Vacuum distillation – crude oil refining under reduced pressure
Vacuum distillation is a central step in the refinery in which the residue from the atmospheric distillation of crude oil is further processed at lower pressure (vacuum). The aim is to use the vacuum to lower the boiling temperatures in order to gently separate heavier fractions such as lubricating oil base stocks, bitumen or fuel oil components – without thermally decomposing them.
Why is vacuum distillation so important for base oils?
While atmospheric distillation produces lighter fractions such as petrol or diesel, the heavy components are left behind. These are treated in vacuum distillation at low pressure so that they can be broken down at moderate temperatures.
This prevents thermal damage and provides the raw materials for high-quality lubricating oil products, such as those used in BASINOL engine oils, gear oils and industrial lubricants.
Which viscosity is the right one for my vehicle?
The right viscosity depends on the engine design, the area of application and the outside temperature. Manufacturers usually specify specific SAE classes in the operating instructions – e.g. 5W-30 for modern gasoline and diesel engines. In cold regions, a low “W” value is important (e.g. 0W), for heavily loaded engines a higher hot viscosity (e.g. 10W-60). BASINOL offers tested oils for all common viscosity classes.
What is the difference between kinematic and dynamic viscosity?
– Kinematic viscosity is measured in mm²/s and describes the flow behavior under gravity (e.g. at 40 °C or 100 °C).
– The dynamic viscosity (in mPa-s) describes the internal frictional resistance at a certain shear rate.
Both values are decisive for the formulation and classification of an oil.
Does viscosity change with temperature?
Yes – and significantly so. As the temperature rises, an oil becomes thinner, and as the temperature falls, it becomes more viscous. This is why engine oils are formulated to remain stable over a wide temperature range. Multigrade oils such as SAE 5W-30 are optimized to provide reliable lubrication both during cold starts and hot engine operation.
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