API Group II base oils seem to be dominating the limelight these days. (See Page 30 for a feature on the Group II market.) But a subset of these oils, referred to as Group II+, is lurking in the wings, waiting for its moment to shine.
Though theres no official definition for Group II+ oils, they typically have a higher viscosity index than other Group II products. Examples include Chevrons RLV-110 and ExxonMobils EHC 45 (U.S.) and EHC 50 (Europe). Stephen B. Ames, managing director of SBA Consulting, pointed out that some rerefiners are also able to offer Group II+ light neutral oils as the formulation quality of used engine oils increases.
Other base oil producers are looking to add higher-V.I. options to their standard Group II offering. Excel Paralubes in Westlake, Louisiana, recently increased the minimum V.I. of its 110N Group II oils from 95 to 105 and its 220N oils from 95 to 100, Ames told LubesnGreases.While neither reaches the generally accepted 110-115 minimum for Group II+, they will certainly provide blending benefits.
Such oils can reduce the need for API Group III base stocks in certain formulations, including some SAE 5W-XX and SAE 0W-XX engine oils, Ames noted, potentially claiming a chunk of Group III demand for Group II producers. Its not anything new, but simply a matter of availability and economics, he said. However, the continuing growth of high-performance, low-viscosity engine oils pretty much assures Group III demand will remain on the upswing.
Howard Briskin
HBriskin@LubesnGreases.com