Base Oil

Base Oil

HS Code : 27101990

Base oils are the primary raw material in the production of lubricating greases, motor oils, industrial oils, and metal processing fluids. The required properties of base oils vary depending on the end application, with viscosity at different temperatures being one of the most critical factors.

The suitability of a crude oil for base oil production depends on the concentration of base oil molecules and how easily these can be refined.

Production Process

Base oil is produced through the refining of crude oil, where crude is heated, and its components are separated through distillation:

• Light hydrocarbons → refined into petrol and fuels
• Heavier hydrocarbons → processed into bitumen and base oils

Different crude oil sources yield different qualities of base oil:

• Paraffinic crude oil – the most common, offering good oxidation stability.
• Naphthenic crude oil – provides better solubility and excellent low-temperature performance.

Through hydrogenation (hydroprocessing), sulfur and aromatic compounds are removed under high pressure, producing high-purity base oils suitable for applications with stringent quality requirements.

Additives in Base Oil

To meet performance requirements, chemical additives are blended into base oils. These improve:

• Friction reduction
• Cleaning ability
• Oxidation stability
• Anti-wear and anti-rust properties

In some motor oils, additives can make up more than 20% of the final product composition.

Base Oil Grades

• SN 150 / SN 300 / SN 500
• Classified as light base oils (Group I)
• Produced by solvent refining processes
• Widely used in lubricants and lubricant additives production

Applications of Base Oil

• Motor Oils
• Industrial Oils
• Lubricating Greases
• Metal Processing Fluids
• Hydraulic Oils
• Transformer Oils
• Additives & Blending Components
• Protective Coatings & Paints
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Uses