Almost every lubricant used in plants today started off as just a base oil. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has categorized base oils into five categories. The first three groups are refined from petroleum crude oil. Group four base oils are full synthetic (polyalphaolefin) oils. Group five is for all other base oils not included in Groups one to four.

Group I

Group I base oils are classified as less than 90 percent saturates, greater than 0.03 percent sulfur and with a viscosity-index range of 80 to 120. The temperature ranges from 32 to 150 degrees F. Group I base oils are solvent-refined, which is a simpler refining process.

Group II

Group II base oils are defined as being more than 90 percent saturates, less than 0.03 percent sulfur and with a viscosity index of 80 to 120. They are the most commonly used base oils in plants, making up 47 percent of the capacity of plants. Currently, Group III accounts for less than 1 percent of the capacity in plants. Group I base oils previously made up 56 percent of the capacity, compared to 28 percent of the capacity in today’s plants.

Group III

Group III base oils are greater than 90 percent saturates, less than 0.03 percent sulfur and have a viscosity index above 120. These oils are refined even more than Group II base oils and generally are severely hydrocracked (higher pressure and heat). This longer process is designed to achieve a purer base oil.

Group IV

Group IV base oils are polyalphaolefins (PAOs). These synthetic base oils are made through synthesizing. They have a much broader temperature range and are great for use in extreme cold conditions and high heat applications.

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