by Naphthenic base oils are a type of synthetic lubricant that provides excellent oxidative stability and low-temperature fluidity. They are refined from selected stocks of naphthenic crude oils that naturally contain relatively low levels of aromatic hydrocarbons and high levels of naphthenic and paraffinic components. This composition allows naphthenic base oils to perform well in high- and low-temperature applications.
Sources of Naphthenic Crude Oil
The primary sources of Global Naphthenic Base Oil oils are in Western Canada and Venezuela. The oil sands of Alberta, Canada contain large deposits of bitumen, a highly viscous form of petroleum. Special extraction processes are needed to recover the bitumen and upgrade it into synthetic crude oil. Several large oil sands projects run by companies like Suncor Energy and Canadian Natural Resources produce thousands of barrels per day of synthetic crude.
In Venezuela, specific regions like the Orinoco Belt are rich in extra heavy crude oils with high naphthenic content. State-owned Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) operates projects to extract and upgrade these crudes. Together, Canada and Venezuela account for the vast majority of global naphthenic crude oil production. Other smaller sources include fields in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Refining Process for Naphthenic Base Oils
The extraction and upgrading of naphthenic crude oil yields synthetic blends that still require further refining to produce naphthenic base oils. The key refining steps include:
– Vacuum distillation – Heating the crude under vacuum separates it into various fractions like naphtha, kerosene and gas oil.
– Solvent extraction – A solvent like furfural or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone selectively dissolves aromatic compounds from the feedstock.
– Dewaxing – Chilling the oil removes high molecular weight waxy components.
– Hydrotreating – Passing the feed over catalysts in hydrogen atmosphere removes sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen.
– Solvent refining – A final solvent treatment polishes the oil to achieve the desired properties.
Major refineries equipped to produce naphthenic base oils through these processes are located in Canada, Venezuela, China, India and other countries. Leading refiners include Nynas, Ergon, Repsol and Panama Petrochemicals.
Due to their chemical structure and refining process, naphthenic base oils demonstrate superior performance in various applications:
– Metalworking fluids – As emulsifiable cutting and grinding fluids, naphthenic oils penetrate parts and protect against corrosion.
– Rubber processing – Used in compounds for tire manufacturing and other rubber goods production.
– Industrial gear oils – Suitable for circulatory systems in mining, steel and other heavy industries.
– Transformer oils – Effective electric insulation and cooling in utility transformers.
The global naphthenic base oil market size was estimated at $2.3 billion in 2019. Demand growth has largely been driven by increasing industrial activity in developing nations. The metalworking industry in China and other Asian countries is a major consumer. High-grade fluids manufacturers also prefer naphthenic oils for applications requiring oxidation stability.
Strict environmental regulations have increased adoption of more thermally stable, non-toxic naphthenic oils as substitutes for older products. The market is projected to expand at around 4% annually through 2025. North America and Europe currently account for over half of total consumption but emerging regions like Latin America and the Middle East are notable new markets.
Supply Concerns and Alternatives
While naphthenic crude supplies in Canada and Venezuela remain substantial, production challenges have impacted some refiners in recent times. Upgrading costs from Canada’s oil sands have risen due to lower natural bitumen reserves and higher energy consumption. PDVSA’s financial troubles and U.S. sanctions have constrained Venezuelan output. These factors have temporarily inflated naphthenic base oil prices.
Alternative base oils gaining consideration include Group I, II and III PAOs (polyalphaolefins), esters and GTL (gas-to-liquids) products. However, most synthetic options are significantly more expensive than naphthenic oils. Refiners are exploring yield improvements through new solvent systems and unit modifications to mitigate tight supply. Importantly, the intrinsic characteristics of naphthenic base oils still make them preferred choices in the key market segments.
With unique oxidative stability and low-temperature properties, naphthenic base oils have become vital industrial lubricants globally. While recent supply issues have affected some refiners, upgraded extraction from Canadian oil sands combined with Venezuela’s large reserves ensure long-term availability. As developing markets drive further demand growth, naphthenic base oil producers are making investments to boost yields and competitiveness. Overall, the future remains bright for this important industrial material produced from select naphthenic crude sources.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
