Introduction to Base Oils
This beginner’s course starts with the assumption that the delegates have no in-depth understanding of lubricant base oil manufacturing. The course provides an overview of the various base oil refining processes, and the economics that drive today’s base oil manufacturing decisions. Combining this information with product qualities and market demand segments, course attendees gain a broad understanding of the lubricant base oil market and its fundamental drivers.
The first session sets the stage with an overview of refining and its role in the crude oil value chain, as well as crude types and terminology. An overview of major refinery fuels units provides insight on the co-existence and competition between lube base oil units and fuels units. Global base oil refining capacity within the worldwide refining industry gives context to how base oil manufacturing fits into the refining puzzle.
Additional morning sessions provide information on solvent processing as well as hydroprocessing for the manufacturing of lube base oils. Combination or “hybrid” processes that use both solvent and hydroprocessing are also covered. A comparison of key API Group I, II and III base oil properties is provided to highlight the similarities and differences among the different types of base oils.
The morning session concludes with a quiz, allowing delegates to test their memory and understanding of key base oil manufacturing and product quality concepts.
The afternoon begins with information on refinery interactions between fuels and lube units, since crude selection and shared refinery resources often lead to decisions that may not be the most desirable for lube base oil production. An introduction to the manufacturing economics for Group I and Group II / III base oils explores the impact of raw material selection, product slates and by-products.
The course moves from the manufacturing and supply side to the demand and trade components of the base oil business. An overview is provided covering regional trade and major market segments, including the transportation, industrial and process oils. These base oils are combined with additives to make finished lubricants, and a session on the role of additives in finished lubricant manufacturing completes the value chain.
The day concludes with a glimpse at future perspectives on the base oil industry. This includes current developments for each global region, future trends, and a discussion of today’s most influential base oil suppliers.
This course is appropriate for:
- New and experienced base oil marketing and sales staff, and those in support functions such as supply, accounting, planning and logistics
- Base oil refiners, additive suppliers, finished lubricant formulators, and other technical staff who want to broaden their knowledge of base oil refining processes and the overall base oil industry
- Senior executives who are new to base oils or finished lubricants
