Syntehtic Oil

 

Synthetic oils
Synthetic oils are man made or synthesized oils by chemical processing considering the need of specific application demand. There are around 6 types of synthetic base stocks available to formulate synthetic lubricants. Selection of the base stock is mostly depending upon the specific demands, needs of the application.
Compositional difference between synthetic oil & mineral oil
The conventional petroleum base oils contain impurities such as wax, sulfur and asphaltic materials responsible for detonation. These contain adversely affects on the performance of lubricants. Sulfur content increase the rate of corrosion asphaltic & wax materials also result into the build up of sludge and varnishes on the surfaces. These deposits reduce the performance of entire system resulting into poor through put with respect to power, speed, noise, early damage of oils.
Synthetic oils have extremely low wax content; they are free from asphalt & sulfur contents

Pour Point – Mineral Base Lubricants Vs Synthetic Lubricants
Pour Point: Lowest temperature at which fluid can flow easily the pour point of a oil is the lowest temperature at which oil becomes viscous to semi solid & losses it's flow characteristics.
Petroleum or mineral base lubricants have wax, sulfur contents hence they have very low pour points hence can not be used for low temperature lubrication.

Flash Points Mineral Oils Vs Synthetic Oil
Petroleum base lubricants have lower flash points hence are dangerous for high temperature applications.
Most of the synthetic oils have higher flash points hence can be used safely for high temperature application.
Volatility: Mineral Vs Synthetic Oil
Mineral base lubricants which have petroleum base oils content light to medium volatile fractions at high temperatures these fractions are volatilized & remaining oils at normal temperature becomes viscous. Performance of the petroleum base lubricants at long run, or at high temperatures is poor.
Most of the synthetic oils are low volatiles.

Viscosity Index Synthetic Oils Vs Mineral Oils

Oil’s resistance to viscosity change with temperature is known as the Viscosity Index (VI).
Viscosity is inversely proportional to temperature that is when temperature increases viscosity of fluid decreases & when temperature decreases viscosity of fluid increases. While in lubrication due to friction temperature increases & petroleum base lubrications looses its viscosity causing poor lubrication which again increases temperature. Hence oils which have higher viscosity index perform much better as compare to low viscosity index oils.

Synthetic lubricants has high viscosity index resulting in much better performance in critical low or high temperature applications even they perform extremely well at normal temperatures. Higher the viscosity index more the resistance to change the viscosity.

Shear Stability Mineral Vs Synthetic oils
Mineral oils have less shear stability as compare to synthetic oils

Advantages of Synthetic oils over mineral oils

  • Synthetic oil provides superior mechanical and chemical properties over traditional mineral base lubricants.
  • Due to high viscosity index of synthetic oil they perform exceptionally well in extreme thermal cycles
  • Synthetic oil offer improved hydrolytic stability in critical lubrication applications.
  • Synthetic oil provides superior oxidative stability over wide temperature range. Synthetic oil delivers improved water moisture, water tolerance & excellent protection against corrosion.
  • Synthetic oil provides natural detergency in reciprocating or rotary lubrication.
  • Synthetic oil does not form deposits of varnishes or polymers.
  • Performance of synthetic oil in humid environment is excellent due to their chemical potency to resist oxidation.
  • Synthetic oil does not form deposits of varnishes or polymers
  • Under serve atmospheric conditions synthetic oil provides more & efficient wear protection for longer periods.
  • Synthetic oil has very low wax content hence posses’ high pour points hence synthetic oils are extremely suitable for low temperature lubrication.
  • Due to higher flash points of synthetic oil as compare to petroleum base oils synthetic oil reduces risk of fire & explosion
  • Synthetic oil has very low evaporation loss at high temperatures so no topping up required. Synthetic oils offer extended re-lubrication intervals
  • Synthetic oil have lower tendency to form deposits, residues & sludge. Synthetic oil offers improved viscosity temperature performance; hence synthetic oil reduces wear & tear of parts in high temperature applications.
  • Synthetic oil reduces total drag of the system, hence synthetic oil improves throughput of the system,
  • Synthetic oil offers energy/power saving.
  • Due to high oxidation resistance Synthetic oil offers high oil drain intervals.
  • Synthetic oil has excellent chemical stability so perform well in chemical environments.
  • Synthetic oil also exhibit superior demulsibility.