Base Oil SN500: Properties and Applications

Base Oil SN500 is a high-viscosity Group I base oil derived from solvent refining of crude oil. It is widely used in manufacturing automotive lubricants, industrial oils, greases, and other petroleum-based products. With a viscosity grade higher than SN150 but lower than SN650, SN500 strikes a balance between fluidity and film strength, making it suitable for both light and moderate-load applications.

In this post, we break down the properties, applications, and benefits of SN500 to help you determine if it’s the right base stock for your formulations.

🧪 What is Base Oil SN500?

SN500 stands for Solvent Neutral 500, indicating its production method and viscosity class. As a Group I base oil, SN500 is refined using solvent extraction and dewaxing processes, and typically has moderate aromatic and sulfur content. It offers a viscosity of 10.5–11.5 cSt at 100°C, making it ideal for blending with additives to produce durable lubricants.

📊 Technical Properties of SN500

Properties of Base Oil SN500

Base Oil SN500 is classified as a Group I base oil according to the American Petroleum Institute (API). It is characterized by the following properties:

Viscosity:

Base Oil SN500 has a relatively higher viscosity compared to other base oil grades. It falls within the viscosity range of 400 to 800 centistokes (cSt) at 40°C.

Color:

It has a darker color compared to lighter grades of base oil, such as SN150. The color of Base Oil SN500 can range from light yellow to amber.

Flash Point:

The flash point of SN500 is typically above 200°C, indicating its high resistance to ignition.

Pour Point:

The pour point of Base Oil SN500 is relatively higher compared to lighter grades of base oil. This makes it suitable for applications in moderate to high-temperature environments.

Applications of Base Oil SN500

Base Oil SN500 is widely used in various industries and applications due to its unique properties. Some of its common applications include:

🚗 1. Automotive Engine Oils

✅ SN500 is widely used in formulating motor oils, particularly for diesel and gasoline engines in warmer climates where higher viscosity is advantageous.

Base Oil SN500 finds application in the automotive industry, where it is used in the production of heavy-duty engine oils, transmission fluids, and gear oils for commercial vehicles and heavy machinery. Its properties, such as high viscosity and thermal stability, make it ideal for lubricating components that undergo intense stress and operate at elevated temperatures.

⚙️ 2. Gear and Transmission Fluids

✅ Offers the right balance of flowability and film strength, making it ideal for manual transmission oils and gear lubricants.

Base Oil SN500 serves as a key ingredient in the production of lubricants. It is commonly used in the formulation of heavy-duty engine oils, industrial oils, marine lubricants, and gear oils. Its higher viscosity and thermal stability make it suitable for applications that require lubrication under heavy loads and high-temperature conditions.

🧴 3. Lubricating Greases

✅ Used as a base stock for calcium, lithium, and aluminum-based greases for general industrial and automotive use.

🏭 4. Industrial Oils

✅ Applied in hydraulic systems, compressor oils, and circulating oils, especially in systems operating at moderate temperatures.

SN500 is utilized in various industrial applications, including hydraulic systems, metalworking fluids, and power generation equipment. Its higher viscosity allows for effective lubrication and protection of machinery components under heavy loads and demanding operating conditions.

🧪 5. Metalworking Fluids and Process Oils

✅ Offers good additive solubility and thermal stability, making it suitable for metal forming, cutting, and rolling processes.

Base Oil SN500 is often used as a blending component with other base oils to achieve desired viscosity and performance characteristics. By blending with lighter or heavier base oils, lubricant manufacturers can customize the properties of the final product to suit specific applications.

✅ Benefits of SN500

• 🌡️ Thermal Stability – Performs well at elevated temperatures

• 🔄 High Viscosity – Provides strong lubrication under load

• 💧 Good Additive Compatibility – Blends easily with performance enhancers

• 🧽 Oxidation Resistance – Resists sludge and varnish formation

• 💸 Cost-Effective – More affordable than synthetic or Group II alternatives

Load Carrying Capacity: Base Oil SN500 offers excellent load-carrying capacity, making it suitable for applications that involve heavy loads and extreme pressures. It forms a protective film between moving parts, reducing friction and wear.

Thermal Stability:

SN500 exhibits good thermal stability, allowing it to maintain its viscosity and lubricating properties even under high-temperature conditions. This ensures reliable lubrication and protects machinery components from heat-related damage.

Oxidation Resistance:

SN500 has good oxidation resistance, which helps prevent the formation of sludge and deposits. This prolongs the life of the lubricant and reduces the need for frequent oil changes.

Cost-Effectiveness:

SN500 is a cost-effective option compared to higher-grade base oils. It provides a balance between performance and affordability, making it a preferred choice for applications that require higher viscosity and load-carrying capacity.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Base Oil SN500

1. ❔ What type of base oil is SN500?

🧪 SN500 is a Group I base oil, derived from petroleum crude oil using solvent refining.

2. ❔ What is the difference between SN150 and SN500?

📊 SN500 has a higher viscosity than SN150, making it more suitable for heavier-duty applications or blending into thicker lubricants.

3. ❔ Can SN500 be used in grease formulations?

✅ Yes, it’s commonly used in the production of lubricating greases due to its good thickener compatibility and flow behavior.

4. ❔ Is SN500 suitable for cold temperatures?

🌡️ SN500 is better suited for moderate to warm climates. For cold climates, lower viscosity base oils or synthetic alternatives are recommended.

5. ❔ What additives are blended with SN500?

🔬 Common additives include anti-wear agents, detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, and viscosity index improvers.

🏁 Conclusion

Base Oil SN500 is a trusted and versatile Group I base stock, especially valued in the lubricant and grease manufacturing sectors. Its balanced viscosity, high solvency, and compatibility with a wide range of additives make it a preferred option for cost-effective formulations. Whether you’re producing engine oils, industrial lubricants, or metalworking fluids, SN500 offers a reliable foundation for performance and durability.

📣 Call to PARS Universal Bitumen

👉 Looking for Premium Base Oil SN500 for Your Industry?

We in Pars Universal Bitumen, supply high-purity SN500 base oil ideal for lubricants, greases, and industrial oils.

📞 Contact our technical team for specs, MSDS, or pricing.

🛒 Explore SN500 Options Now →Pars Universal Bitumen: Base Oil Quote

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