Do you know what’s in your lubricant, and why the choice matters? As your local, family owned and operated fuel and lubricant provider, the expert team at : Greg’s Petroleum Service has seen a few things. Today, we want to share some information with you that will help you make the good decisions that will protect your investment in your equipment, increase efficiency and output, and save you money.
So, let’s begin by defining our terms. When we talk about lubricants, it’s useful to know that every lubricant is a mixture of base oils and additives. The types of base oils and additives in the lubricant, as well as the ratio of the mix, can have a lot to do with how well your equipment operates, and impacts the overall lifespan and efficiency of the vehicle. For that reason, every good fuel fleet service and maintenance plan should include an assessment of the base oils and additives used in your choice of lubricant.
Chances are, you probably already have some idea of what works for you. Today, we want to add to your knowledge by providing a basic introductory to base oils and an overview of how they perform as part of the lubricant you choose for your fleet. Let’s start by breaking it down with an introductory overview of base oils.
What you need to know about base oils in lubricants
The term “base oil” can be roughly defined as crude oil that has been refined. The most common two types of base oil are synthetic or mineral-based. A third type of vegetable-derived base oil is also used in a very limited capacity.
In more technical terms, a base oil is most often defined as consisting of hydrocarbons with 18-40 carbon atoms, and a boiling point range between 550 and 1050 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s a fun fact. A barrel of crude oil contains roughly 42 gallons. Of that, only 0.5 gallons, or 1 – 2 percent of the barrel, is suitable for lubricants. The rest is used for gasoline (19.5 gallons), diesel and home heating oil (diesel and home heating oil), and other byproducts.
Base oils are refined by “blenders and compounders” that extract the oil suitable for use and enhance it with additive to make the lubricant products.
Since the early 1990s, base oils have been classified into five categories, depending on the properties of the oil and refining process used. In the first three classes, mineral oil is refined. As you move through each class, the refining process becomes more involved. The fourth and fifth group of base oils are the synthetics.
Why the type of base oil you have in a lubricant matters
Lubricants are primarily base oils. There is a range in the mix, but in general the base oil will make up 70-90 percent of the composition of the lubricant. The rest of the lubricant will consist of chemical additives. For that reason, it is critical that you choose the correct base oil for the intended use.
Here are some of the most common uses for the three types of base oils.
Mineral Base Oils are the most commonly used, due to a lower price point and versatile service applications. In general, the more highly refined the mineral base oil the greater the application. Benefits of a highly refined oil include greater thermal stability, viscosity index and enhanced oxidation stability. The drawbacks to a more highly refined base oil include decreased biodegradability and solubility.
Synthetic Base Oils are, in general, best used under circumstances that include extreme conditions, such as temperature changes. That would include cold startups, or high operating temperatures. A synthetic will also better handle water contamination. For those reasons, plus greater oxidative stability, synthetics may contribute to a longer service life.
Vegetable Base Oils are the least commonly used at this time. They are mostly used in cases where environmental impacts and sustainability are factors.
That’s the basic overview, but we’ll leave you with two key points to remember when making any decision about lubricants and base oils. First, it’s very important to note that mineral, synthetic and vegetable base oils may not be interchangeable in use. Be cautious before making a switch, and check for compatibility. And second, do remember that not all oils are the same. You have to make a note of the additives and refinery process used.
It’s always best practice to spend a little time getting to know more about the base oil you choose. And if you need additional information, please know that the team at : Greg’s Petroleum Service is here to help. As your lubricant supplier and fuel delivery service provider in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura, California areas, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.