When the viscosity index is high, the changes with the temperature difference are less. All oils increase in viscosity with decreasing temperature and decrease in viscosity with increasing temperature.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BASE OIL
All base oils have characteristics that determine how well they withstand lubrication challenges. Industrial oil, whether mineral-based or synthetic-based, is designed in such a way that it has a specific application. Some of the features that should be present in a base oil are:
- Thermal and chemical stability: The base oil must have good thermal and chemical stability so that it can be used in heat and high pressure conditions.
- Neutralizing properties: The base oil must have good neutralizing properties to be able to use it in the production of chemicals and automotive accessories.
- The ability to absorb and disperse additives: the base oil must have the ability to absorb and disperse additives so that it can be used in the production of different oils.
- Insolubility with water: The base oil must be insoluble in water in order to be used in humid conditions.
- Ability to resist oxidation: The base oil must have good resistance to oxidation and polymerization so that it can be used in long-term conditions.
- Chemical and physical stability: The base oil must have good chemical and physical stability to be used in long-term conditions.
- Preservation of properties at low temperatures: The base oil must maintain its properties at low temperatures in order to be usable in cold conditions.
HOW MANY CATEGORIES ARE BASE OILS CLASSIFED INTO?
Base oils are actually classified as one or more of these five API groups before any additives are added to the mix:
Group I: As saturated oils less than 90%, sulfur more than 0.03% and with a viscosity index range of 80 to 120 are classified. This oil is made from crude oil. As a result, they make the cheapest base oils available. Group I base oils are obtained by solvent extraction. This results in an oil with irregular molecules, which increases friction within the oil.
Group II: They are defined as more than 90% saturation, less than 0.03% sulfur and with a viscosity index of 80 to 120. They are often made by hydrocracking, which is a more complex process than the Group I base. Hydrocracking is a process that breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller molecules. As a result, it gives them better antioxidant properties. The price of group II oils is close to that of group I oils.
Group III: They are more than 90% saturated, less than 0.03% sulfur and have a viscosity index above 120. This longer process is designed to achieve a purer base oil. More pressure and heat are applied during the refinery process. That is, they are more resistant to oxidation than Group I oils. Also, like the base oils of the second group, these oils are also increasing.
Group IV: Group IV base oils are polyalphaolefins (PAOs). That is, the main synthetic base industrial oils used in industrial and automotive oils. These synthetic base oils are made by humans through a process called synthesis. They have a much wider temperature range. They are perfect for use in cold and hot conditions. They are also significantly more expensive than Group III base oils.
Group V: Group V base oils are classified as all other base oils. including silicone, phosphate ester, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyester, biolobes, etc. Oils of this group can be more useful at higher temperatures. Even compared to PAO (synthetic) base oil, they provide excellent detergency which in turn increases the hours of use. It should be noted that group V oils are usually not used as base oils, but as an additive to other base oils.
VIRGIN BASE OIL
Explore the epitome of refinement with Virgin Base Oil—an exceptionally purified derivative of crude oil, widely employed in the production of various industrial goods. This prized oil is renowned for its distinctive attributes, boasting an unparalleled level of purity and minimal impurities. The production process involves meticulous distillation and refining, eliminating unwanted elements from crude oil to yield a highly pure and refined oil. With its unique properties, Virgin Oil finds versatile applications across a spectrum of industrial uses.
Virgin base oil, a paramount member of the lubricating oil family and among the most widely utilized oil products, holds immense value in diverse industrial applications. Renowned for its exceptional properties, including elevated purity, minimal impurities, and outstanding lubricating capabilities, this oil plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of automotive essentials. From engine oils to hydraulic and transmission fluids, it leaves an indelible mark. Moreover, its versatility extends to the production of industrial lubricants, such as metalworking fluids, gear oils, and compressor oils, solidifying its standing as a cornerstone in various industrial processes.
EVOLUTION OF VIRGIN OIL
The roots of virgin base oil delve into the nascent stages of the oil industry. Initially, crude oil was rudimentarily refined and primarily utilized as fuel. However, with the industry’s maturation, there arose an escalating demand for more sophisticated products. This burgeoning need catalyzed the evolution of diverse refining processes, among which distillation and refining took the forefront. These advanced techniques played a pivotal role in the production of highly pure and refined oils, notably exemplified by the inception of virgin base oil.
APPLICATIONS OF VIRGIN OIL
Virgin base oil finds diverse applications across multiple industries, playing a crucial role in:
- Lubricants and Greases: Serving as a fundamental component, virgin base oil is integral to the manufacturing of lubricants and greases, making it a cornerstone in automotive, aviation, and heavy machinery.
- Plastics and Rubber: Its suitability for plastics and rubber production stems from high oxidative stability and low volatility, ensuring optimal performance in applications requiring prolonged stability.
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: In the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, virgin base oil’s high purity and minimal impurities position it as an ideal ingredient where stringent purity standards are paramount.
- Food Processing: Meeting safety standards for food-grade applications, virgin oil contributes to the food processing industry, offering a combination of high purity and low impurities.
- Textiles and Leather: With attributes like high viscosity and superior lubrication, virgin oil is a preferred choice in the textile and leather industries, enhancing the production of textiles and leather goods.
VIRGIN BASE OIL: DIVERSE GRADES, TYPES, AND FORMS
Embarking on versatility, virgin base oil unfolds in a spectrum of grades, types, and forms. The prevalent classifications encompass Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV. Ranging from the less refined Group I to the pinnacle of refinement in Group IV, each grade boasts distinctive properties tailored for varied applications. This nuanced array underscores the adaptability of virgin base oil across diverse industrial uses.
DIFFERENT APPLICATION BETWEEN VARIOUS VIRGIN BASE OIL
GRADES, TYPES, AND FORM
The distinctive grades of virgin oil find purpose in a range of applications. Group I oils, recognized for their utility, are prevalent in industrial lubricants, particularly in the creation of metalworking fluids and rust preventatives. Group II oils, with enhanced properties, take center stage in the production of essential automotive fluids, including engine oils, hydraulic fluids, and transmission fluids. Group III oils, prized for their high performance, are integral in the manufacturing of advanced engine oils and synthetic lubricants. At the zenith of refinement, Group IV oils play a pivotal role in crafting cutting-edge synthetic lubricants.
PRODUCTION OF VIRGIN BASE OIL
The creation of virgin base oil encompasses a variety of processes, with solvent extraction, hydrotreating, and hydrocracking emerging as the primary methods. Solvent extraction employs solvents to meticulously remove impurities from crude oil. Hydrotreating introduces hydrogen to the crude oil, effectively eliminating impurities. Meanwhile, hydrocracking employs heat and pressure to break down crude oil into smaller, more refined molecules. Each of these processes contributes to the production of high-quality virgin oil through distinct mechanisms.
VIRGIN BASE OIL PROPERTIES
Virgin base oil, prized in the industrial sector, boasts unique qualities:
- High Purity: Derived from top-tier crude oil, the refining process ensures purity, often measured by Sulphur content (<0.03%).
- Low Volatility: Exhibits minimal evaporation, crucial in high-temperature applications like engines, ensuring consistent lubrication.
- Excellent Lubrication: Features superior lubrication properties with a high viscosity index, offering effective performance across diverse temperatures.
- High Thermal Stability: Withstands elevated temperatures without deterioration, providing reliable lubrication and protection in demanding environments.
- Low Viscosity: Flows smoothly, reducing friction in engines and machinery without hindering fluid movement.
- High Oxidation Stability: Resists oxidation by-products even in high-temperature, air-exposed environments, ensuring prolonged protection.
In summary, these properties render virgin oil optimal for industrial use. The oil’s purity, low volatility, lubrication prowess, thermal stability, viscosity, and oxidation resistance cater to varied applications. Depending on grade, type, and form, selecting the right product is crucial. With proper handling, virgin oil ensures optimal performance and an extended service life.
VIRGIN BASE OIL ADVANTAGES
Virgin base oil stands out with several advantages:
- High Purity: Exemplifying refinement, it boasts minimal impurities, making it ideal for applications where purity is paramount.
- Excellent Lubrication: With outstanding lubricating properties, it’s a preferred choice in manufacturing lubricants and greases, adaptable to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions.
- High Oxidative Stability: Resistant to oxidation, it maintains its properties over an extended period, crucial for applications requiring long-term stability.
- Low Volatility: Its slow evaporation rate contributes to environmental friendliness, making it an eco-conscious option in various industries.
- Versatility: From plastics and rubber to lubricants, its properties render it suitable for diverse industries like automotive, aviation, and heavy machinery, showcasing its adaptability.
VIRGIN BASE OIL PRODUCTION & EXPORTERS LEADING COUNTRIES
Virgin base oil, a global commodity, is prominently produced in various countries, with notable contributors being:
- United States
- Canada
- Russia
- China
- Iran
Iran stands out as a major player, producing over 2 million metric tons annually. Demonstrating a commitment to growth, the nation aims to double its production capacity to 4 million metric tons by 2025, investing significantly in this thriving industry.
Several countries worldwide engage in the export of virgin base oil, with key players including:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Singapore
- Turkey
- Iran
The UAE emerges as a frontrunner, exporting over 1.5 million metric tons annually. Its strategic location, bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa, coupled with a robust oil and gas industry, positions it as an ideal hub for global trade. Singapore follows suit, boasting an annual export volume exceeding 1 million metric tons. Renowned for its advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure, Singapore excels as a strategic center for the storage and shipment of bulk commodities. Turkey, exporting over 500,000 metric tons yearly, leverages its developed manufacturing sector and strategic position at the nexus of Europe and Asia for international trade. Iran, with an annual export volume exceeding 300,000 metric tons, capitalizes on its sophisticated oil and gas industry and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a pivotal player in global commerce.
WORLDWIDE IMPORTERS OF VIRGIN OIL
Virgin oil sees significant imports by various nations globally. Among the prominent importers are the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and India.
VIRGIN BASE OIL PRICE DYNAMICS
The pricing of virgin base oil is subject to various factors:
- Supply and Demand: Market forces of supply and demand play a pivotal role. An excess of demand over supply tends to escalate prices, while an oversupply may lead to a decline.
- Crude Oil Fluctuations: As a derivative of crude oil, virgin oil prices are intrinsically linked to the fluctuations in crude oil prices. Upward shifts in crude oil prices often translate to higher virgin oil prices and vice versa.
- Production Costs: The costs associated with producing virgin base oil, encompassing labor, energy, and raw materials, contribute significantly. Any rise in production costs typically results in an increase in the price of virgin base oil.
- Currency Exchange Rates: Since the price of virgin oil is commonly denominated in US dollars, currency exchange rate fluctuations can impact its pricing in local currencies. Shifts in exchange rates may consequently influence the local pricing of virgin base oil.
TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF VIRGIN BASE OIL
Preserving the quality of virgin base oil hinges on meticulous transportation and storage practices. To prevent contamination, degradation, and exposure to air and moisture, careful measures are essential.
During transportation, the oil must be securely housed in sealed containers, shielding it from air and moisture. Proper labeling, inclusion of product specifications, and safety data sheets are imperative. Transport vehicles should maintain cleanliness, devoid of any residues that might compromise the product.
Storage demands a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment, free from potential ignition sources like open flames or electrical sparks. Containers specifically designed for virgin base oil storage must be tightly sealed to thwart air and moisture exposure. The storage area should remain pristine, devoid of contaminants that could compromise the oil’s quality.
VIRGIN BASE OIL PACKAGING OPTIONS
Base oil packed in new or used 180 kg drums, iso tank, flexitanks, and bulk shipments. Each 20-foot container takes 80 drums.
AS A CONCLUSION
Pointing out that base oil is produced by refining crude oil, how do we know if crude oil is suitable to be converted into base oil or not? Refinement of crude oil means heated oil so that different derivatives can be separated from each other. During the heating process, light and heavy hydrocarbons are separated. The light type can be refined to make gasoline and other fuels, while the heavier ones are suitable for bitumen and base oils. There are many crude oils around the world that are used to produce base oil. In fact, the characteristics of the base oil determine the resistance of the corresponding lubricant. Therefore, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has classified base oils into five groups. Group I, II and III are from crude oil (mineral oil), Group IV is a fully synthetic oil and Group V is for all base oils, which generally contribute to a longer useful life.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF BASE OIL SN 150
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | MAX | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity @100˚C | 4.5 | 5.5 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity @40˚C | 19 | 24 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity Index | 90 | 100 | ASTM D-2270 |
| Flash Point ˚C | 190 | 210 | ASTM D-92 |
| Pour point | 0 | -6 | ASTM D-97 |
| Total Acid Number mgKOH/g | 0 | 0.03 | ASTM D-664 |
| Color | 1 | 1.5 | ASTM D-1500 |
| Density | 0.868 | 0.874 | ASTM D-1298 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF BASE OIL SN 350
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | MAX | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity @100˚C | 7.5 | 9 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity @40˚C | 67 | 70 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity Index | 90 | 100 | ASTM D-2270 |
| Flash Point ˚C | 220 | 230 | ASTM D-92 |
| Pour point | 0 | 0 | ASTM D-97 |
| Total Acid Number mgKOH/g | 0 | 0.03 | ASTM D-664 |
| Color | 2 | 2.5 | ASTM D-1500 |
| Density | 0.880 | 0.882 | ASTM D-1298 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF BASE OIL SN 500
| Property | Unit | Test Method | Specification | Typical Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | - | Visual | C & B | C & B |
| Color | - | ASTM D-1500 | Max 2 | 1.8 |
| Density at 15°C | kg/m3 | ASTM D-4052 | - | 893 |
| Kinematic viscosity at 40°C | mm2/s (CST) | ASTM D-445 | - | 108 |
| Kinematic viscosity at 100°C | mm2/s (CST) | ASTM D-445 | Min 10.8 | 10.9 |
| Viscosity index | - | ASTM D-2270 | Min 87 | 88 |
| Flashpoint | °C | ASTM D-92 | Min 235 | 245 |
| Pour point | °C | ASTM D-97 | Max -3 | -4 |
| Noack at 250°C | wt % | ASTM-D-5800 | Max 5 | 3.5 |
| Sulfur | wt % | ASTM D-4951 | - | 1.2 |
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF BASE OIL SN 650
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | MAX | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity @100˚C | 14 | 16 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity @40˚C | 135 | 155 | ASTM D-445 |
| Viscosity Index | 90 | 100 | ASTM D-2270 |
| Flash Point ˚C | 255 | 270 | ASTM D-92 |
| Pour point | 0 | 0 | ASTM D-97 |
| Total Acid Number mgKOH/g | 0 | 0.03 | ASTM D-664 |
| Color | 3 | 3.5 | ASTM D-1500 |
| Density | 0.890 | 0.894 | ASTM D-1298 |
