Base Oil (API Classification) – VOK PETROLEUM – A Leading Global Provider of Petroleum Products and Chemicals

Base Oil (API Classification)

Base Oil (API Classification)

Conventional Solvent-Refined Oils

Characteristics:

Produced via solvent refining.
Low saturation level.
High sulfur content.
Viscosity Index (VI) between 80–100.

Types:

SN100 – Light viscosity.
SN150 – Medium viscosity.
SN500 – Heavy viscosity.
Bright Stock (BS150) – Very heavy, used in gear oils and marine lubricants.

Applications: Older engines, industrial gear oils, basic greases.

Hydrotreated Mineral Oils

Characteristics:

Higher purity than Group I.
Low sulfur content.
Saturation >90%.
VI between 90–120.

Types:

N150
N220
N600

Applications: Modern diesel engines, hydraulic fluids, transmission oils.

Severely Hydrocracked Oils

Characteristics:

Highly refined with hydrogenation.
Considered synthetic in some markets.
VI >120.
Excellent thermal and oxidative stability.

Types:

VHVI 4 – Very High Viscosity Index.
VHVI 6
XHVI – Extra High Viscosity Index.

Applications: High-performance engine oils, multi-grade lubricants (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40).

Synthetic Oils (PAO)

Characteristics:

Made from Polyalphaolefins (PAO).
Fully synthetic.
Excellent performance in extreme temperatures.
VI typically >125.

Types:

PAO 2
PAO 4
PAO 6
PAO 8

Applications: Aviation, racing engines, extreme-duty machinery, refrigeration oils.

Non-PAO Synthetic Oils

Characteristics:

Not included in Groups I–IV.
Used as performance enhancers or specialty fluids.
Includes esters, glycols, silicones, etc.

Types:

Esters (Diesters, Polyolesters)
Alkylated Naphthalenes
Polyalkylene Glycols (PAG)
Silicones

Applications: Food-grade lubricants, electrical insulation, environmentally friendly fluids, specialty greases.

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