Base Oil Production

(In Collaboration with Erpek Engineering & Consulting, Turkey)

Group I and Group II base oils are essential components in the formulation of lubricants, derived from refining crude oil. The production processes vary in complexity and output quality, primarily differentiated by the degree of refining and sulfur content.

Group I Base Oil Production

Group I base oils are produced through solvent refining and solvent dewaxing processes:

• Atmospheric and Vacuum Distillation: Crude oil is distilled to separate the heavier gas oil fractions suitable for base oil processing.
• Solvent Extraction: Aromatics and impurities are removed using a solvent like furfural or NMP (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone).
• Solvent Dewaxing: Waxes are extracted to improve low-temperature properties using solvents such as MEK-toluene in special purpose equipment like Scraped Surface Heat Exchangers and Rotary Vacuum Drum Filters.
• Hydrotreating (optional): A mild hydrogen treatment may be applied to improve color and stability.

Group I oils typically have higher sulfur and aromatic content, with moderate oxidation stability. They are used in a range of automotive and industrial lubricants.

Group II Base Oil Production

Group II base oils are manufactured using more advanced hydroprocessing techniques, resulting in higher purity:

• Hydrocracking: Heavy feedstocks are treated with hydrogen under high pressure and temperature, breaking down complex molecules and removing impurities.
• Hydrotreating: Further purification reduces sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatics, enhancing thermal and oxidative stability.
• Dewaxing (Hydroisomerization): Improves cold flow properties without using solvents, enhancing performance at low temperatures.

Group II base oils have higher saturates content, lower sulfur, and better performance characteristics. They are widely used in modern engine oils and industrial applications demanding cleaner and longer-lasting formulations.