Neutral Base Oils

Jagat Jani

June 9, 2025

The Core of Industrial Motion: Neutral Base Oils

Base oils are classified into different types based on their source and refining process. Base oils are categorized as “N” (Neutral) and “SN” (Solvent Neutral) based on their refining process. “SN” base oils undergo solvent extraction, making them purer and higher in quality compared to “N” base oils, which are less refined and may contain more impurities.

  • N (Neutral): These base oils undergo basic refining like distillation but lack solvent extraction, resulting in slightly higher impurities and a lower viscosity index.

Base Oil – N500

 

Base Oil N500 is a Group II base oil that falls under the API Base Oil Group II classification, known for its improved performance characteristics compared to Group I oils. It is commonly used as a base stock in the formulation of automotive and industrial lubricants.

Specifications:

  • Appearance: Clear & Bright
  • Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 10 – 12 cSt
  • Viscosity Index: ≥ 95–105 cSt
  • Flash Point: Minimum 220°C
  • Pour Point: Minimum -9°C
  • Density at 15°C: 0.850 – 0.880  g/cm³
  • Aniline Point: 90 – 100°C

 

Importance of – N500

Group II N500 base oil holds a strategic position in the lubricant industry due to its performance advantages and compliance with environmental regulations.

Enhanced Oxidation Stability

The high level of saturates and low sulfur content (≤0.03%) ensures excellent oxidation resistance, extending oil life and reducing sludge formation.

Higher Viscosity Index (VI)

A Viscosity Index of around 95–105 means better performance across a wide temperature range, improving the reliability of lubricants in both hot and cold environments

Lower Emissions & Eco-Friendliness

  • Low sulfur and aromatic content help in meeting stricter emission norms, supporting the shift toward cleaner lubricants.
  • Cost-Effective Alternative to Group III Oils
  • Offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a preferred option in many lubricant formulations where Group III might be too expensive.

 

Global Availability

Due to wide refining capacity and hydrocracking technology, Group II oils like N500 are readily available in the global market.

Applications of N500 Group II Base Oil

Base Oil N500, a Group II base oil, is widely used in the formulation of high-performance lubricants. Due to its higher viscosity and excellent oxidative stability, N500 serves as a critical component in both automotive and industrial applications.

1. Automotive Lubricants

 Passenger Car Motor Oils (PCMO)
Used for blending multigrade engine oils that require thermal stability and low deposit formation.

 Heavy-Duty Engine Oils (HDEO)

Ideal for diesel engines in commercial vehicles that operate under high temperature and load conditions.

Gear Oils

Provides lubrication to transmission systems and gearboxes, especially under heavy load and high-pressure environments.

Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF)

Acts as a base for transmission fluid formulations due to its balance of viscosity and thermal properties.

2. Industrial Lubricants

 Hydraulic Oils

Used in hydraulic systems to ensure smooth movement, reduced wear, and high load-carrying performance.

 Compressor Oils

Ensures clean operation in air and gas compressors, with good resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation.

 Turbine Oils

Provides long-life performance in steam and gas turbines by resisting oxidation and sludge formation.

  Industrial Gear Oils

Suitable for enclosed gear systems in manufacturing and processing equipment.

3. Metalworking Fluids

Acts as a base for emulsifiable oils and neat cutting oils used in machining operations like cutting, drilling, and forming.

4. Process Oils

Used as a blending component in manufacturing rubber, plastics, adhesives, sealants, and inks.

5. Marine and Railroad Engine Oils

Used in the formulation of oils that operate under extreme temperature and pressure conditions found in marine and rail applications.

6. Transformer Oils (After Further Treatment)

It can be refined further to meet the requirements for use as transformer insulating oil.

 

Base Oil- N150

 

Base Oil N150 is a light neutral Group II base oil with a lower viscosity than N500. It is widely used in the production of high-quality lubricants that require excellent thermal and oxidative stability, especially for automotive, industrial, and hydraulic applications.

It is a Group II base oil which has undergone solvent refining and dewaxing processes. To finish the refining it was hydrogen treated to clear out any impurities. 

Specifications:

  • Appearance: Clear & Bright
  • Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C: 4.5 – 5.5 cSt
  • Viscosity Index: ≥ 95–115 cSt
  • Flash Point: Minimum 195°C
  • Pour Point: Minimum -9°C
  • Density at 15°C: 0.870 – 0.890  g/cm³

Importance of Neutral Base Oil N150 (Group II)

Base Oil N150 is a light neutral, Group II base oil that plays a crucial role in the formulation of high-performance lubricants. Its importance stems from a unique blend of chemical purity, low viscosity, and superior thermal stability—qualities that are increasingly in demand in modern lubrication systems.

1. Excellent Low-Temperature Performance

  • With low viscosity (~28–32 cSt @ 40°C) and a pour point as low as -15°C, N150 ensures smooth flow and quick start-up lubrication in cold environments. Ideal for formulating low-viscosity lubricants that meet modern engine efficiency demands.

2. High Oxidation Stability

  • Produced through hydrocracking (Group II process), N150 has high saturates and low sulfur content. This improves oxidation resistance, prolongs lubricant life, and minimizes sludge and varnish formation.

3. Environmental Compliance

  • Low sulfur content (<0.03%) makes it more environmentally friendly and suitable for use in low-emission lubricant formulations. It supports OEM requirements and regulatory standards like API SN, ACEA, and Euro emissions norms.

4. Compatibility in Blending

  • Acts as a versatile blending stock, often used with viscosity improvers or heavier base oils (like N500) to produce a wide range of lubricants. It enhances formulation flexibility and cost-effectiveness for lubricant manufacturers.

5. Cost-Effective Performance

  • Offers near-Group III performance at a lower cost, making it a popular choice in mid-range to premium lubricant applications. It is ideal for formulators aiming to balance cost, performance, and environmental compliance.

 

Industrial Applications of N150

1. Hydraulic Fluids

Used in hydraulic systems of manufacturing and processing equipment.

2. Compressor Oils

Suitable for use in rotary and reciprocating air compressors.

3. Turbine Oils

Used in steam and gas turbines.

4. Circulating Oils

Ideal for textile machinery, paper mills, and printing equipment.

5. Transformer and Insulating Fluids (after further purification)

  • Can be refined to meet electrical-grade oil standards.

6. Metalworking Fluids (light-duty)

  • Acts as a base for cutting, grinding, and forming oils.

7. Additive Carriers and Blending Stock

  • Used as a carrier fluid for additives or as a blending component in industrial lubricants.

 

Conclusion

N 500 and N 150 are both Group II mineral base oils derived from crude oil refining. N500 is a heavy neutral base oil, suited for high-viscosity formulations like heavy-duty engine oils, gear oils, and industrial lubricants where enhanced film strength and load-carrying capacity are required.

Base Oil N150 plays an essential role in various industrial sectors that demand low viscosity, high stability, and long-lasting lubrication. Its clean, hydroprocessed composition ensures reliable and efficient performance, making it a cornerstone in hydraulic systems, compressors, turbines, and more.

Why Peliswan?

We Peliswan Impex, consistently supply Group II base oils (like N150 and N500) that meet or exceed API standards. We ensure guaranteed stock availability and fast turnaround for orders. We are trusted by repeat customers across domestic markets. We have a strong logistics network that ensures on-time deliveries, even in high-demand markets.