Base oil SN500 is a medium-viscosity solvent neutral base oil widely used in the production of automotive and industrial lubricants. It offers a strong balance between viscosity, thermal stability, and additive compatibility, which makes it ideal for engine oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, and greases. Thanks to its stable performance under pressure and heat, base oil SN500 helps extend equipment life, reduce wear, and maintain smooth operation in demanding conditions. For lubricant manufacturers looking for dependable quality, cost efficiency, and consistent supply, this grade remains one of the most practical choices in the global market.
Base oil SN500 is a Group I solvent-refined base oil produced from crude oil through controlled refining processes. The “SN” stands for Solvent Neutral, while “500” refers to its viscosity range. This grade typically has a kinematic viscosity of about 28–32 cSt at 40°C, placing it in the medium-viscosity category.
Because of its molecular structure, SN500 offers good solvency, which allows additives to dissolve easily and perform effectively. This feature is especially important for lubricant formulations that require detergents, antioxidants, anti-wear agents, and viscosity improvers.
In simple terms, base oil SN500 acts as the foundation of many lubricants, giving them strength, stability, and long service life.
Manufacturers produce base oil SN500 through solvent refining, one of the traditional and widely used base oil production methods.
The process includes:
Atmospheric and vacuum distillation of crude oil
Solvent extraction to remove unwanted aromatics
Dewaxing to improve low-temperature behavior
Finishing steps to improve stability and color
This method creates a base oil with good lubrication properties, reliable viscosity, and acceptable oxidation resistance for many industrial and automotive applications.
Base oil SN500 remains popular because it meets three critical needs at the same time:
Performance – Stable lubrication under load and heat
Flexibility – Works in many lubricant formulations
Cost efficiency – More affordable than higher-group base oils
As a result, lubricant blenders often choose SN500 to balance quality and price without sacrificing reliability.
Base oil SN500 supports a wide range of applications across different industries.
Automotive Lubricants
Manufacturers use it in:
Gasoline engine oils
Diesel engine oils
Commercial vehicle lubricants
Its viscosity helps maintain oil film strength and protect engines under heavy loads.
Industrial Oils
SN500 works well in:
Hydraulic oils
Circulating oils
Compressor oils
It ensures smooth power transfer and reduces internal friction.
Gear Oils
Due to its thickness and stability, SN500 performs well in industrial and automotive gear oil formulations.
Marine Lubricants
Marine engines and auxiliary equipment benefit from its thermal stability and additive compatibility.
Greases and Process Oils
SN500 serves as a base stock for:
Industrial greases
Metalworking fluids
Textile lubricants
Because of this wide application range, SN500 is considered a multi-purpose base oil.
Technical Benefits
Stable viscosity under pressure
Good thermal and oxidation resistance
Strong oil film for wear protection
Excellent solvency for additives
Commercial Benefits
Widely available in global markets
Competitive pricing
Easy blending with other base oils
Reliable performance history
These advantages make SN500 a trusted option for both large lubricant producers and smaller blenders.
Below are typical values for this grade. Actual figures may vary slightly by refinery.
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C | 28 – 32 cSt |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C | 4.8 – 5.5 cSt |
| Viscosity Index | 95 – 105 |
| Flash Point (COC) | ≥ 220°C |
| Pour Point | -6°C to -9°C |
| Density @ 15°C | ~0.89 g/cm³ |
| Color (ASTM) | L 1.5 – 2.0 |
| Sulfur Content | Low |
These properties support stable operation across a wide temperature range.
Understanding how SN500 compares helps buyers choose correctly.
SN150 vs SN500
BASE OIL SN150 is lighter and flows faster
SN500 offers stronger film strength and load protection
SN300 vs SN500
SN300 balances flow and thickness
SN500 performs better in heavy-duty applications
SN500 vs Group II Base Oils
Group II oils have lower sulfur and higher purity
SN500 offers better solvency and lower cost
For many applications, SN500 remains the most practical choice.
Suppliers usually offer base oil SN500 in multiple packaging formats:
Bulk tankers
Flexitanks
IBC totes
208-liter steel drums
Each shipment typically includes:
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
This ensures quality control and regulatory compliance.
Proper storage keeps the oil clean and usable.
Store in a dry, covered area
Keep containers sealed
Avoid water and dust contamination
Protect from direct sunlight
Use clean transfer equipment
Following these steps preserves oil quality and extends shelf life.
The global lubricant industry continues to rely heavily on SN500. Demand remains strong in regions with growing automotive fleets and industrial activity, including:
Middle East
Africa
Asia
Eastern Europe
Because of rising equipment usage and infrastructure growth, consistent access to this grade remains essential.
Basekim supplies base oil SN500 from refineries in the UAE and Turkey, supporting customers with stable quality, export documentation, and efficient logistics.
Buyers choose SN500 because it:
Works in many formulations
Reduces formulation risks
Keeps production costs under control
Delivers predictable results
For blenders, predictability is just as important as performance.
Base oil SN500 remains a cornerstone of the lubricant industry. Its balanced viscosity, strong additive compatibility, and reliable thermal stability make it suitable for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications. By offering dependable performance at a reasonable cost, it helps manufacturers produce high-quality lubricants without unnecessary complexity.
Basekim supports global buyers with consistent SN500 supply, strict quality control, and professional export services—making sourcing simple, reliable, and efficient.
It is mainly used in lubricants like engine oils, hydraulic fluids, and greases.
Yes, if stored in sealed containers and a dry environment, it remains stable.
Absolutely. Many formulations combine base oil SN500 with synthetics for enhanced performance.
Yes. Every shipment includes COA, MSDS, and customs paperwork.