CPI (Lubrizol) hydrocarbon and process gas compressor lubricants such as CPI-1507 and CPI-1516 (glycol-based), CPI-4600 and CPI-4601 (PAO) and the CPI-1000 series (hydrotreated mineral) run in gas processing plants, LPG terminals, fertilizer and petrochemical plants and on offshore installations in Vietnam. Because they are bought through tenders and usually specified by the exact name in the compressor manufacturer's documents, CPI lubricants are often offered by traders from sources outside the distribution territory. This page explains what happens after buying that way.
Hop Tien is the authorized distributor of Lubrizol Fluid Engineering (LFE) in Vietnam for CPI lubricants. CPI lubricants for hydrocarbon and process gas compressors are usually specified by the exact name in the compressor manufacturer's documents, so the same name may be offered from several sources. Buying outside the authorized channel, the plant loses three things: the manufacturer's technical support, batch documents and continuity of supply. Before signing, purchasing should check five points: the authorization for Vietnam, the CoA for the exact batch to be delivered, the import documents and SDS, the technical terms in the contract, and confirmation of the source. Send the name of the company making the offer and the batch number to Hop Tien; our technicians check within 24 working hours.
The certificate of The Lubrizol Corporation (Fluid Engineering) names Hop Tien as the authorized distributor in Vietnam for CPI®, EMKARATE®, SOLEST® and PARATHERM®. Lubrizol distributes CPI lubricants by territory through its authorized distributors – in Vietnam, Hop Tien; in Hop Tien's experience, for a batch that goes outside that channel Hop Tien cannot verify the origin, batch number, storage conditions or whether the product is what the label says, and the manufacturer has no batch record to check against. The currently valid copy is included with tender files on request.
View only · copy sent on requestThree reasons come up often, in Hop Tien's experience. First, the oil is specified by name in the compressor manufacturer's manual (the first fill is CPI), so purchasing only needs "the right name" and anyone can offer it. Second, the package goes through an EPC contractor or a trader who sources from a distributor in another country, from project surplus or from a dealer without authorization, because the offer price is lower. Third, offers from outside the channel usually come without technical service, without full import documents, or from a batch close to expiry, so they cannot be compared directly with an offer from the authorized channel.
| What is lost | What it means in practice | When the plant feels it |
|---|---|---|
| The manufacturer's technical support | In Hop Tien's experience, the manufacturer provides technical support for batches that go through the authorized distributor: application review by gas composition, temperature and pressure; the oil-analysis program; troubleshooting (viscosity loss from dissolved gas, foaming, deposits, seal compatibility). A batch bought outside the channel is usually not within this scope; Hop Tien has seen the manufacturer decline support when a plant submitted an oil sample of unknown origin. | When the compressor has a problem or the gas composition changes and a written answer from the manufacturer is needed. |
| Batch documents | CO, CQ, CoA for the exact batch number, the current SDS, and a letter confirming origin when needed for the compressor manufacturer or an insurer. In Hop Tien's experience, traders usually have only a CoA for another batch, or none, and the manufacturer does not reissue documents for a batch that did not go through its channel. | When HSE, internal audit, an operating partner or customs ask for the file; when a machine fails and the oil must be proven correct. |
| Continuity of supply | In Hop Tien's experience, the manufacturer may stop supplying a channel that sells outside its territory; the trader depends on each consignment it can find. Hydrocarbon gas compressors hold hundreds to thousands of liters; when an urgent top-up is needed and the same product cannot be bought, the plant must mix in another oil or stop the machine. | At the second or third purchase; exactly when oil is needed urgently. |
Beyond these three there is the risk in the batch itself: close to expiry, opened drums, stored outdoors; or a product swapped for another code in the same series (different viscosity grade, different base oil) while the label still says "CPI".
| Gas type, conditions | CPI series | Base oil |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy sweet gas | CPI-1507 series | Polyalkylene glycol (PAG), almost no dilution by hydrocarbons |
| Heavy sour gas | CPI-1508 (CPI-1509 as barrier fluid) · CPI-1519 series | PAG |
| Propane and light sweet gas | CPI-1516 series | PAG |
| Light sweet gas, air compressors | CPI-4601 series | PAO |
| Inert gas, discharge above 93 °C | CPI-4600 series | PAO |
| Sour gas; gas with H₂S and CO₂; reactive gas | CPI-6005 · CPI-6025 · CPI-6000 | PAO |
| CO₂ compression | CPI-4624-F | PAO (food-grade registration per the grade's current TDS) |
| Discharge below 93 °C | CPI-1000 · CPI-1005 (sour gas) · CPI-1010 · CPI-1025 | Hydrotreated mineral |
| Natural gas and generator engines | CPI-9140-SG (SAE 40) | Gas engine oil |
Per Lubrizol's CPI Specialty Gas Compressor Lubricants literature. The viscosity grade and the exact code are selected by gas composition, discharge temperature and pressure; a Hop Tien engineer reviews them with the manufacturer's technical team when needed.
Yes. Hop Tien holds the Distributor Certificate of The Lubrizol Corporation (Fluid Engineering) as Authorized CPI Distributor for Vietnam for the CPI, EMKARATE, SOLEST and PARATHERM brands; the currently valid copy is included with tender files on request.
Hop Tien cannot conclude, and that is the problem: for goods that do not go through the authorized channel, Hop Tien cannot verify the origin, batch number, storage conditions or whether the drum contains the product on the label. In Hop Tien's experience, the manufacturer supports only batches that go through its own channel. Send the product code, batch number and label photos for Hop Tien to check against its records; reply within 24 working hours.
Send Hop Tien the product code, batch number, CoA (if any) and a sample of the oil in service. Our technicians check it against the manufacturer's data: same product and sample within limits, top up gradually with genuine product on the maintenance schedule; otherwise drain and refill. No unplanned shutdown.
Three requirements: the bidder proves the goods come from the authorized channel in Vietnam (an invoice or confirmation letter from the authorized distributor, with a copy of that distributor's authorization); the CoA for the exact batch delivered together with the CO, CQ and current SDS; and a commitment to technical service and oil analysis for the contract term, naming who performs it.
Both are only slightly diluted by hydrocarbon gas. CPI-1507 (polyalkylene glycol, VG 32–150 per the PDS): heavy, sweet gas; CPI-1508: heavy sour gas with H₂S. CPI-1516 (PAG, VG 68–150): propane refrigeration, light sweet gas; CPI-1519: heavy sour gas. Choose by gas composition, discharge temperature and pressure; Hop Tien assists.
Per the CPI Specialty Gas Compressor Lubricants literature: heavy sour gas uses CPI-1508 or CPI-1519 (PAG); sour gas and gas with H₂S and CO₂ use CPI-6005 and CPI-6025 (PAO). The exact code and viscosity grade are chosen by gas composition, discharge temperature and pressure; send the gas composition and compressor model to Hop Tien for an engineer to review with Lubrizol's technical team.
Yes. Hop Tien keeps stock at the Song Than warehouse and delivers to your supply base or port on your schedule; the batch documents (CO, CQ, CoA, SDS) are sent electronically in advance so HSE and the warehouse can check them before the goods arrive.
CPI® is a trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation. The situations described are Hop Tien's experience supporting plants in Vietnam; technical support and document policies are the manufacturer's and may change. Hop Tien does not name and draws no conclusion about any specific company making an offer.
