Catalytic hydrocracking – key process for high-quality lubricating oils
Catalytic hydrocracking is an advanced refinery process in which heavy crude oil is converted into lighter, more stable hydrocarbons using hydrogen and a catalyst under high pressure and at high temperatures. It belongs to the group of secondary oil processing techniques and produces high-quality base oils that are used in engine oils, gear oils and industrial lubricants.
Why does catalytic hydrocracking play such an important role in lubricant production?
In contrast to simple physical separation processes, catalytic hydrocracking specifically targets the chemical structure. By using catalysts, the long molecular chains are not only split, but also refined and stabilized at the same time.
The result: extremely pure, thermally resilient and oxidation-stable base oils that are ideally suited as the basis for modern high-performance lubricants. BASINOL relies on this technology to continuously optimize the quality and durability of its oils. catalytic hydrocracking converts crude oil into high-quality base oils using hydrogen. The glossary explains how the process works.
How does catalytic hydrocracking differ from classic hydrocracking?
Both processes use hydrogen under pressure – however, catalytic hydrocracking uses a special catalyst that makes the cracking process more targeted and efficient. This results in more uniform molecules, fewer by-products and a significantly higher oil purity, which has a positive effect on the performance and ageing resistance of the end product.
What advantages does this process offer for lubricants?
Lubricating oils based on catalytically hydrocracked base oils offer
– Improved viscosity stability over wide temperature ranges
– Less residue formation and less oil oxidation
– Longer oil change intervals and less wear
These properties are particularly in demand in highly stressed engines, hybrid vehicles, transportation and industrial production.
Is catalytic hydrocracking also used for fully synthetic oils?
No – fully synthetic oils (e.g. PAO-based) are based on chemically synthesized molecules. The result of catalytic hydrocracking is assigned to API Group III, i.e. high-quality hydro-refined base oils. In Europe, these can already be described as “synthetic”, although they are of mineral origin. However, they offer a similarly high level of performance in many applications – especially in combination with modern additive packages such as BASINOL lubricants.
This website uses cookies to provide our services. For more information, please see our legal notice.
