Base Oil SN 550

What is Base Oil SN550 ?

 Base Oil SN550 is a type of mineral oil used as a base stock for the production of lubricating oils and greases. It is a heavier grade of base oil than SN100, which means it has a higher viscosity and a higher boiling point.

SN550 stands for Solvent Neutral 550, which refers to the refining process used to produce the oil. In this process, the crude oil is treated with a solvent to remove impurities and unwanted components, resulting in a neutral base oil with a defined viscosity range.

Base Oil SN550 is commonly used in a variety of industrial applications, such as hydraulic fluids, gear oils, metalworking fluids, and transformer oils. It is also used as a blending component to improve the performance of lower-grade lubricating oils.

Quality of Base Oil SN550   

 The quality of Base Oil SN550 can vary depending on the specific supplier and the production process used. However, in general, Base Oil SN550 is a high-quality mineral oil with several desirable properties, including:

Good oxidation stability: Base Oil SN550 has good resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation, which helps to prolong the life of lubricants and prevent the buildup of harmful sludge and deposits.

High viscosity index: Base Oil SN550 has a high viscosity index, which means it maintains its viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. This is important for lubricants that are used in applications with varying temperatures.

Good low-temperature properties: Base Oil SN550 has good low-temperature properties, including a low pour point, which makes it suitable for use in cold climates or applications that require low-temperature performance.

Low sulfur and aromatic content: Base Oil SN550 typically has low levels of sulfur and aromatics, which makes it less harmful to the environment and safer to handle.

Good solubility and compatibility: Base Oil SN550 has good solubility with other additives and components used in lubricant formulations, which makes it easy to blend and compatible with a wide range of materials.

History of Base Oil SN550  

 The history of Base Oil SN550 dates back to the mid-20th century when the use of mineral oils as base stocks for lubricating oils and greases became widespread. As demand for higher quality lubricants grew, the need for more refined and higher-grade base oils also increased.

The term "SN" (Solvent Neutral) refers to the refining process used to produce the oil. In the early days, solvent extraction was the primary method used to refine crude oil into base oils. However, this process had several drawbacks, including high energy consumption, low yields, and the production of environmentally harmful waste products.

In the 1960s, a new refining process called hydroprocessing was developed, which offered several advantages over solvent extraction. Hydroprocessing involves the use of hydrogen to remove impurities and unwanted components from crude oil, resulting in a higher-quality and more stable base oil.

Base Oil SN550 is a heavier grade of base oil than SN150, which means it has a higher viscosity and is better suited for use in applications that require higher load-carrying capacity, such as hydraulic fluids and gear oils. The development of Base Oil SN550 and other high-grade base oils was a significant step forward in the evolution of lubricating oils and greases, enabling the development of more efficient and durable industrial machinery.

Usages of  Base Oil SN550 

Base Oil SN550 is a widely used base stock for the production of lubricating oils and greases in various industrial applications. Some of the common uses of Base Oil SN550 include:

Hydraulic fluids: Base Oil SN550 is used as a base stock for the production of hydraulic fluids that are used in hydraulic systems to transmit power and control movement.

Gear oils: Base Oil SN550 is used as a base stock for the production of gear oils that are used in gearboxes and transmissions to reduce friction and wear and to protect against corrosion and rust.

Metalworking fluids: Base Oil SN550 is used as a base stock for the production of metalworking fluids that are used in machining and cutting operations to reduce friction and heat and to protect against rust and corrosion.

Transformer oils: Base Oil SN550 is used as a base stock for the production of transformer oils that are used in electrical transformers to provide insulation and cooling.

Greases: Base Oil SN550 is used as a base stock for the production of greases that are used in various applications to lubricate and protect moving parts against wear and corrosion.

Other industrial applications: Base Oil SN550 is also used in other industrial applications, such as compressor oils, turbine oils, and heat transfer fluids. 

Packing of Base Oil SN550  

Base Oil SN550 is typically packed in bulk quantities, such as tanker trucks, railcars, or ISO containers. However, it can also be packed in smaller quantities for convenience and ease of handling. The most common packaging options for Base Oil SN550 include:

Drums: Base Oil SN550 can be packed in 55-gallon steel drums or plastic drums. This is a common option for smaller quantities of oil that are used in applications where a bulk delivery is not feasible.

IBCs: Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) are large, reusable containers that can hold up to 1000 liters of Base Oil SN550. IBCs are a convenient and cost-effective option for shipping and storing moderate quantities of oil.

Flexitanks: A flexitank is a large, flexible container that can hold up to 24,000 liters of Base Oil SN550. This is a popular option for shipping bulk quantities of oil overseas, as it is more cost-effective than using a tanker.

Bulk shipments: Base Oil SN550 is often shipped in bulk quantities using tanker trucks, railcars, or ISO containers. This is the most cost-effective option for large quantities of oil, as it eliminates the need for packaging and reduces transportation costs. 

Prices of Base Oil SN550  

 The prices of Base Oil SN550 can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the region, the supplier, the quality and quantity of the oil, and market demand. As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the average price of Base Oil SN550 was around $600-$700 per metric ton in the Asia-Pacific region, while it was around $800-$900 per metric ton in Europe and North America.

It's important to note that prices can fluctuate over time due to changes in market conditions, supply and demand, and other factors. Additionally, prices may vary depending on the terms of the purchase agreement, such as payment terms, delivery terms, and other conditions.

If you are looking to purchase Base Oil SN550, it's a good idea to compare prices from different suppliers and negotiate the terms of the purchase agreement to ensure that you are getting a fair price and that the oil meets your quality requirements. It's also important to factor in other costs such as transportation, storage, and handling fees when considering the overall cost of the oil.

Delivery time and Readiness of Base Oil SN550 

The delivery time and readiness of Base Oil SN550 can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the supplier, the location, the quantity, and the shipping method. In general, the delivery time for Base Oil SN550 can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the availability of the oil and the shipping method used.

If the supplier has Base Oil SN550 in stock and is located nearby, the delivery time may be relatively short. However, if the oil needs to be produced or sourced from a distant location, the delivery time may be longer. Additionally, if the oil needs to be transported via a less efficient shipping method, such as by truck or rail, the delivery time may also be longer.

To ensure timely delivery, it's important to work with a reputable supplier who has a reliable supply chain and can provide accurate lead times. Additionally, it's a good idea to plan ahead and order the oil well in advance to allow for any unforeseen delays or issues that may arise during the shipping process.

It's also important to consider the readiness of Base Oil SN550 before placing an order. This includes ensuring that the oil meets your quality requirements and is appropriate for your intended use. It's a good idea to request a sample of the oil for testing and analysis before placing a large order to ensure that it meets your specifications.

Analysis Table of Base Oil SN550