Introduction of PAO Base oil
Release time：2018-09-29 Views：517
PAO Process and current situation
Poly-α-olefins (PAO) is Group Ⅳ synthetic base oils, raw material ethylene derived from gas or natural gas dispersed in crude oil, then synthesized into large-molecular base oils by polymerization, catalysis and other complicated chemical reactions. It is an ideal base oil for the preparation of high-grade, special lubricants.
At present, PAO production process are mainly olefin oligomerization, often use low molecular olefin as raw materials, such as ethylene, then with an oligomerized product C8-C12 olefin (preferably 1-decene) as an intermediate. PAO is produced after polymerization, catalyst separation, hydrogenation and fractionation with raw material α-olefin. The production process can be carried out in two steps: the first step is the polymerization of olefins, according to different viscosity of lubricating oil to be produced, different catalysts and polymerization conditions such as BF3 and Ziegar-Natta are used to polymerize to form dimers and trimers. , tetramer, pentamer, etc.; the second step is metal nickel or palladium as a catalyst, hydrogenation of saturated double bonds, improve oil chemical stability and oxidation stability. Paraffin cracking and ethylene oligomerization are mainly used in industrial production. ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips, INEOS and other companies have their own patented technology.
Supply of PAO raw material 1-Decene
Currently total worldwide capacity of 1-decene is about 500,000 tons/year, while total demand is about 650,000 tons/year. Main manufacturers are Chevron Philips, Shell, INEOS and other companies. Due to the changes in current energy industry situation, some of the refineries have lowered ethylene production, and the planned project of new 1-decene plants have been delayed. In China, only a small amount of wax cracking products are used to produce synthetic lubricants, and the demand are mainly rely on imports.
Current Market situation of PAO
In recent years, along with the faster upgrade of lubricating oil, the market demand for high-end lubricant products has driven the rapid growth of demand for PAO base oil. Meanwhile, the PAO base oil supply has not been significantly improved due to the production capacity limitation of its main raw material 1-Decene. Current PAO availability is about 605,000 tons/year, of which low viscosity PAO is about 457,000 tons/year, high viscosity is 148,000 tons/year. The current global PAO production is mainly concentrated in chemical giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron Philips, INEOS, Chemtura (acquired by LANXESS).
At present, most domestic PAOs rely on imports. Only part of them are domestically produced by wax cracking. On the other hand, another PAO process Fischer-Tropsch coal to olefin has been put into production, and the products have been promoted to market applications.
Characteristics of PAO
Characteristics
PAO high thermal oxidation stability is 3 times or more of mineral oil (Group I, II, III base oil), pour point is -50 ° C or -60 ° C lower than mineral oil. It has great high/low temperature performance and a wide operating temperature range. Maintaining a good viscosity index in a wide temperature range, allows the engine to be easily and safely started in cold weather and maximizes engine protection at high speeds and high loads. Higher flow and penetration than mineral oil.
No chemical changes (oxidation, immersion wax, etc.) that impair practical properties occur during engine operation, even at very high temperature,
There’s very small possibility to have a transparent, strong, non-melting film formed by oxides on surface.
When working temperature is above 100°C, it still maintains a very high viscosity index, so the oil film does not destroy the optimal thermal state, thereby reducing the overall mechanical loss of the engine, lower part wear and fuel consumption. It is easy flow and can reduce the power loss caused by friction; Beside, it also allows the engine to work normally at -40 °C.It is the most promising synthetic lubricant base oil, energy-saving, environmental protection, it can extend oil change intervals and mechanical life, with mileage of more than 30,000 kilometers. Low volatility at high temperature, high flash point and high ignition point, safe use, low evaporation rate, less coking, excellent anti-emulsification and anti-foaming properties, good electrical properties and thermal stability. Chemically stable, non-toxic, non-irritating, and better socioeconomic performance. It can meet the requirements of modern upscale low-viscosity multi-grade engine oils that are energy-saving and environmentally demanding.
Applications of PAO
It is the ideal base oil used for modulation of high-grade, special lubricants oils, high/low temperature aviation lubricants, high/low temperature grease, cold and medium cold engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic oil, refrigeration oil, automatic transmission fluid, high viscosity aviation lubricant oil, CNC machine tool oil, air compressor oil, long life lubricant oil, transformer oil, insulating oil, high pressure switch oil, metalworking fluid, heat transfer oil, etc.
NCMC has long-term sound cooperation relationship with Chevron Philips, and now is distributing PAO and olefin products for CP in China, we welcome much for your inquiries!
