Naphthenic oils. In contrast to
paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils are distinguished by a
molecular structure composed of “rings” of hydrocarbons,
i.e., the hydrogen and carbon atoms are linked in a circular
pattern.
These oils do not contain wax and behave
differently than paraffinic oils. Naphthenic oils have:
Good stability.
Lower pour point due to absence of wax.
Lower viscosity indexes.
Higher volatility (lower flash point).
Higher specific gravities.
Naphthenic oils are generally reserved for
applications with narrow temperature ranges and where a low
pour point is required.
