WORLD WIDE BASE STOCK TRENDS

Significant changes in the performance requirements of finished lubricants is having a pronounced impact on the quality and manufacturing approach for base stocks, the building block for these products. Separation processing is no longer capable of producing high yields of premium base stocks and is rapidly being replaced with hydroprocessing. Isoparaffins are the most desirable component because of their high Viscosity Index, low pour point and excellent stability. This paper will discuss industry trends and the drive towards higher quality base stocks. Manufacturing options are discussed and examples presented to demonstrate the performance of these premium base stocks.