Industrial oil is a lubricant made for machinery, plant and equipment rather than road vehicles. It reduces friction and wear, carries heat away, protects against corrosion and, in hydraulic systems, transmits power. The main types are hydraulic oil, industrial gear oil, turbine oil, slideway oil and heat transfer oil, with greases for points that need a lubricant that stays in place. Each type is available in ISO VG viscosity grades such as 32, 46, 68, 220 and 460.
Types of industrial oil and what each one does
The right industrial oil depends on the job. A hydraulic system needs an oil that transmits pressure and protects pumps. A gearbox needs an oil that carries load between gear teeth. The table below sets out each type, its typical use and the Sinopec range we supply.
Industrial oil types at a glance
Standard, typical use and Sinopec range
| Type | Standard | Typical use | Sinopec range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic oil | ISO 11158 L-HM DIN 51524-2 HLP |
Pumps, valves and actuators in presses, excavators, cranes, forklifts, injection moulding and machine tools | L-HM HPC 32, 46, 68 and AE Hydraulic Oil HC 32, 46, 68 |
| Industrial gear oil | DIN 51517-3 CLP ISO 12925-1 CKD |
Enclosed industrial gearboxes under heavy load | CKD EP gear oil ISO VG 220 and 460 |
| Turbine oil | L-TSA | Steam and gas turbines, turbo machinery and circulating oil systems | L-TSA turbine oil 32, 46, 68 |
| Slideway oil | L-HG | Machine tool slideways and guideways | L-HG slideway oil 46 and 68 |
| Heat transfer oil | L-QB | Closed thermal oil circuits that carry heat to process equipment | L-QB 300 heat transfer oil |
| Industrial grease | NLGI grade | Bearings and points that need a lubricant that stays in place | Greases |
Read more in the technical hub, including hydraulic system fundamentals and industrial gear oil fundamentals.
ISO VG viscosity grades explained
ISO VG is the standard viscosity grading for industrial oils under ISO 3448. The number is the oil's kinematic viscosity in centistokes (cSt) at 40°C, and each grade allows a tolerance of plus or minus 10%. A higher number means a thicker oil. VG 46 is therefore thicker than VG 32 and thinner than VG 68.
ISO VG grade chart
Viscosity range at 40°C and the matching Sinopec oils
| ISO VG | Viscosity range at 40°C (cSt) | Sinopec oils in this grade | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 28.8 to 35.2 | L-HM HPC 32, AE Hydraulic Oil HC 32, L-TSA turbine oil 32 | ISO VG 32 hydraulic oil |
| 46 | 41.4 to 50.6 | L-HM HPC 46, AE Hydraulic Oil HC 46, L-TSA turbine oil 46, L-HG slideway oil 46 | ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil |
| 68 | 61.2 to 74.8 | L-HM HPC 68, AE Hydraulic Oil HC 68, L-TSA turbine oil 68, L-HG slideway oil 68 | ISO VG 68 hydraulic oil |
| 100 | 90 to 110 | See the technical guide | ISO VG 100 hydraulic oil |
| 150 | 135 to 165 | See the technical guide | ISO VG 150 industrial gear oil |
| 220 | 198 to 242 | CKD EP industrial gear oil 220 | ISO VG 220 industrial gear oil |
| 320 | 288 to 352 | See the technical guide | ISO VG 320 industrial gear oil |
| 460 | 414 to 506 | CKD EP industrial gear oil 460 | ISO VG 460 industrial gear oil |
How to choose an industrial oil
Work through these six steps in order. The equipment manufacturer's recommendation always takes priority over general guidance.
If you are replacing a product from another brand, the Sinopec oil cross-reference guide lists equivalents by ISO grade, standard and application. The technical hub has further guides.
Shop the Sinopec industrial oil range
AE Hydraulic Oil HC 32, 46, 68
Why buy industrial oil from Sinopec Online
- Genuine products. All Sinopec lubricants supplied by Sinopec Online are genuine, factory-sealed products.
- Technical support. Our technical team can confirm grades, standards and equivalents before you switch.
- Published specifications. Product pages list the industry standards and OEM specifications each oil meets.
- Cross-reference guide. Match your current oil to a Sinopec equivalent by grade, standard and application.
Industrial oil FAQ
What is industrial oil?
Industrial oil is a lubricant formulated for machinery, plant and industrial equipment. It reduces friction and wear, removes heat, protects surfaces from corrosion and, in hydraulic systems, transmits power. It is distinct from engine oil, which is formulated for vehicle engines.
Read more: lubricant terminology and definitions and tribology and lubrication fundamentals.
What are the main types of industrial oil?
The main types are hydraulic oil, industrial gear oil, turbine oil, slideway oil and heat transfer oil, with greases for points that need a lubricant that stays in place. Each type is made to a different standard with its own additive package.
Shop hydraulic oil, industrial gear oil, turbine oil, slideway oil, heat transfer oil and grease.
What does ISO VG mean on industrial oil?
ISO VG is the viscosity grade defined by ISO 3448. The number is the kinematic viscosity in centistokes at 40°C. ISO VG 46, for example, has a viscosity of 41.4 to 50.6 cSt at 40°C.
Read more: ISO VG grades in hydraulic systems, ISO and DIN standards reference and lubricant abbreviations and symbols explained.
How do I choose the right viscosity grade?
Start with the grade specified in the equipment manual. Our technical guides explain how viscosity relates to temperature, load and system design, and our technical team can confirm the right grade for your equipment.
Read more: hydraulic oil viscosity selection explained, industrial gear oil viscosity selection and ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46.
What is the difference between hydraulic oil and gear oil?
Hydraulic oil transmits power and protects pumps, valves and actuators, and is usually a lower viscosity such as ISO VG 32, 46 or 68. Industrial gear oil carries heavy loads between gear teeth, contains extreme pressure additives and is usually a higher viscosity such as ISO VG 220 or 460. Each is made for its own application.
Read more: hydraulic system fundamentals and industrial gear oil fundamentals.
What do HM and AW mean on hydraulic oil?
HM is the ISO 11158 category for antiwear hydraulic oils, matching DIN 51524-2 HLP. AW stands for antiwear, meaning the oil contains additives that protect pumps and other components from wear.
Read more: difference between HM and HV hydraulic oil, what AW means on hydraulic fluid and hydraulic oil performance categories.
How do I move to Sinopec industrial oil from another brand?
Match your current oil by ISO viscosity grade, standard and application using the Sinopec cross-reference guide, then follow the technical transition guide for your equipment type. Our technical team can confirm the choice before you order.
Read more: oil cross-reference guide, industrial hydraulic systems transition guide and is Sinopec compatible with my machines.
Where can I find the full range?
The product catalogue lists the full Sinopec lubricant range, and the technical hub holds every guide, standard reference and applied question in one place.
Browse the product catalogue or the technical hub.
Need help choosing? Contact the technical team with your equipment make, model and current oil, and we will confirm the right grade and standard. More guides are in the technical hub.
