In today’s fast-growing industrial world, lubrication is the lifeblood of machinery. From automotive engines to hydraulic systems, everything relies on the right base oil to operate smoothly and efficiently. One such essential product is SN 150; a Group I base oil widely used in the formulation of industrial and automotive lubricants. Known for its moderate viscosity, excellent solvency, and cost-efficiency, SN 150 is a go-to solution for manufacturers and distributors across developing markets.
For importers and businesses in China, Africa, and India, SN 150 plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted industrial operations, particularly where climate conditions and economic factors demand reliable yet affordable lubrication solutions. This article explores everything you need to know about SN 150—from its technical profile and applications to its strategic value in global trade.
SN 150 is a solvent neutral base oil derived from petroleum crude oil. It belongs to Group I base oils, meaning it’s produced through solvent refining processes with relatively low levels of saturates and higher sulfur content compared to more refined oils like Group II or III.
This base oil typically has:
SN 150 is characterized by:
Its balance of cost-efficiency and performance makes it an ideal choice for blending mid-tier lubricants that are not exposed to extreme operating conditions.
Property | Typical Value |
Kinematic Viscosity @100°C | 5 cSt |
Viscosity Index (VI) | 90 |
Flash Point (COC) | 200-205°C |
Pour Point | Max -6°C |
Sulfur Content | 0.05% wt. |
Color (ASTM) | 2-2.5 |
Density @15°C | ~0.870 kg/cm³ |
These values may vary slightly depending on the source of crude oil and refining process, but they serve as a standard for evaluating SN 150 quality.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies base oils into five groups. Group I, which includes SN 150, is defined by:
While more advanced base oils (Group II and III) are preferred in high-performance synthetic lubricants, Group I oils like SN 150 remain highly relevant due to:
For China, Africa, and India, where price-performance balance is critical, SN 150 offers the ideal solution.
One of the most widespread uses of SN 150 is in the automotive sector, where it serves as a primary component in the production of:
Its moderate viscosity and solvency help improve the dispersion of additives, ensuring smooth engine performance and protection under normal operating conditions. For regions like India and Africa, where many vehicles operate in high-temperature environments, SN 150’s thermal stability and lubricating properties are especially valuable.
SN 150 is extensively used in the formulation of industrial lubricants, especially:
Its balance between cost and performance makes it ideal for light to medium-duty machinery commonly found in manufacturing and agricultural sectors. In developing economies, it supports consistent operations without the high expense of synthetic alternatives.
SN 150’s physical characteristics—such as:
—make it suitable for use in hydraulic systems and gearboxes, where it helps reduce friction, wear, and thermal breakdown. This is particularly important for construction equipment, mining machinery, and agricultural gear used throughout Africa and South Asia.
Beyond automotive and industrial sectors, SN 150 is utilized in:
Its chemical stability and neutral character allow it to blend well in diverse formulations. In China’s massive manufacturing hubs, and Africa’s growing light industries, SN 150 offers a flexible and affordable raw material for product development.
SN 150 and SN 500 are both Group I base oils, but they differ primarily in viscosity and application:
Property | SN 150 (Virgin) | SN 500 (Virgin) |
Kinematic Viscosity @100°C | ~5 cSt | ~10.75-11.5 cSt |
Application Focus | Light-duty lubricants | Heavy-duty lubricants |
Pour Point | Lower (Max -6) | Slightly higher (Max -3) |
Blending Behavior | Easier to blend with light additives | Better for thick formulations |
While SN 500 is used where higher viscosity is needed (like in gear oils and heavy machinery), SN 150 is preferred for general-purpose lubricants, engine oils, and hydraulic fluids in warmer climates due to its better flow characteristics.
Naphthenic base oils, unlike paraffinic oils like SN 150, have:
However, they oxidize faster and have limited availability in certain regions. For example:
For industries in Africa and India, where cost and availability are key, SN 150 provides a more reliable and economical choice.
SN 150 performs well in hot and humid environments, making it an excellent choice for:
Its key advantages in such climates include:
These features make it ideal for vehicles, machines, and equipment that operate under harsh environmental conditions with limited access to maintenance.
In emerging markets like China, Africa, and India, rapid industrialization and urbanization are fueling an increased demand for automotive and industrial lubricants. As local economies grow and mechanization expands, the need for affordable yet reliable base oils like SN 150 is increasing.
Key drivers include:
For example, in India, the two-wheeler and passenger car markets continue to expand, demanding more engine oil blends. In Africa, infrastructure and mining projects create a strong need for industrial lubricants that are both accessible and economical.
In these regions, SN 150 helps bridge the gap between performance and affordability, enabling businesses to operate smoothly without depending on costly synthetic oils.
Despite strong demand, many of these markets lack sufficient domestic refining capacity, especially in Africa. This creates:
Faraz Oil plays a vital role here by offering:
In China and India, the logistical infrastructure is more mature, but importers still prefer suppliers that can ensure:
Faraz Oil is a specialized manufacturer and global supplier of high-quality base oils and industrial lubricants, serving clients across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Our SN 150 product is refined to meet international standards, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive engines to heavy machinery.
Key product categories include:
Every batch of SN 150 from Faraz Oil undergoes strict quality control procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with global standards. We provide:
Our production process adheres to:
This makes Faraz Oil a trusted partner for importers in regulation-sensitive markets like China and India.
To serve large-scale industrial buyers, Faraz Oil offers flexible and safe packaging options:
All shipments are:
This packaging versatility allows us to efficiently serve both high-volume wholesalers and medium-sized importers in Africa and South Asia.
Importers from China, India, and across Africa rely on Faraz Oil for:
Whether you’re a distributor, a blender, or an OEM manufacturer, Faraz Oil ensures that your operations never stop due to supply shortages or inconsistent quality.
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Understanding the technical specifications of SN 150 is critical for proper formulation and blending. Below is a summary of the typical values provided in Farazoil’s Technical Data Sheet:
Property | Typical Value | Test Method |
Appearance | Bright & Clear | Visual |
Kinematic Viscosity @100°C | 5 cSt | ASTM D-445 |
Viscosity Index | 90 | ASTM D-2270 |
Flash Point (COC) | 200-205°C | ASTM D-92 |
Pour Point | Max -6°C | ASTM D-97 |
Color (ASTM) | 2-2.5 | ASTM D-1500 |
Sulfur Content | 0.05% wt. | ASTM D-4294 |
Density @15°C | 0.870 kg/cm³ | ASTM D-1298 |
These parameters ensure that the oil maintains stability under thermal stress, has sufficient flow characteristics, and supports additive solubility for various lubricant formulations.
Faraz Oil provides a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all SN 150 shipments, including critical guidance on:
Key SDS Highlights:
Following these guidelines protects workers, extends product shelf life, and ensures compliance with local environmental and safety laws—especially critical for importers in India and China, where compliance documentation is often inspected during customs clearance.
Importing SN 150 into China involves a structured process governed by both central and provincial authorities. Importers should be prepared to:
Tip: Faraz Oil provides pre-compliant documentation and assists Chinese importers in preparing CIQ-ready shipment files.
India is a massive and regulation-intensive market. To import SN 150, businesses must:
Tip: Faraz Oil offers Hindustan Port Delivery (Nhava Sheva, Chennai, etc.) with necessary clearance documents to speed up processing.
Faraz Oil exports SN 150 using multiple modes:
All shipments come with:
Yes, SN 150 performs well in high-temperature environments due to its moderate viscosity and high flash point. It is ideal for use in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa, India, and southern China, where ambient temperatures can cause thinner oils to break down quickly.
Generally, SN 150 is used in mineral oil-based lubricants, but it can be partially blended with synthetic oils in semi-synthetic formulations. However, blending should be done carefully, with attention to:
Always consult a lubricant chemist before large-scale blending.
When stored properly, SN 150 can remain stable for up to 5 years. Best practices for storage include:
Faraz Oil provides shelf-life guidelines with every shipment to help ensure product integrity.
SN 150 is not classified as hazardous under most international transport regulations. It is:
However, it should still be handled with basic PPE (gloves, goggles) and kept away from open flames.
Faraz Oil offers free samples (1–5 liters) to qualified buyers, particularly:
Samples are shipped via DHL or FedEx with full documentation.
SN 150 base oil stands out as a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective option for lubricant manufacturers and industrial operators across China, Africa, and India. Its moderate viscosity, strong solvency, and compatibility with additive packages make it a go-to solution for both automotive and industrial applications.
In regions where operating conditions are demanding and price sensitivity is high, SN 150 bridges the gap between performance and affordability. Whether it’s powering construction equipment in Nigeria, blending engine oils in India, or supplying lubricants to manufacturing hubs in China—SN 150 delivers consistently.
As global demand for base oils continues to grow, partnering with a reliable and quality-driven supplier becomes critical.
Looking for a trusted source of SN 150 base oil with export-ready documentation, flexible logistics, and responsive support?
Faraz Oil is here to help.
