Oil source differences?

[obbop]

Over the decades while reading various books about World War 2, specifically, the Pacific Theater where the Japanese rattled their sabers, I read that the Japanese ships were able to burn the oil directly from the well head in Burundi since that oil was so pure. No refining needed... just pump and burn.

Is that oil source special? Would it allow the creation of "extra-special" lubrication?

Just curious... not that I would buy a bunch of that oil and market it as the bestest oil in the world for yer' conveyance. Or would I?

 

[Ray H]

Whatever the Japanese burned 60 years ago has to be taken in the context of the purpose: A> bunker fuel oil is about as thick as molasses and stinks to high heaven, and B> the Imperial Japanese military planners couldn't afford to be picky, anyway - the Emperor's war machine depended on whatever source of petroleum the Japanese army was able to pillage. More directly to your question, though, with the relatively recent advent of severe hydrotreating, excellent lube base stocks are widely available anyway whether you start with high grade paraffinic, low grade asphaltic, or whatever sources. Nowadays, it's really just a matter of how much time and energy you're willing to add to the hydro-cooker.