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Base Oil Types, Classification & Characteristics

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Types of Base OilsPetroleum Based:Mineral OilsHydro-treated OilsSynthetic Oils:Poly Alpha Olefins, Poly Alkylene Glycols, Polyol Esters, Alkyl BenzenesVegetable Oils:Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Colza Oil, Pine Oil, Groundnut Oil, etc

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Evolution of Base Oil Technology1400 BC and Onwards: Animal Fats used for lubrication1852: Availability of Petroleum-based oils1866: Vacuum Process for Refining Crude Oil

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Evolution of Base Oil Technology1911: SAE viscosity classification of Engine Oils, without any additives. (Light, Medium, Heavy)1920 - 1930: Various technologies testedClay TreatingAcid TreatingSO2 Treating1930: Solvent Refining Finalized

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Evolution of Base Oil Technology-

Lube distillate (VGO) is fed into a solvent extractor.VGO is contacted counter-currently with solvent. 50 80% impurities removed.Solvents used Furfural, Phenol NMP (in Solvent Extraction) MEK/ Toluene, MEK/MIBK, Propane (in Solvent Dewaxing). Raffinate is diluted with solvent.Chilled to between -10oC and -20oC.Wax crystals removed by filtration.Extent of de-waxing lowers pour point, which is a commercial decision based on market forces.

Lubes Processing: Solvent Refining5

Evolution of Base Oil Technology1930s and 40s: Additives used to improve performance1947: API Engine Oil Categorization

1950: Multi-grade Oils introduced1960s: Hydrotreating and Hydrocracking1970s: Catalytic Dewaxing and Hydroisomerization

( No Additives )6

Evolution of Base Oil Technology( No Additives )1990s: Birth of Modern Hydroprocessing by Chevron.

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Evolution of Base Oil Technology

- 1.2% Lubricant from 1 Barrel (159 Liters) of Crude Oil8

because of something called "refinery gain" - the processing and chemical changes decrease the density and hence increase the volume of the refined components.8

Base Oil Categorization - API ClassificationUnofficial Base Oil Nomenclature:Group I+:(103 to 108 VI)Group II+:(113 to 118 VI)-GroupSaturates (%wt)(Paraffins & Naphthenes Content)Sulphur (%wt)Viscosity IndexI< 90and/or>0.03and80 VI