Lubricant Processes and Synthetic Lubricants

Complex petroleum mixtures are separated in refineries by volatility and solubility to make useful products. Extraction based on solubility is a primary method in manufacturing of lubricant products. The main processes involve solvent deasphating, extraction to remove aromatics to improve viscosity index, and dewaxing to improve pour point. Instead of solvent, wax can be removed by catalytic hydroprocessing. To greatly improve the performance and to meet tougher specifications, synthetic lubricant oils are made. Finished or formulated lube oils contain two components: base oil (base stock) and additives.