Grp II+ and Low Cost Grp III Base Oils

[Blue99]

Is the arbitrary line between Grp II+ and the lower VI index Grp III’s now blurred?

The API base oil chart has traditionally pegged Grp III as 120 and up VI index. However, lube plants running the new ExxonMobil MSDW technology are now producing Grp II+ base oils and Grp III base oils with VI’s running from 120 to 125.

And the GRP III’s produced with the MSDW technology are lower cost as compared to the traditional 130+ VI base oil Grp III’s, that go thru a 2 or 3 stage hydro-treat process with the associated hydrogen costs.

An example is The Motiva TEXHVI Base Oils – See the typical data.

Typical Data
TEXHVI 70 3.3 cSt 119 VI

TEXHVI 100 4.1 cSt 124 VI

TEXHVI 5W 4.5 cSt 118 VI

TEXHVI 7 6.5 cSt 125 VI

The Motiva/Shell Port Arthur facilty runs the MSDW catalyst.

ExxonMobil Press Release

ExxonMobil indicates that VI’s of 125+ are possible using the RHC & MSDW technology with lower cost, solvent extracted, Grp I type feedstocks.

ExxonMobil Refining Process Options

 

[haley10]

Thanks for the links. Very good information.

 

[Blue99]

Haley, thanks for the bump.

My main objective for posting this info is to demonstrate that formulations such as Mobil Clean 7500, that sell for $2.50/qt or less, can indeed have a significant Grp III component.

 

[NewGuy]

Blue99...

Thanks for the information. It is very interesting to see how the dynamics in this market are changing. The technology seems to have come a long way in a few short years. It seems that the combined pressures of price increases, government regulations and competitive pressures has resulted in vast improvements in the lubrication field (both on base stocks and finished consumer products). It is also nice to see an industry that is profitable enough to support major R&D and capital equipment investment instead of outsourcing production/R&D to China.

Thanks for sharing!!