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are relatively small, but they increase supply chain complexity. Blenders are challenged with optimising formulations across the complete product line. This may require three or four base stocks and over 20 additives. For many applications Group I can be replaced by Group II with the added benefit of reducing additive treat rate and/or extending lubricant life.
Group II/II+ base oils are proving to be a very good alternative for Europe. Blenders can meet new specifications while substantially reducing the % of Group III in automotive engine oil formulations across their product line.
Group II based formulations have performed better than Group I/III formulations in reducing NOx and particulates whilst maintaining the functionality of emission control systems in HDMO applications. Additionally, this helps protect engine life and extends drain intervals.
Figure 5: Despite local production, European blenders require significant Group II base oil imports to satisfy shifts in product demand and business optimisation
Figure 4: Because Group II has a viscosity range similar to Group I, but much better purity, industrial oils blended with Group II may have higher performance and extended drain intervals
Group II has high purity and low SAPS quality – comparable to Group III. For the majority of AEO formulations, Group III can be minimised or reduced all together when Group II is used.
For HDMO, Group II offers the necessary viscosity to protect heavy duty engines whilst having the purity necessary for low and mid SAPS requirements. This enhances formulating flexibility, while helping optimise cost, particularly when Group III supply is tight.
In support of Europe’s Green Deal, industrial applications are tightening standards and now require Group II. With Group II/II+ in tank, formulators have more flexibility when Group III is in tight supply.
Group II Improves Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) over Group I
In all applications that require Group II base oils for technical demand, there is a gain in oil life, so less oil is consumed and there is less oil for disposal. The same is true in Group II advantaged applications, applications where performance or cost improve, but the use is not required.
12 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.161 FEBRUARY 2021 Summary
Globally, tightening environmental regulations coupled with significant increases in premium base oil capacity, have led to a significant reduction in Group I production. In Europe, since 2010, nearly 2,000 kt/y of capacity have exited the market.
Group II now exceeds Group I in production globally. The 2016 announcement of the IMO 2020 regulation and Europe’s Green Deal accelerated Group I plant reductions and closures, and the recent pandemic could drive even more closures.
European lubricant blenders will likely replace 50-70% of the lost Group I supply with Group II base oils.
Group II base oils help enable formulation optimisation for tightening specifications while helping blenders meet requirements in the European Green Deal. Growing supply availability and reliability are making Group II base oils the bedrock of the European lubricant market.
LINK
www.chevronbaseoils.com
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