SN350 Base Oil

SN350 Base Oil is one of the most widely used grades in the Group I base oil category. These base oils, produced via solvent refining of crude oil, continue to hold a significant share of the global lubricant market due to their cost-effectiveness and balanced properties. The “SN” (Solvent Neutral) designation and the number 350 indicate its medium viscosity within this group.

Outstanding Technical Properties (Based on Standard Analyses)
SN350 is a medium-viscosity base oil that provides a suitable balance between flowability and film strength.

Key Features & Benefits of SN350 in Group I

High Solvency Power:
Due to its natural aromatic content, Group I base oils, including SN350, offer excellent solvency to keep additives and combustion by-products (such as sludge and soot) suspended. This property is a key advantage in formulations using conventional additive packages.

Cost-Effectiveness:
Thanks to the traditional production method (solvent refining), which is simpler than hydrocracking, SN350 is generally the most economical base oil for a large volume of non-synthetic and general-purpose lubricants.

Adequate Thermal Stability:
Although its stability is lower than higher groups (II and III), SN350 provides acceptable performance for most general industrial applications and older engine oils that do not operate under extreme high-temperature conditions.

Versatility:
SN350 is a mid-grade oil used to produce a wide range of products with different viscosities (by blending with lighter SN150 or heavier SN500 grades).

Role of SN350 in Product Formulations

As a medium-heavy Group I base oil, SN350 is a vital component in many lubricant formulations and is particularly useful in:

• Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oils:
  Ideal for diesel engine oils requiring higher film strength, such as API CI-4, and for large ship and industrial machinery engines.
• Industrial Gear & Transmission Oils:
  Especially for gear oils operating under high pressure and heavy loads, providing necessary lubrication.
• High-Viscosity Hydraulic & Circulating Oils:
  Used as a base for hydraulic oils (e.g., VG 68, VG 100) and industrial circulating oils.
• Specialty Lubricants:
  An important raw material for greases and process oils in the rubber and tire industry.

Group I Base Oil Applications

Conventional Engine Oils:
Used in gasoline and diesel engine oils meeting base-level standards (e.g., API SF, SG, CI-4).
Suitable for older engines and traditional vehicles.
Still widely used in developing markets.

Gear & Transmission Oils:
Used in light and heavy automotive gear oils and some industrial applications.
Capable of meeting lubrication requirements with anti-wear and high-pressure additives.

General Industrial Lubricants:
Used in hydraulic, circulating, and general machinery oils.
Suitable for applications not requiring very high thermal stability.

Petroleum Products & Specialty Compounds:
Used in greases, process oils, and transformer oils.
Suitable for cost-effective, non-synthetic applications.

Traditional & Ancillary Uses:
In rubber, plastic, and chemical processes as a process oil.
Used in some automotive care products (e.g., anti-rust oils and cleaners).