Description

Base Oil N50 is a low-viscosity neutral mineral base oil used as a building block in lubricant manufacturing. The “50” identifies a viscosity grade within a supplier’s base
oil range — it is not a promise of a universal viscosity value. Finished lubricants are made by blending suitable base oils with additives to meet the performance requirements of their intended application.

 

How is N50 produced?
Production begins with suitable petroleum fractions from crude oil refining. The fractions are further processed to remove unwanted components and improve their stability and low-temperature behaviour. The route depends on the refinery: Group I base oils commonly use solvent extraction and dewaxing, while Group II base oils are typically produced using hydroprocessing and dewaxing. The oil is then separated into viscosity grades and tested against the producer’s specification.

 

Where is N50 used?
N50 is commonly blended with other base oils and additive packages for formulations requiring a lighter base stock, such as:

• Selected automotive engine and transmission lubricants, where the approved formulation permits
• Hydraulic oils and other light industrial lubricants
• Compressor and circulating oils, where the formulation permits
• Blends in which a lower-viscosity base oil is needed

The finished lubricant’s suitability depends on its complete formulation and required approvals. Base Oil N50 by itself is not a finished engine oil or a certified lubricant.

 

N50 vs N150 — what is the difference?
N50 generally identifies a lighter grade than N150 within a comparable supplier range. These names are not universal viscosity specifications, and the name N50 alone does not establish an API base oil group. Confirm the group and measured properties on the supplier’s technical data sheet and Certificate of Analysis.

 

Key properties to check
When specifying N50, review and compare the following reported values:

• Kinematic viscosity at 40°C and 100°C
• Viscosity index
• Colour
• Flash point
• Pour point
• Sulfur content
• Water content

Compare the reported results against your required formulation and the supplier’s agreed specification.

 

Availability & specification
Product availability and the specification of a particular N50 grade vary by supplier.

 

Contact our team for the technical data sheet, Certificate of Analysis, current pricing and available packaging.

 

Technical references: ExxonMobil Basestocks — “Basic Frequently Asked Questions”, “Group II Base Stocks”, and “Base Stocks for Industrial Lubricants”.