of electrified systems like hybrid transmission lines and high-power electrical motors.


5


You have been at Nynas for over a decade and are also involved in developing some of its products made using renewable mate- rials; what has enabled Nynas to achieve this


success? I would say that a good combination of technical skills, market outlook understanding, and a clear sense of thought leadership creates fertile ground for new and disruptive ideas and product innovation.


6


Nynas is big on Naphthenic products; what is the difference between naphthenic and paraffinic products? All types of base oils contain different amounts of


molecular structures or carbon types that are called paraffinic, naphthenic, or aromatic. Depending on the relative ratios of these, a base oil will be called aromatic, naphthenic, or paraffinic. So, it is a question of degree difference rather than these being chemically totally different. As a naphthenic refiner, we would select a crude that is different from a fuel refiner, for example. The finished base oils differ in many ways; for example, the solvency is much higher in a naphthenic base oil than in a paraffinic base oil of the same viscosity. In general, Group I paraffinic base oils are closer to naphthenic base oils property-wise, and Group III and Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are more different.


7


Looking at the electrical industry, what are some of the unique requirements in terms of lubrication?


In the electrical industry, special transformer oils are


utilized. These are dielectric fluids that provide electrical insulation and thermal cooling in addition to lubrication. There are some types of moving parts in mechanical switches that need to be sufficiently well lubricated. But the stringent requirement on low electrical conductivity precludes the usage of almost all the typical oil additives we love using in all other lubricants! Thus, the transformer oils must be kept clean and dry across the whole


Electrification of industries and transportation value chains is picking up speed, as this is the favored route to achieve decarbonization on a massive scale.


value chain from production to delivery to a power transformer at a site fill.


8


As a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), how does the organization contribute to the better- ment of the lubricants industry?


STLE has several vital roles. It is a hub for technical expertise and the source of important technical publications. It hosts networking events, conferences, training, and more. Through interactions, members are inspired, guided, and given answers. This is a very useful aid to anyone in the industry, especially a newcomer. I would strongly recommend getting a membership!


9


Sustainability has become a big topic in the lubricants industry. How would you rate the strides being made and efforts being made to achieve this?


The rate of change in the last few years has been quite impressive. Sustainability was a small specialty. Only five years ago, very few people in the company would work actively with sustainability issues, tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and reporting on specific product application development. By now, as large and mid-size companies are required to make yearly sustainability reports, it is suddenly becoming a requirement for many roles across a company. Sustainability is utilized actively in marketing, auditing, and certification through different eco-labels and as a core input into product design.


10


All types of base oils contain different amounts of molecular structures or carbon types that are called paraffinic, naphthenic, or aromatic. Depending on the relative ratios of these, a base oil will be called aromatic, naphthenic, or paraffinic.


MARCH 2024 | LUBEZINE MAGAZINE


What is the outlook for business growth in the areas of base oils and transformer oils? Could you also comment on the impact of


E-mobility on the future of transformer oils? Electrification of industries and transportation value chains is picking up speed, as this is the favored route to achieve decarboni- zation on a massive scale. This requires a substantial investment in the electrical grid, which means a more significant demand for transformer oils. For electrical generation needs, lubricants for wind turbines, hydropower, and nuclear power will continue to grow. E-mobility will continue to grow, gradually diminishing the demand for engine oils. But this is a long and slow process. Lubricants will continue to be critical for all types of technology, and the opportunities are many! .


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