Base Oil Products
Base Oil is the primary component of lubricants, accounting for 70–90% of finished products. Produced through petroleum refining or synthetic processes, Base Oil determines key lubricant properties such as lubrication performance, thermal stability, low-temperature fluidity, and oxidation resistance.
According to API (American Petroleum Institute) standards, Base Oils are classified into five groups:
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Group I – Solvent-refined oils with higher sulfur content and basic performance.
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Group II – Hydroprocessed oils with lower impurities and better stability.
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Group III – Severely hydrocracked oils with performance close to synthetic oils.
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Group IV – Synthetic polyalphaolefins (PAO) with high performance and durability.
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Group V – Other synthetic oils (e.g., esters) used in specialized formulations.
Group I
SN60, SN150, SN5900, SN600, BS150
Group I Base Oils are produced mainly through solvent refining processes. They typically contain a higher level of sulfur and aromatic compounds compared to Group II and Group III oils. With a viscosity index of 80–120, Group I oils provide reliable performance for a broad range of industrial and automotive applications.
Key Characteristics
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Viscosity Index: 80–120
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Higher sulfur content and aromatic compounds
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Adequate oxidation stability for standard lubricant use
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Cost-effective compared to higher groups
Applications
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Automotive lubricants (engine oils, gear oils)
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Industrial lubricants (hydraulic oils, turbine oils, compressor oils)
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Metalworking fluids
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Greases and process oils
Advantages
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Economical choice for general lubrication requirements
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Wide availability and established supply chain
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Suitable for blending with additives for enhanced performance
Sources
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PETAMINA
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IRPC
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THAILUBE OIL
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SINOPEC
Group II
60N, 150N, 500N
Group II Base Oils are produced using advanced hydrocracking and hydrotreating processes. Compared to Group I, they have significantly lower levels of sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatics, resulting in improved oxidation stability and higher performance. With a viscosity index typically between 90–120, Group II oils offer enhanced consistency and reliability for modern lubricant formulations.
Key Characteristics
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Viscosity Index: 90–120
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Very low sulfur and aromatic content
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Excellent oxidation and thermal stability
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Light color and improved purity
Applications
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Automotive lubricants (passenger car motor oils, heavy-duty engine oils)
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Industrial lubricants (hydraulic oils, turbine oils, compressor oils)
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Transmission fluids and gear oils
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Metalworking fluids and greases
Advantages
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Cleaner performance and reduced emissions compared to Group I
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Longer lubricant life with lower volatility
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Widely used in high-performance automotive and industrial applications
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Reliable choice for blending with Group III and additives
Sources
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FORMOSA
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SINOPEC
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GS
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HSB
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SOIL
Group III
4CST, 6CST, 8CST
Group III Base Oils are manufactured using severe hydrocracking and hydroisomerization processes, giving them superior purity, stability, and performance. With a viscosity index greater than 120, these oils are often considered synthetic performance oils, delivering high-quality lubrication for advanced automotive and industrial needs.
Key Characteristics
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Very low sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatics
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Viscosity Index: 120+
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Excellent thermal and oxidation stability
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Superior low-temperature performance
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Longer lubricant life and reduced volatility
Applications
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Premium automotive engine oils (synthetic & semi-synthetic blends)
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High-performance gear oils and transmission fluids
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Industrial lubricants requiring extended drain intervals
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Specialty applications such as marine and aviation lubricants
Advantages
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Synthetic-like performance at lower cost
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Enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions
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Ideal for blending with additives and PAOs (Group IV)
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Preferred choice for modern low-emission engines
Sources
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SOIL
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ADNOC
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PETRONAS