COURSE OVERVIEW:

Base Oil Processing Fundamentals and Section Overview addresses the specialized refining processes used to produce the high-quality mineral and synthetic base stocks required for the lubricant industry. This topic is essential to the downstream petroleum sector because base oils constitute the majority of a finished lubricant's volume, and their quality directly determines the performance, longevity, and environmental impact of industrial and automotive oils. As global engine designs and industrial machinery become more sophisticated, the demand for Group II and Group III base oils with superior viscosity indices and oxidative stability continues to grow.

The scope of this course covers the technical transition from traditional solvent extraction to modern hydroprocessing technologies. Key themes include the chemistry of hydrocracking, catalytic dewaxing, and hydrofinishing, as well as the classification of base oils according to API and ATIEL standards. The syllabus provides a detailed overview of each refinery section involved in base oil production, emphasizing the impact of feedstock selection and operating parameters on the final product's molecular structure and purity.

Participants will apply the knowledge gained to optimize refinery yield, troubleshoot product quality deviations (such as pour point or color issues), and manage the economic trade-offs between different processing routes. These operational workflows lead to significant improvements in refinery efficiency and product value. By mastering these fundamentals, professionals ensure that their organizations produce high-quality base oils that meet the rigorous specifications of global additive manufacturers and end-users, while maintaining high standards of process safety and environmental compliance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this training course, the participants will be able to:

• Categorize base oils according to API Groups (I-V) and their properties.
• Analyze the impact of crude oil feedstock selection on base oil yield.
• Master the mechanics of Vacuum Distillation for lube-cut production.
• Evaluate Solvent Extraction and Dewaxing processes for Group I oils.
• Optimize Hydrocracking and Catalytic Dewaxing for Group II/III production.
• Control product specifications including Viscosity Index, Pour Point, and Noack Volatility.
• Troubleshoot color and oxidation stability issues in the hydrofinishing section.
• Manage the integration of base oil units within a complex refinery configuration.
• Evaluate the economics of "Slop" reprocessing and byproduct management.
• Implement rigorous quality control and sampling protocols for base oil batches.
• Analyze future trends in bio-based and synthetic base stock technologies.
• Ensure process safety in high-pressure hydrogen-rich environments.
• Develop strategies for maximizing the production of high-margin base stocks.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Refinery Operations Engineers
• Process Chemists
• Base Oil Sales and Marketing Professionals
• Quality Control Laboratory Supervisors
• Lubricant Formulation Scientists

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an attendance certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.