SN 150 vs SN 500 | What Are the Key Differences?

Introduction: The Backbone of Lubricants You Rarely Hear About

In the world of industrial operations and automotive performance, lubricants play an unrecognized but essential role. Behind every smooth-running engine, hydraulic system, or gear mechanism lies a foundational ingredient — base oil. While additives bring specific properties to a lubricant, it’s the base oil that forms its core.

Among the most commonly used types, SN 150 and SN 500 stand out as two Group I base oils derived from mineral oil. Although they share a common origin, they serve distinct functions based on their unique physical and chemical characteristics. At Faraz Oil, we specialize in supplying high-quality base oils, including SN 150 and SN 500 to clients across industrial and marine sectors worldwide.

If you’re involved in lubricant formulation, machinery maintenance, or bulk oil procurement, understanding the difference between SN 150 and SN 500 is key to making efficient, cost-effective decisions.

What Is Base Oil and Why Is It Important?

Base oil is the primary ingredient in the formulation of lubricants, typically making up 70% to 95% of the total composition. It serves as the carrier fluid for additives and determines key performance attributes such as viscosity, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and lubricating ability.

Types of Base Oils

Base oils are generally classified into five groups based on their refining process, sulfur content, viscosity index (VI), and saturate level:

• Group I – Solvent-refined, mineral-based oils (includes SN 150 and SN 500)
• Group II – Hydrotreated, more refined mineral oils with lower sulfur and higher VI
• Group III – Severely hydrocracked mineral oils with properties similar to synthetics
• Group IV – Polyalphaolefins (PAOs), synthetic oils with excellent performance
• Group V – All other base oils, including esters and naphthenic

 

Why Base Oils Matter

Base oils are not just fillers — they influence how well a lubricant performs under pressure, heat, and stress. From resisting oxidation to maintaining film strength under extreme load, the choice of base oil directly affects:

• Lubricant longevity
• Engine protection and cleanliness
• Thermal and oxidative stability
• Additive compatibility
• Cold-start performance

That’s why selecting the right base oil — whether SN 150 or SN 500 — is crucial depending on the specific application, operating temperature, load conditions, and desired drain intervals.

Understanding SN 150: Properties, Benefits, and Applications

SN 150 is a light-grade, Group I mineral base oil obtained through solvent refining of crude oil. It is known for its low viscosity, high purity, and excellent thermal and oxidative stability, making it suitable for a wide range of light to moderate-duty lubrication applications.

Key Technical Properties of SN 150 (Virgin) :

Property	Typical Value
Viscosity @ 100°C	~5 cSt
Viscosity Index (VI)	90
Pour Point	Max -6°C
Flash Point	200-205°C
Sulfur Content	0.05%  wt.

Advantages of SN 150:

• Low Viscosity: Ideal for systems requiring fast oil circulation and minimum resistance
• Excellent Thermal Stability: Maintains performance under heat exposure
• Good Oxidation Resistance: Minimizes sludge and deposit formation
• High Purity: Less contamination, better compatibility with additives
• Versatility: Easy to blend with other base oils and additives

Common Applications of SN 150:

1. Hydraulic Fluids
   • Smooth operation in hydraulic systems due to low viscosity
   • Compatible with seals and metals
2. Automotive Lubricants
   • Used in engine oils and transmission fluids for light-duty vehicles
   • Helps reduce engine wear and improve fuel economy
3. Metalworking Fluids
   • Act as a cooling and lubricating medium in cutting and grinding processes
   • Reduce friction and heat in metal forming
4. Transformer Oils and Coolants
   • Due to its low pour point and purity, SN 150 is also suitable for low-voltage transformer oils in moderate climates
5. Textile and Rubber Industries
   • Used as process oil for its clarity and compatibility with synthetic materials

Understanding SN 500: Properties, Benefits, and Applications

SN 500 is a medium-viscosity Group I base oil produced through the same solvent refining process as SN 150 but with a heavier distillation cut. It is designed for applications requiring higher load-bearing capability, stronger film strength, and enhanced thermal protection in more demanding environments.

Key Technical Properties of SN 500 (Virgin) :

Property	Typical Value
Viscosity @ 100°C	~10.5–11.5 cSt
Viscosity Index (VI)	Min 87
Pour Point	Max -3°C
Flash Point	Min 235°C

Advantages of SN 500:

• Higher Viscosity: Ideal for forming thick and stable lubricant films under pressure
• Excellent Thermal and Oxidative Stability: Resists breakdown in high-temperature environments
• Good Load-Carrying Capacity: Suitable for gears, compressors, and diesel engines
• Better High-Temperature Performance: Suitable for extreme operating conditions
• Lower Volatility: Reduces oil consumption and evaporation losses

Common Applications of SN 500:

1. Automotive Gear Oils and Engine Oils
   • Provide superior protection for high-load components like gears and camshafts
   • Used in heavy-duty diesel and gasoline engines for better friction resistance
2. Industrial Gearboxes and Bearings
   • Maintains stable viscosity under load
   • Suitable for high-torque gear mechanisms in manufacturing and processing plants

1. Marine Lubricants
   • Performs reliably in high-humidity environments
   • Resists water contamination and salt-induced corrosion
2. Circulating and Compressor Oils
   • Ensures consistent lubrication in systems operating under sustained pressure and heat
3. Grease Production
   • Used as a thickener carrier in lithium or calcium-based grease formulations
4. Transformer Oils (in tropical zones)
   • In certain climates where higher viscosity is acceptable, SN 500 may be used for transformer oil blending

SN 150 vs SN 500: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Choosing between SN 150 vs SN 500 comes down to understanding the technical and practical differences between the two. While both are Group I, base oils, they vary significantly in viscosity, temperature behavior, and end-use applications.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	SN 150 (Virgin)	SN 500(Virgin)
Viscosity @ 100°C	~5 cSt	~10.5–11.5 cSt
Viscosity Index (VI)	90	Min 87
Pour Point	Max -6 °C	Max -3 °C
Flash Point	200-205°C	Min 235
Color (ASTM)	2-2.5	Max 2
Applications	Light-duty (hydraulics, coolants)	Heavy-duty (engines, gear oils)
Price (typically)	Lower	Slightly higher

🧪 Key Technical Differences Explained

1. Viscosity and Film Strength

• SN 150 is a lighter oil, making it suitable for applications where low resistance and high flow are needed.
• SN 500 is significantly thicker, providing a more robust lubricating film that resists breakdown under heavy loads and high temperatures.

2. Temperature Behavior

• Pour Point: SN 150 performs better in colder climates with a lower pour point.
• Flash Point: SN 500 handles heat better, with a higher flash point, making it safer in high-temperature systems.

3. Volatility and Oxidation

• SN 150 is more volatile, meaning it may evaporate faster at high temperatures.
• SN 500 has lower volatility and better oxidation resistance, which results in longer lubricant life.

4. Solvency and Additive Blending

• SN 500 has higher solvency, allowing it to dissolve additives more effectively.
• SN 150 has lower solvency, but still blends well with typical additive packages.

5. Application-Specific Suitability

• SN 150 is ideal for:
  • Hydraulic fluids
  • Textile machinery
  • Transformer oils
  • Metalworking fluids
• SN 500 is best suited for:
  • Engine oils (especially diesel)
  • Gear oils
  • Marine and heavy-duty industrial applications
  • Circulating oils

Which Base Oil Should You Choose — SN 150 or SN 500?

The decision between SN 150 vs SN 500 depends entirely on your specific operational needs, machinery type, environmental conditions, and formulation goals. Both oils are effective and versatile, but their suitability varies depending on the context.

Choose SN 150 If:

• You’re formulating light-duty lubricants such as hydraulic oils, textile lubricants, or transmission fluids.
• Your machinery operates in cold environments, requiring an oil with better low-temperature flow characteristics.
• You prioritize fast circulation, reduced drag, and quick oil startup in systems.
• Your goal is cost efficiency in less demanding industrial conditions.
• You’re producing lubricants with high additive loads, where base oil viscosity needs to remain low.

Best For: Light vehicles, textile machinery, low-load industrial equipment, hydraulic systems.

 

 

Choose SN 500 If:

• You need a thicker, more viscous oil for heavy-duty lubrication (e.g., engine oils, gear oils, marine lubes).
• Your equipment operates under high load, high pressure, or high temperature.
• You require better thermal and oxidative stability for extended drain intervals.
• You want a base oil with stronger film strength to prevent metal-to-metal contact in extreme environments.
• You’re blending lubricants for off-road, marine, or industrial gear systems.

⚙️ Best For: Diesel engines, industrial gearboxes, marine engines, high-torque systems, grease manufacturing.

 Can You Mix SN 150 and SN 500?

Yes — and in fact, many formulators blend SN 150 and SN 500 in various proportions to achieve the desired viscosity profile for multipurpose lubricants. However, mixing should be done carefully, with proper lab analysis, to ensure compatibility and stability of the final formulation.

Market Trends, Pricing, and Availability of SN 150 vs SN 500

Base oils, like most petroleum-derived products, are subject to global supply chains, refinery capacities, and regional demand fluctuations. Understanding the market behavior of SN 150 and SN 500 helps businesses make smarter sourcing and inventory decisions.

Price Comparison

• SN 150 is generally more affordable due to:
  • Lower production costs
  • Higher availability
  • Lighter processing requirement
• SN 500 is slightly more expensive because:
  • It comes from a heavier distillation cut
  • It offers superior performance for high-demand applications
  • It’s more sought-after in diesel engine oil and gear oil blending

However, the price gap is not drastic, and in some markets, the price difference may fluctuate based on:

• Crude oil prices
• Seasonal demand
• Import tariffs
• Refinery output variations

Global and Regional Availability

• Both SN 150 and SN 500 are widely available across:
  • Asia (especially UAE, India, China, Singapore)
  • Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa)
  • Europe and CIS countries
  • South America
• SN 150 is often more readily available in bulk, especially in markets driven by hydraulic and light industrial demand.
• SN 500 may experience occasional shortages in certain regions due to higher consumption in engine oil production.

Packaging Options

Most suppliers offer both SN 150 and SN 500 in:

• Bulk tankers
• Steel drums (200L)
• Flexi tanks for overseas bulk shipping

Some also offer custom blends tailored to climate or viscosity requirements, combining SN 150 and SN 500.

Emerging Market Trends

• Increasing demand for Group II and Group III oils in developed markets is slowly decreasing Group I consumption.
• However, SN 150 and SN 500 remain dominant in:
  • Developing countries
  • Cost-sensitive industrial sectors
  • Applications where basic performance is sufficient

Conclusion: SN 150 and SN 500 are still the backbone of lubricant manufacturing in large parts of the world, especially for mid-tier and economical lubricant formulations.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

As the world moves toward greener practices, industries are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint — and the lubricant sector is no exception. While SN 150 and SN 500 are widely used and affordable, both are Group I mineral base oils, meaning they come with inherent environmental impacts that users and manufacturers must be aware of.

1. Origin and Refining Process

• Both SN 150 and SN 500 are derived from crude oil through solvent refining, which is:
  • Less energy-efficient than hydrocracking (used in Group II and III oils)
  • Associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions
• Group I oils typically have higher sulfur content and lower saturate levels compared to more refined alternatives

2. Biodegradability and Waste

• Neither SN 150 nor SN 500 is biodegradable
• Improper disposal of used base oils can contaminate water and soil
• Many countries now require oil recyclers to process Group I waste oils into re-refined base oils (RRBOs)

3. Recycling and Re-Refining

• Used SN 150 and SN 500 can be re-refined and reused, reducing the need for virgin crude extraction
• Many lubricant producers are incorporating blends of virgin and re-refined base oils to meet sustainability goals

4. Additive Packages and Emissions

• Formulations using SN 150 may require more additives to meet modern performance specs, potentially introducing more toxic byproducts
• SN 500, due to its better oxidation stability and film strength, may reduce evaporation losses and engine wear, indirectly contributing to lower emissions

5. Regulatory Outlook

• Agencies like the EPA (USA), REACH (EU), and local environmental bodies in Asia and Africa are:
  • Enforcing stricter rules on base oil specifications
  • Encouraging a shift toward synthetic or Group II/III oils
• Yet, in many developing markets, SN 150 and SN 500 remain vital due to their availability and affordability

 Bottom Line: While SN 150 and SN 500 are not eco-friendly by design, they can be managed sustainably through proper use, recycling, and responsible sourcing from compliant refineries.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for SN 150 and SN 500?

As industrial standards rise and environmental regulations tighten, the global lubricants market is undergoing a transformation. This shift is influencing how SN 150 and SN 500 are produced, applied, and perceived across different regions.

1. Gradual Shift Toward Group II and III Oils

• In North America, Europe, and East Asia, demand is moving toward Group II and Group III base oils, which:
  • Have higher purity
  • Offer better oxidation resistance and lower volatility
  • Meet stricter OEM and environmental requirements
• However, Group I oils like SN 150 and SN 500 remain popular in:
  • Africa
  • Middle East
  • Southeast Asia
  • South America

Expect SN 150 and SN 500 to remain regionally essential for many years to come.

2. More Blending Flexibility and Custom Formulations

• Lubricant manufacturers are increasingly blending SN 150 and SN 500 with:
  • Group II/III base oils
  • Re-refined base oils (RRBO)
  • Synthetic esters and polyalphaolefins (PAOs)
• This hybrid approach helps meet modern performance specs while controlling costs

3. Re-refining and Circular Economy Integration

• With re-refining technology becoming more advanced and cost-effective, used SN base oils are now routinely recycled
• In the future, more than 30% of Group I base oil usage may come from re-refined sources, reducing the environmental footprint

4. Increased Digitalization of Supply Chains

• Global suppliers of SN 150 and SN 500 (especially in UAE, India, and China) are investing in:
  • Online procurement platforms
  • Real-time pricing APIs
  • On-demand logistics integration
• This will improve availability, transparency, and cost efficiency for international buyers

5. Application-Specific Optimization

• SN 150 and SN 500 will likely be used more selectively:
  • SN 150 → niche industrial fluids, textile machinery, coolants
  • SN 500 → high-viscosity engine oils, marine oils, extreme pressure gear oils

Trend Insight: Instead of general-purpose lubricants, future markets will favor application-optimized blends using SN oils as base stock.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice Between SN 150 and SN 500

In the complex world of lubricants, choosing the right base oil can make the difference between average performance and operational excellence. comparing SN 150 and SN 500, success depends on understanding the viscosity requirements, temperature conditions, and load expectations of the application.

SN 150 is best suited for light-duty applications that demand easy flow, faster circulation, and good performance in cooler environments. It’s affordable, reliable, and blends well in a variety of formulations.

• SN 500 is ideal for heavier-duty applications where stronger film strength, better oxidation resistance, and protection under heat and pressure are essential. It forms the backbone of many engine oils, gear lubricants, and marine-grade fluids.

Rather than thinking of SN 150 and SN 500 as competitors, consider them complementary tools — each playing a unique role in the world of lubrication. Whether you’re an industrial buyer, a lubricant formulator, or a technical expert, making informed decisions about base oil selection will help you optimize performance, reduce costs, and maintain equipment longevity.

And with increasing advancements in re-refining, digital procurement, and application-based blending, the future of both SN 150 and SN 500 remains relevant — especially in regions where cost-efficiency and accessibility are key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SN 150 vs SN 500

What is the main difference between SN 150 and SN 500?

The key difference lies in viscosity. SN 150 is a light-viscosity base oil suitable for low-load applications, while SN 500 has a higher viscosity, making it better for heavy-duty applications like engine and gear oils.

Can SN 150 and SN 500 be blended together?

Yes. Many lubricant formulators blend SN 150 and SN 500 to create customized viscosity profiles that suit specific industrial or automotive needs.

Which base oil is better for cold temperatures?

SN 150 performs better in cold environments due to its lower pour point, allowing it to flow more easily during cold starts.

Is SN 500 better for engine oils?

Yes. SN 500 is often preferred for engine and gear oil formulations because its thicker viscosity provides stronger lubrication under high stress and temperature.

Are SN 150 and SN 500 biodegradable?

No. Both are Group I mineral oils derived from crude oil and are not biodegradable. However, they can be re-refined and recycled.

What are the typical applications of SN 150?

SN 150 is commonly used in:

• Hydraulic fluids
• Transformer oils
• Textile lubricants
• Coolants
• Metalworking fluids

What are the common uses of SN 500?

SN 500 is typically used in:

• Engine and gear oils
• Marine lubricants
• Compressor and circulating oils
• Grease manufacturing
• Industrial gear systems

Is there a price difference between SN 150 and SN 500?

Yes. SN 150 is usually cheaper due to lower processing costs and lighter feedstock. SN 500 tends to be slightly more expensive but offers enhanced performance for demanding applications.

Can I switch from SN 150 to SN 500 in my formulation?

Only if your formulation allows for it. Changing base oils impacts viscosity, additive solubility, and flow behavior. Always consult with a lubricant specialist before switching.

Are there environmental concerns with using SN base oils?

Yes. Being petroleum-based, both SN 150 and SN 500 have environmental impacts if not handled properly. However, proper disposal, recycling, and sourcing from responsible refineries help minimize risks.