Kerosene – the basis for high-quality base oils in lubricant production
Kerosene, or more precisely paraffin-based base oils, are lubricant bases obtained from paraffinic crude oil with a high proportion of saturated, long-chain hydrocarbons. They are characterized by high viscosity stability, good ageing resistance and low evaporation losses – essential characteristics for high-performance engine oils, gear oils and industrial lubricants.
Where are paraffin-based base oils used – and why?
Paraffin-based oils belong to the group of mineral base oils (API group I-II) and are particularly popular in areas where stable oil film formation, thermal stability and economical production are important. Thanks to their chemical structure, they offer a solid basis for lubricants with a balanced additive system.
BASINOL uses paraffin-based oils in certain product lines – for example in classic industrial oils or economically optimized engine oils with proven performance.
What is the difference between paraffin-based base oils and naphthenic oils?
The difference lies in the molecular structure:
Paraffinic oils consist of straight-chain and branched hydrocarbons, which are characterized by high oxidation resistance, good viscosity properties and low evaporation loss.
Naphthenic oils have a ring-shaped structure and often offer better low-temperature properties, but lower thermal stability.
Paraffinic oils are therefore widely used in engine and gearbox lubrication.
Do paraffin-based base oils have disadvantages?
Although they offer many advantages, untreated paraffinic crude oils often contain wax components that can lead to poorer flow behavior at low temperatures. However, these are removed in modern refinery processes – for example by dewaxing or hydrofinishing. The end product can then also be used well at low temperatures, especially in hydrofinished form (e.g. Group II or III oils).
Are paraffin-based base oils also sustainable?
Paraffinic base oils are of mineral origin and therefore not bio-based. However, their stability enables longer oil change intervals, which indirectly saves resources. In combination with modern additive packages and efficient engine technologies, they help to reduce emissions and energy losses – an important aspect for many applications.
This website uses cookies to provide our services. For more information, please see our legal notice.
