AAIn the petrochemical industry, oil viscosity index is an important performance parameter. The higher the viscosity index of the oil, the better its fluidity and lubricity, which is beneficial to reducing mechanical wear and improving energy efficiency. Therefore, how to improve the viscosity index of oil has become the focus of researchers. This article will introduce the concept and significance of oil viscosity index, and discuss ways to improve oil viscosity index.
Oil viscosity index refers to the slope of the viscosity change curve of oil within a certain temperature range. The higher the viscosity index, the smaller the change in viscosity of the oil when temperature changes. Therefore, increasing the viscosity index of an oil allows it to maintain a higher viscosity over a wider temperature range, thereby improving lubricity and fluidity.
In order to improve the viscosity index of oil, the following methods can be adopted:
Add viscosity index improver
Adding viscosity index improver is one of the most common methods to improve the viscosity index of oil. Viscosity index improver is a high molecular polymer that can significantly increase the viscosity index of oil products. However, this method also has certain limitations, because additives may affect other properties of the oil.
Using deep dewaxing process
The deep dewaxing process can reduce the wax content in the oil, thereby increasing the viscosity index of the oil. This method is mainly suitable for paraffin-based oils, such as diesel, gasoline, etc.
Change the chemical composition of oil
The viscosity index of an oil can be significantly increased by changing the chemical composition of the oil. For example, increasing the content of cyclic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons in an oil can increase its viscosity index. However, this approach requires significant research and investment and is therefore more expensive.
In order to verify the effectiveness of the above method, we conducted a series of experiments. First, we selected different viscosity index improvers and added them to the oil respectively. The results showed that the viscosity index of the oils added with the improver was significantly improved. Secondly, we used a deep dewaxing process to treat a paraffin-based oil. The results showed that the viscosity index of the oil after treatment was significantly higher than before treatment. Finally, we changed the chemical composition of an oil and found that its viscosity index also changed significantly.
Analyzing the experimental results, we can draw the following conclusions:
Adding a viscosity index improver can effectively improve the viscosity index of oil, and the type and concentration of the improver have a significant impact on the effect of improving the viscosity index. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to select appropriate improvers according to the properties and uses of the oil.
Using a deep dewaxing process can reduce the wax content in the oil, thereby increasing its viscosity index. This method is mainly suitable for paraffin-based oils, such as diesel, gasoline, etc. However, the deep dewaxing process may affect the low-temperature fluidity of the oil, so the pros and cons need to be weighed in practical applications.
Changing the chemical composition of an oil can significantly increase its viscosity index. Increasing the content of cyclic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons in oil can effectively improve the viscosity index, but this method requires a lot of research and investment, so the cost is high. In actual situations, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as other properties of the oil and processing costs.
In general, there are many ways to improve the viscosity index of oil. The specific method to choose needs to be comprehensively considered based on the actual situation and specific requirements. In future research, the impact of different methods on other properties of oils can be further explored and new and efficient methods for improving the viscosity index can be developed.