Lubricating base oils are produced through the treatment of petroleum fractions (distillates) obtained from the vacuum distillation of selected crude oils. In the case of paraffinic base oils, these treatments include phenol extraction, solvent dewaxing, and hydrotreating. For naphthenic base oils, the process involves hydrotreating.
These products have properties that make them highly suitable for the manufacture of high-quality lubricating oils. Depending on the chemical nature of the crude oil from which they are derived, they are classified as paraffinic or naphthenic base oils. Their distillation range typically lies between 350°C and 650°C.
The main application of base oils is in the manufacture of lubricating oils for automotive use (engine oils) and industrial purposes. Paraffinic base oils are preferred for the production of high-viscosity index oils, while naphthenic base oils are mainly used in the formulation of lubricants for low-temperature applications, offering greater fluidity, and in the production of greases.
They are also used as raw materials in the manufacture of inks, petroleum jelly, or as softening agents for fique fibers.
