Basic bases of motor oils. Types and manufacturers
Base oil groups
According to the API classification, there are five groups of base oils from which motor lubricants are produced:
- 1 - mineral;
- 2 - semi-synthetic;
- 3 - synthetic;
- 4- oils based on polyalphaolefins;
- 5- oils based on various chemical compounds not included in the previous groups.
The first group of motor lubricants includes mineral oils, which are made from pure oil by distillation. In fact, they are one of the fractions of oil, like gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc. The chemical composition of such lubricants is very diverse and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Such oils contain a large amount of hydrocarbons of varying degrees of saturation, nitrogen, and sulfur. Even the smell of lubricants of the first group differ from others - the aroma of petroleum products is acutely felt. The main characteristic is a high sulfur content and a low viscosity index, which is why oils in this group are not suitable for all cars.
The oils of the other two groups were developed later. Their creation was due to the technical innovations of modern automobile engines, for which the lubricants of the first group are not suitable. Oils of the second group, which are also called semi-synthetic, are produced using hydrocracking technology. It implies the treatment of group 1 mineral oils with hydrogen under the influence of high temperatures. As a result of such a reaction, hydrogen attaches to hydrocarbon molecules, enriching them. And hydrogen removes sulfur, nitrogen and other unnecessary substances. As a result, lubricants are obtained that have a low freezing point and a low content of paraffins. However, such lubricants have a relatively low viscosity index, which greatly limits their scope.
Group 3 is the most optimal - fully synthetic lubricants. Unlike the previous two, they have a wider temperature range and a high level of viscosity. Such lubricants are produced using hydroisomerization technology, also using hydrogen. Sometimes the base for such oils is obtained from natural gas. Together with a wide range of additives, these oils are suitable for use in modern car engines of any brand.
Motor oils of groups 4 and 5 are much less common than others due to their high cost. Polyalphaolefin base oil is the basis for true synthetics, as it is made completely artificially. Unlike group 3 lubricants, these can only be found in specialized stores, since they are used only for sports cars. The fifth group includes lubricants, which, due to their composition, cannot be ranked among the previous ones. In particular, this includes lubricants and base oils to which esters have been added. They significantly improve the cleaning properties of the oil and increase the lubrication run between maintenance. Essential oils are produced in very limited quantities, as they are very expensive.
Motor base oil manufacturers
According to official world statistics, the leader in the production and sale of automotive base oils of the first and second groups is ExonMobil. In addition to it, Chevron, Motiva, Petronas occupy a place in this segment. Lubricants of the third group are produced more than others by the South Korean company SK Ludricants, the same one that produces ZIC lubricants. The base oils of this group are purchased from this manufacturer by such well-known brands as Shell, BP, Elf and others. In addition to the "base", the manufacturer also produces all types of additives, which are also purchased by many world-famous brands.
Mineral bases are produced by Lukoil, Total, Neste, while such a giant as ExonMobil, on the contrary, does not produce them at all. But additives for all base oils are produced by third-party companies, the most famous of which are Lubrizol, Ethyl, Infineum, Afton and Chevron. And all the companies that sell ready-made oils buy them from them. The base oils of the fifth group are completely produced by companies with little-known names: Synester, Croda, Afton, Hatco, DOW. The more well-known Exxon Mobil also has a small share in this group. It has an extensive laboratory that allows you to perform research on essential oils.
