TABLE OF CONTENTS There is a constant effort by both the supplier and consumer of lubricants to reduce the number of grades in use. The various lubricant requirements of plant not only limit the extent of this rationalization but also create the continuing need for a large number of grades with different characteristics.
It is not possible to make lubricants directly from crude oil that will meet all these demands. Instead, the refinery produces a few basic oils and these are then blended in varying proportions, together with additives when necessary, to produce an oil with the particular characteristics required. In some instances the continued increase in plant performance is creating demands on the lubricant which are at the limit of the inherent physical characteristics of mineral oil. Where the operational benefit justifies the cost, the use of synthetic base stocks is being developed. Where these are considered for existing plant, seal and paint compatibility needs to be reviewed before such products are introduced. The problems which face the lubricant supplier can best be illustrated by looking at the requirements of certain important applications.
