Base Oil Groups & Specifications

Base oils are generally classified into two main types:

1. Mineral Base Oil: Mineral base oil is obtained through the refining of crude oil. Only a small portion of crude oil, approximately 1 to 2% of a barrel, is processed to produce base oil. The remainder is used to manufacture gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coke, bitumen, and other hydrocarbons. During the refining process, light and heavy hydrocarbons are separated. Light hydrocarbons are processed to produce gasoline and other fuels, while the heavier ones are refined to create bitumen and base oil.
2. Synthetic Base Oil: Synthetic base oil is manufactured through chemical synthesis. It is further categorized into paraffinic and naphthenic base oils based on the chemical structure of the molecules, typically consisting of hydrocarbons with 18 to 40 carbon atoms. Naphthenic base oils generally exhibit better solubility and low-temperature properties compared to other types. Lubricating oils typically contain additives, ranging from 1% to 20%, mixed with base oil. These additives are added to enhance the oil’s quality and friction-related properties. For example, certain motor oils contain more than 20 different additives.

Base Oil Group Categories:

Base oils are categorized into five main groups based on various factors, including viscosity, saturates proportion, sulfur content, and more:

1. Group 1:API (American Petroleum Institute) classifies this group as base stocks with less than 90% saturates and more than 0.03% sulfur. They should also have a viscosity index of 80 or greater but less than 120.
2. Group 2:API designates this group as base stocks with equal to or greater than 90% saturates and equal to or less than 0.03% sulfur. They should have a viscosity index of 80 or greater but less than 120.
3. Group 3:API names this group as base stocks with equal to or greater than 90% saturates and equal to or less than 0.03% sulfur. They should have a viscosity index of 120 or greater. Group 3 is also known as synthetic technology oils or hydrocracked synthetic oils.
4. Group 4:This group has a viscosity index ranging from 125 to 200. Group 4 consists of synthetic oils made from Poly Alpha Olefins (PAO). PAO oils offer superior stability across a wide range of temperatures compared to other base oils. They are highly recommended for use in both freezing and hot climates.
5. Group 5:Group 5 is dedicated to naphthenic oils and esters.

Base Oil Grades & Specifications:

Base oil is available in the market in various grades, including:

• SN 150
• SN 300
• SN 500
• SN 650

“SN” stands for Solvent Neutral base oil, and the following numbers are based on the SUS Viscosity at 40°C. SN 150, SN 300, and SN 500 have light colors, while SN 650 and similar grades have darker colors. Generally, a higher viscosity index results in a darker color.

BituPlus dedicates the below specifications for different types of Base Oil:

 

• Base Oil SN 150

 

Specifications of Base Oil SN 150
Test Items	Test Method	Test Results
Appearance	Visual	Bright & Clear
Color	ASTM D 1500	2.0 – 2.2
Density @ 30 °C	ASTM D 1298	0.870
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40 °C	ASTM D 445	30.0 – 31.54
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °C	ASTM D 445	5.0 – 5.5
Viscosity Index	ASTM D 2270	90 – 92
Flash Point, °C	ASTM D 92	200 – 210
Pour Point, °C	ASTM D 97	-3

 

• Base Oil SN 300

 

Specifications of Base Oil SN 300
Test Items	Test Method	Test Results
Appearance	Visual	Bright & Clear
Color	ASTM D 1500	2.0 – 2.2
Density @ 30 °C	ASTM D 1298	0.870 – 0.880
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40 °C	ASTM D 445	45.0 – 65.0
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °C	ASTM D 445	6.5 – 8.0
Viscosity Index	ASTM D 2270	89 – 92
Flash Point, °C	ASTM D 92	210 – 220
Pour Point, °C	ASTM D 97	-3

 

• Base Oil SN 500

 

Specifications of Base Oil SN 500
Test Items	Test Method	Test Results
Appearance	Visual	Bright & Clear
Color	ASTM D 1500	2.0 – 2.2
Density @ 30 °C	ASTM D 1298	0.885 –  0.890
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40 °C	ASTM D 445	97.5 – 102.0
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °C	ASTM D 445	10.5 – 11.5
Viscosity Index	ASTM D 2270	89.0 – 92.0
Flash Point, °C	ASTM D 92	225 – 235
Pour Point, °C	ASTM D 97	-3

 

• Base Oil SN 650

 

Specifications of Base Oil SN 650
Test Items	Test Method	Test Results
Appearance	Visual	Bright & Clear
Color	ASTM D 1500	3
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 °C	ASTM D 445	12-14
Viscosity Index	ASTM D 2270	MIN 85
Flash Point, °C	ASTM D 92	250
Pour Point, °C	ASTM D 97	-6

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