A Brief Note on Some of the Vital Facts about Base Oils

All lubricants mostly contain base oils. These oils usually serve as the lubricant’s foundation prior to getting blended with additives or thickeners. But with varied options in the context of base oil, how would you understand which one is best? Well, choosing one between synthetics as well as mineral oils can be puzzling. Are you finding it difficult to make a proper choice? If yes, read the following write-up thoroughly as it can let you know about the formulations of base oil so that you can make right decision in terms of application.

Categories of base oil

The lubricants can be classified in varied ways. The categories mostly include vegetable oils, synthetic oils as well as mineral oils. The mineral oils are mostly derived from the crude oils that are produced to varied qualities related to the refining process of the oil. The synthetics are mostly man-made via a synthesizing procedure. These oils come in numerous formulations with distinctive properties for intended purposes. Last but not least, the vegetable base oils are mostly derived from the plant oils; usually represent lubricants of small percentage that are primarily used for environmental and renewable interests. If you’re keen to have quality base oils, rely on a reputable store that provides varied petrochemical industry products at best rates.

Characteristics of Base Oil

The base oils usually have characteristics which determine how they are going to hold up against varied lubrication challenges. When it comes to mineral oils, the main objective of refining procedure is to optimize resulting properties in order to produce superior lubricants. As far as the synthetically generated oils are concerned, the main aim of the variety of formulations is to build the lubricant with properties which may not be attainable in the mineral oils. Each base oils, no matter which category they belong to, is designed to have specific applications.

Some of the significant properties of base oil mostly include:

•    Viscosity limitations.

•    Pour point

•    Viscosity index

•    Thermal stability

•    Volatility

•    Oxidation

•    Aniline point

•    Hydrolytic stability

Base oil groups

The base oils are mostly categorized into five different categories. They are:

•    Group I base oils- Created by using solvent-refining or solvent-extraction technology.

•    Group II base oils- Produced by making usage of hydrogen gas in the procedure called hydro treating or hydrogenation.

•    Group III base oils- Produced in a similar way as the Group II base oils. The only difference is the hydrogenation procedure is usually coupled with higher temperature and pressure.

•    Group IV base oils- are dedicated to the particular kind of synthetic known as polyalphaolefin.

•    Group V base oils- are referred to all other base oils specifically the synthetics.

If you’re keen to buy any of these oils, make sure to rely on a company that provides varied petrochemical industry products. Make sure that the company you’re considering is experienced and reputable.