Review on re-refining of used lubrication oil

A
Thesis
Submitted in
the Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelors of Technology
by
ADITYA KUMAR SAHU 1621109010
ALOK KUMAR KHUNTIA 1621109237
BASUDEV PANIGRAHI 1501109051
BIBHUDENDRA PRATAP LENKA 1501109088
BIDYARANI SABATA 1501109052
CHANDAN KUMAR DEHURY 1501109054
PREETI PARNNA 1501109068
PRIYANKA PRIYADARSHINI 1501109070
RAJESH KUMAR DUTTA 1501109071
SADASIV PATTASANI 1501109072
SAI SHANKAR LENKA 1501109073
SANTOSH KUMAR MOHANTY 1621109248
SAROJ KUMAR NAYAK 1501109074
SEEMANT MOHANTY 1501109075
SOURAV MOHAPATRA 1501109079
SUNIL KUMAR SAHU 1501109082
SURENDRA NATH DANDASENA 1501109085
JAGANNATHA MOHANTY 1621109073

Department of Chemical Engineering

Parala Maharaja Engineering College
Berhampur – 761003, Odisha
April 2019
Dedicated to our Parents

i
 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
PARALA MAHARAJA ENGINEERING COLLEGE
BERHAMPUR – 761003, ODISHA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date – 24/04/2019

CERTIFICATE
The thesis entitled “Review on re-refining of used lubrication oil” submitted by
Students given below depicts the authenticated review work done by them and
submitted to institute on 24th April 2019. The thesis work is approved for project, by
the Department of Chemical Engineering, Parala Maharaja Engineering College,
Berhampur, Odisha and this work has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any
degree.
1.Aditya Kumar Sahu 1621109010
2.Alok Kumar Khuntia 1621109237
3.Basudev Panigrahi 1501109051
4.Bibhudendra Pratap Lenka 1501109088
5.Bidyarani Sabata 1501109052
6.Chandan Kumar Dehury 1501109054
7.Preeti Parnna 1501109068
8.Priyanka Priyadarshini 1501109070
9.Rajesh Kumar Dutta 1501109071
10.Sadasiv Pattasani 1501109072
11.Sai Shankar Lenka 1501109073
12.Santosh Kumar Mohanty 1621109248
13.Saroj Kumar Nayak 1501109074
14.Seemant Mohanty 1501109075
15.Sourav Mohapatra 1501109079
16.Sunil Kumar Sahu 1501109082
17.Surendra Nath Dandasena 1501109085
18.Jagannatha Mohanty 1621109073

Dr. Himadri Sahu

Head of the Department
Chemical Engineering Department
Parala Maharaja Engineering College
Berhampur.

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We deem it an honors to express our regards and profound source of gratitude to all our esteemed
faculty in the Chemical Engineering Department, Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berhampur.
This Dissertation has been prepared under their valuable guidance, meteors supervision and constant
encouragement.

We are grateful to our project guide Dr. Susanta Kumar Behera and Ms. Gyana Manjari Paul for their
constant supervision and encouragement that encouraged us at every step while preparing this project

We are glad to thank our HOD. Dr. Himadri Sahu, Chemical Engineering Department, Parala
Maharaja Engineering College for his kind cooperation and evaluating patience during enrollment of
this project.

We are thankful to our friends and relatives for their support and tips that encouraged us at every step
while preparing this project.

Finally, we are extremely thankful to our parents who stood by our side all these days and have
extended their unconditional support.

ii
 CONTENT

Certificate i

Acknowledgement ii

Contents iii

List of Figures iv

List of Tables vi

List of abbreviations vii

List of symbols viii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

1.1. Background 1

1.2. Lubricating oil 2

Chapter 2 Objective , Methodology and Scope of the Thesis 7

2.1. Objective 7

2.2. Methodology 7

2.3. Scope of the project 8

2.4. Limitation 9

Chapter 3 Literature Review 10

3.1. Definition of used oil 10

3.2. Contaminants in used oil 11

3.3. Effects of oil contaminants 12

3.4. Used oil management 12

iii
Chapter 4 Process Description 16

4.1. History 16

4.2. Re-refining technologies 17

4.3. Comparative lab analysis study 22

4.4. Detail analysis of wiped film evaporation with hydrotreating 24

Chapter 5 Technology Description 35

5.1. Dehydration 37

5.2. Vacuum distillation and condensation 38

5.3. Extraction and Seperation 41

5.4 Additives 42

5.5 Calculations and Analysis 43

Chapter 6 Financial and Feasibility Analysis of the Project 46

6.1. Investment analysis 46

6.2. Revenue analysis 49

6.3. Financial feasibility of the project 51

Chapter 7 Conclusion and Future work 54

7.1. Conclusion 54

7.2. Future scope of the project 55

References 56

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1: Cycle of re-refined lubricating oil

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Schematic diagram of acid clay process

Figure 4.2: Schematic diagram of vacuum distillation process with clay treatment

Figure 4.3: Simplified conceptual process flow diagram of solvent extraction method

Figure 4.4: Schematic diagram of vacuum distillation with hydrotreating

Figure 4.5: Schematic diagram showing the distillation process

Figure 4.6 - Block diagram of the vacuum distillation with hydrotreating

Figure 4.7 – Description of the distillation column

(a)Reboiling process (Stripping section)
(b)Reflux process (Rectification section)
Figure 4.8: Flow of liquid and vapour in a tray column

Figure 4.9: Schematic diagram of WFE

Figure 4.10 Schematic diagram of hydrotreating process

Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 Schematic of re-refining process

Figure 5.2 Dehydrating device

Figure 5.3 Vacuum distillation setup arrangement

Figure 5.4 –Extraction and separation unit

Figure 5.5 (a) – Figure of Dean Stark Apparatus

(b) – Figure of Redwood viscometer

v
 LIST OF TABLES

Chapter 1

Table 1.1 - Common additives in lubricating oil and their use

Chapter 3

Table 3.1: Table showing the hierarchy of used oil management

Table 3.2: Table showing the comparative analysis of the literature methods

Chapter 4

Table 4.1-Result of Lab Test

Chapter 6

Table 6.1: Basis for the financial

Table 6.2 Requirement of the utilities for 1000 L (1m3) of used oil processing

Table 6.3 Composition of output on the basis of mass

Table 6.4 Showing various costs and revenues of the project

Table 6.5 The different values of PW at different i

vi
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

VI viscosity index

MSRTC Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation

LOBS lube oil base stock

DLPL Daya Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.

ReTAP Recycling Technology Assistance Partnership

UN United Nation

PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls

WFE wiped film evaporator

DCE Department of Chemical Engineering

IOE Institute of Engineering

IRR. Internal Rate of Return

MARR. Minimum Attractive Rate of Return

MJ Mega Joule

vii
 LIST OF SYMBOLS

% Percentage

°C Degree Centigrade

°F Degree Fahrenheit

bar Unit of Pressure

L litre, unit of volume

g Gram

hrs Hours

Kg Kilogram

Km Kilometer

m Meter

m3 Cubic Meter

Mpa Mega Pascal

Mg MilliGram: Unit of Mass

Ml. MilliLitre: Unit of Volume

N Newton

P Pressure

PB Pay Back Period

s Second

V. Volume

viii
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The reciprocating internal combustion engine has a large number of moving parts. Without an
adequate film of lubricating oil between the surfaces of the reciprocating, oscillation and
rotating metal parts, the force required to overcome the frictional resistance and the wear on
the parts would be very high. In IC engines during the combustion process, high temperature
is experienced and during the cycle the temperature varies widely, moreover the bearings loads
also fluctuate. All these make the lubrication problem more difficult. Inadequate or improper
lubrication of the engine may cause the serious engine troubles, such as scored cylinders, stuck
piston rings, damaged bearings, engine deposits and sludge, and dirty spark plug. The role of
the lubricant are multiple and can be summarized as follow:
1. It acts between the surfaces of the mechanical parts in relative movement to decrease
friction and avoid wear.
2. It helps in keeping the various parts of the engine clean and the particles that may be
formed in the cold parts of the engine in suspension.
3. It should have an excellent thermal stability and a good resistance to oxidation.
4. It contributes to the removal of heat from the heated parts of the engine.
5. It should neutralize acidic compounds formed during fuel combustion.
6. It should also have rust proofing, antifoaming, and anticorrosion properties

Oil begins to lose its effectiveness the day it is poured into the engine. This loss is largely a
result of the depletion or “wearing out” of the additives of oil. Rubbing of metal engine parts
inevitably produces some microscopic metallic particles from the wearing of the surfaces.
Sludge also accumulates in the engine. Such particles could circulate in the oil and grind against

1
the moving parts, causing erosion and wear. Also engine oil gradually becomes contaminated
with carbon that forms in the combustion chamber.

Automotive manufacturers recommend periodic oil changes. How often the oil should be
changed depends primarily on how the vehicle is used. There are normally two
recommendations in the maintenance schedule which are as follow:-
Schedule 1 calls for changing engine oil filter every 5000km if;
1. Most trips on the warm weather are less then 6km.
2. Most trips in below freezing temperature are less then 16km
3. Most trips include extended idling and low speed stop- and -go operation.
4. Operating in dusty condition
5. Towing a trailer.
Schedule 2 calls for changing oil every 12,500km change the oil filter the first oil change and
every other time after that. These intervals apply if the vehicle is driven several kilometers
daily and none of the items in schedule 1 apply. [1]

Thus every vehicle owner changes the oil more or less regularly. As number of the vehicle is
increasing, the amount of this used oil is also increasing. This creates the disposal problems
because the used oil has adverse effect on the environment as it causes the soil, water and air
pollution when it is burned. Also causes the loss of the resources because new oil is required
for the lubrication.

This problem can be overcome to the great extent if we can reuse the oil through re-refining.
Re-refining can be done to the used oil because the additives are depleted but its base oil does
not change.

1.2 Lubricating oil

1.2.1 Definition

Lubricating oils are extensions of basic hydrocarbon structures, containing from 20 to 70

carbon atoms per molecule, often in an extremely complex arrangement of straight chains, side
chains and five and six member ring structures. Lubricating oil molecules never wear out (i.e.,

2
they are stable) - all that happens is that the additives in the oil wear out or deplete and need
replacing.

1.2.2 Properties of lubricating oil

Lubricants must possess certain basic properties to meet the lubrication requirements in engine.
The important properties of the lubricating oil are enumerated below:

1. Viscosity - This is one of the most important properties of the oil and used to grade lubricants.
The viscosity of the oil is measure of its fluid resistance to flow. It should be able to maintain
an oil film between the bearing surfaces for desired load and speed to provide hydrodynamic
lubrication conditions.

2. Viscosity index - This is the measure of how much the viscosity of an oil changes with
temperature. All the oils don`t become less viscous at the same rate as the temperature rises.

3. Pour point - The pour point indicates the temperature below which the oil loses its fluidity
and will not flow or circulate in the lubricating system.

4. Flash and fire points - The flash point is defined as the lowest temperature at which the oil
will vaporize sufficiently to form a combustible mixture of oil vapor and air above the surface
of the oil. The fire point is the lowest temperature which must be reached before enough vapors
can rise to produce continuous flame above the liquid oil. Both the flash and fire points give
the relative measure of the safety properties of lubricating oils.

5. Stability - The ability of oil to resist oxidation that would yield acids, lacquers and sledges
is called stability.

1.2.3 Additives of lubricating oil

The oils from refining by conventional methods are not completely satisfactory for use as
lubricants. Therefore, lubricants are highly refined and properties are improved by the addition
of chemicals. The additives, at a concentration of 12-15 wt. %, play a considerable role in
obtaining the qualities of the finished oil
3
1. Antioxidants - Without additives, base oil even the most sophisticated one, would undergo
rapid oxidation during its use, leading to an increase in its viscosity, the formation of corrosive
oxidized products, and leading to deposits and varnishes. More precisely, the rate of oxidation
of a hydrocarbon doubles with each 10°C increase in temperature.

2. Detergents - The role of detergents is to prevent deposits on the surfaces of the engine at
high temperature and to keep the lubricant distribution network clean. These additives can be
made to have an alkaline reserve by incorporating colloidal calcium or magnesium carbonates.
This colloidal dispersion is absolutely limpid and its solution in oil is completely stable in spite
of the addition of a quantity of carbonate up to 35% of the mass of the additive. The reserve of
alkalinity neutralizes the acids formed during the oxidation of oil or resulting from the
combustion of the fuel. These additives are calcium or magnesium salts of organic acids.

3. Dispersing additives without ash - Dispersing additives came into use owing to the necessity
to maintain in fine suspension the materials susceptible to settle in the lubrication circuits. This
property was improved owing to the development of additives without ash; the first ones of
this type, proposed on the market, were alkenylsuccinimides, which are surfactants whose
oleophilic part is a polybutene radical with molecular mass ranging from 800 to 1,500.

4. Antiwear additives - When the pressure between surfaces becomes important, there is a risk
of breaking the film of oil and then of fast deterioration of surfaces. In order to overcome this,
one incorporates additives into the oil, which are then adsorbed onto surfaces in contact,
thereby forming a solid protection film. These additives are:
a) Polar organic compounds of type alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, or acids with the risk
of desorption beyond 150°C.
b) Organic compounds containing sulphur, phosphorus, chlorine, nitrogen, oxygen, lead, or
zinc.

5. Viscosity modifiers - The dithiophosphates of zinc, as an antioxidant, are also good antiwear
additives. The process of manufacturing conventional or unconventional base oils (by mild
hydro-refining) makes it possible to obtain a viscosity index (VI) of the oil ranging from 95 to
105. This range of VI does not correspond to multi-grade oils used in cars. The objective is, to
obtain oil that is fluid at low temperature and sufficiently viscous at high temperature. The
4
additive improves the VI shifts, for example, the 15W20 oil, almost mono-grade, to the grade
15W40 or 15W50 by selective increase of the viscosity at high temperature. The commonly
used additives are either alkyl polymetacrylates (rather expensive), or, more generally,
copolymers of olefins or hydrogenated diene/styrene copolymers

6. Pour-point depressant - These additives hinder the process of growth of the crystals of
paraffin wax, which form in the oil at low temperatures. Polymetacylates with low molecular
masses are commonly used. In fact, the same effect is also obtained with some additives, which
improve the VI as described in the previous subsection.

7. Antirust and anticorrosion additives - These additives are inhibitors, either oxygenated or
nitrogenous:
a) The oxygenated inhibitors are essentially carboxylic acids with long organic chains.
b) The nitrogenous inhibitors are essentially fatty amines and their derived products.
c) Detergent additives and dispersing agents also have antirust properties. Rust is due to the
combined action of water and oxygen of the air on the iron, resulting in the formation of ferrous
and then ferric hydroxides. Corrosion is due more specifically to the action of the acidity of
sulphur compounds and of acids resulting from the oxidation of oil or fuel.

8. Antifoam additives - To decrease the tendency of oil foaming, mostly due to the presence of
detergents and dispersing agents, a very small quantity (mg/kg) of antifoam additive is added.
Products like silicone or alkyl polymetacrylate with low molecular weight are used: they are
insoluble in oil and concentrate at the liquid/air interface.

5
S.N. ADDITIVE COMPOUNDS USED
1 Antiwear Zincdithiophosphates, Acidic phosphates, Organic phosphates,
Organic sulphur and chlorine compounds, sulphurised fats,
sulphides and disulphide
2 Detergent Metallo-organic compounds of sodium, magnesium and
calcium phenolates, phosphonates and sulphonates
3 Anti-corrosion Zincdithiophosphates, Metal phenolates, Fatty acids and
amines
4 Dispersant Alkylsuccinimides, Alkylsuccinic esters
5 Friction modifier Organic fatty acids, Lard oil, Phosphorus
6 Pour point Alkylated naphthalene and phenolic polymers,
depressant Polymetacrylates
7 Viscosity modifier Polymers of olefins, Methacrylates, Di-enes or Alkylated
Styrenes
8 Antifoam Silicone polymers, Organic copolymers
9 Antioxidant Zincdithiophosphates, Hindered phenols, Aromatic amines,
Sulphurised phenols
10 Metal Organic complexes containing nitrogen and sulphur amines,
Deactivator sulphides and phosphides
Table 1.1 - Common additives in lubricating oil and their use ( Ref - Lubrizol,2000 )

6
 CHAPTER 2

OBJECTIVE, METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF THE

PRESENT THESIS

2.1 Objectives:-

General objective of the work can be summarized as follow:-

1. To study the possibility of re-refining used lubricating oil generated in from the various
sources.

Specific objective of the work can be summarized as follow:-

1. To collect the data of the daily amount of the used oil produced from various literature
sources available.
2. To study different ways of re-refining technologies available for the used lubricating oil.
3. To compare the properties of refined used oil available in the market with the virgin oil.
4. To recommend a suitable re-refining technology.
5. To do the financial analysis of the recommended technology.

2.2 Methodology:-

Following activities were carried out to achieve the project’s goal.

1. Literature review
We did extensive study on internet for literature review. Different research papers, reports
about re-refining used oil were studied.

2. Data collection

7
Data collection was done do determine the used oil generation rate to know the treatment
capacity of re-refining plant. Primary data collection was done to a find out the amount of used
oil drained by the use statistical data literature that was available in the internet. This helped us
to know the following facts:-
1. Know the current uses of drained used oil
2. Type of vehicles changing oil
3. Current market price of used oil
4. Find out average driving distance and oil changing interval in case of motorbikes

3. Lab test data

The Lab test data that was available in the internet and literature were considered for the study
and deceived the required data from the sources.

4. Data analysis
Suitable technology for refining amount of used oil was achieved by analyzing the data
collected by literature review.

5. Financial analysis
Financial feasibility of the project was determined by calculating payback period, Net present
worth and internal rate of return.

2.3 Scope of the project:-

1. Saves on energy. It takes 1/3 the amount of energy to re-refine used oil than to refine crude
petroleum.
2. Helps prevent pollution of land, water and air.
3. Reduces community cost in cleaning up oil spillages.
4. Supports responsible recycling.
5. Reduces overseas spending.
6. Helps to defer the day when the world’s oil supply runs out.

8
2.4 Limitations:-

1. Data about test for all the properties of used lubricating oil was not possible due to lack of
data available in the literature that were considered during the study.
2. Lubricating oil collection and re-refining system considered for the study were based out for
specific small scale unit only.
3. Detailed design of the plant was not performed due to the unavailability of required
resources.

9
 CHAPTER 3

LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Definition of used oil

Any petroleum based or synthetic oil that has been used for the lubricating purposes and has
become unsuitable for the original purposes is known as the used oil.

Used oil
drained

Collection
Base oil
centre

Blended Transportation
lubricating oil vehicle

Re-refining
Base oil
station

Figure 3.1: Cycle of re-refined lubricating oil [2]

10
3.2 Contaminants in used oil

The automotive lubricating oil loses its effectiveness during operation due to the presence of
certain types of contaminants. These contaminants can be divided into:

3.2.1 Extraneous contaminants

Extraneous contaminants are introduced from the surrounding air and particles from the engine.
Contaminants from the air are dust, dirt and moisture. Air itself may be considered as a
contaminant since it might cause foaming of the oil. The contaminants from the engine are:
1. Metallic particles resulting from wear of the engine.
2. Carbonaceous particles due to incomplete fuel combustion.
3. Metallic oxides present as corrosion products of metals.
4. Water from leakage of the cooling system.
5. Water as a product of fuel combustion and Fuel or Fuel additives or their byproducts, which
might enter the crankcase of engines.

3.2.2 Products of oil deterioration

Many products are formed during oil deterioration. Some of these important products are:
1. Sludge: A mixture of oil, water, dust, dirt, and carbon particles that results from the
incomplete combustion of the fuels. Sludge may deposit on various parts of the engine or
remain in colloidal dispersion in the oil.
2. Lacquer: A hard or gummy substance that deposits on engine parts as a result of subjecting
sludge in the oil to high temperature operation.
3. Oil-soluble products: The result of oil oxidation products that remain in the oil and cannot
be filtered out and deposit on the engine parts. The quantity and distribution of engine deposits
vary widely depending on the conditions at which the engine is operated. At low crankcase
temperatures, carbonaceous deposits originate mainly from incomplete combustion products
of the fuel and not from the lubricating oil. While, at high temperature, the increase in lacquer
and sludge deposits may be caused by the lubricating oil.

3.3. Effects of oil contaminants

11
The lubricating oil properties are affected by any contaminants that may occur during
operation. The effects of the contaminants are as follows:

1. Water: Even in small amounts, water causes rusting of iron or steel. The water also results
in forming water sludge (emulsions), which may clog oil passages, pump valves and other oil
handling equipment. Water also contributes to foaming problems.

2. Solid particles of dirt, dust, grit and metallic fragments, which were circulated by the
lubricant: These contaminants cause excessive wear, scoring of bearing surface, and possible
failure due to seizing of metal fatigue.

3. Sludge and lacquers: The sludge deposits clog small oil passages and clearances. Lacquers
or varnish causes sticking of valves, and resist against the continuous operation of oil pump.

4. Liquid contaminants such as unburned fuel from engines dilute lubricating oil and possibly
reduce their viscosity beyond a safe load. Contaminants of the lubricant with heavier oil
increase viscosity and interfere with the oil circulation. This affects the lubricating valve and
heat transfer capacity.

3.4. Used oil management

3.4.1. Necessity for management of used oil

Used oil are one of the greatest source of pollution worldwide mainly because of the high
quantity generated, their high toxicity level and mostly because of their mismanagement. Well
organized waste oil management system will result in positive economical and environmental
impacts.

1. Environmental issues
Oil in any form is potentially harmful to the environment. In aquatic communities oil residue
tends to settle on the bottom, coating the substrate and whatever organisms live there. Oil film
on water can reduce the penetration of light into the water and, consequently, reduce the rate

12
of photosynthesis. When photosynthesis is reduced, oxygen production is also reduced. The oil
film may also inhibit the movement of oxygen from the air through the surface of the water. In
ground, oil can rapidly percolate through the soil particles and create similar problems for soil
microbes and macroscopic invertebrates. Eventually this oil may make its way into the water
table or into a water body such as a lake.

2. Economic impact
The energy saved by collecting and recycling used motor oil can help reduce our dependence
on foreign oil imports. One gallon of used oil can be re-refined into 2-1/2 quarts of quality
lubricating oil. In contrast, 42 gallons of crude oil must be refined to produce the same 2-1/2
quart volume (though many other products are derived from the 42 gallons of crude).[3]

3. Human health effects

The contaminants in used oil can induce a variety of illnesses and diseases in humans and other
mammals through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

3.4.2. Used oil management options

The first option in the waste oil management hierarchy is reducing the amount of waste oil
generated by using efficient engines, improving the quality of lubricating oil etc. Second option
is re-refining the used oil, which means upgrading the quality of used oil so that it can again be
used as lubricating oil. Re-refining is given second preference because it is environment
friendly practice and results in saving of valuable foreign exchange. Re-refining is especially
useful in our country as we are totally dependent on import for virgin lubricating oil.

13
 WASTE MANAGEMENT
RANKING (FROM OPTION CONSIDERED ACTION
ENVIRONMENTAL
PERSPECTIVE)
Source reduction(e.g.
Most preferable Prevent the waste in Extended oil drain
first place intervals)
Reuse and reclaim the Re-refine used oil
Product

Recover energy by Combust used oil for

Burning heating value recovery

Least preferable Disposal of waste by Recover and collect used

land filling or incineration oil for proper disposal

Table 3.1: Table showing the hierarchy of used oil management

(Source: Used oil re-refining study to address energy policy act of 2005 section 1838)

Third option is reprocessing the used oil so that it can be used as fuel oil. Normally, used oils
for use as fuel need to be subjected to treatments involving settlement to remove sludge and
suspended matter. Simple treatment of this type can substantially improve the quality of the
material by removing sludge and suspended matter, carbon and heavy metals. Last preference
is given to collection of the used oil and its proper disposal.

3.4.3. Current uses of used lubricating oil in our country

Used oil is used mainly for two purposes viz., as a fuel oil and primarily treated to sell as
lubricating oil. Burning of used oil as fuel results in emission of harmful air pollutants and this
practice should be prohibited. In primarily treated lubricating oil, lubricating properties are
only partially recovered and use of this oil may result in malfunctioning of engine and shorten
engine life.

14
3.5. Comparative study of the Journals

Table 3.2: Table showing the comparative analysis of the literature methods

15
 CHAPTER 4

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

4.1 History:-

In the early years, used oil was sometimes filtered and re-used but most often dumped on the
ground and in water, and occasionally burned as a fuel. India is dependent on imported crude
oil to meet its requirement of lubricating oil. They started re-refining used oil as early as 1940.
First specification for re-refined oil was drafted in 1942 and by 1946 it was merged with virgin
engine oil specification.

In United States, efforts were made to recover used oil and by the mid-1960's. Generally
employed the "acid/clay" re-refining process, where in a large amount of sulfuric acid and clay
was used to treat the used oil. It also created substantial hazardous waste by-products, including
acid tar and oil saturated clay. Daya Lubricants Pvt. Ltd. (DLPL), one of the pioneers in used
oil recycling in India, started the re-refining in the year 1969. In 1972 Maharashtra State Road
Transport Corporation (MSRTC), largest fleet owner in the world, agreed to have their 10
barrels of used oil re-refined by DLPL in the presence of their officer on a condition that the
re-refined engine lubricating oil should pass the engine performance tests.

Starting in the 1970s, the use of acid clay re-refining was discouraged by environmental
regulators and is currently outlawed in most developed countries around the world. In the late
1970s, alternative processes were developed to treat the used oil in a more environmentally
friendly manner.

16
4.2 Re-refining technologies:-

4.2.1 Acid clay process:-

It was considered for a long time as the standard process, it remains the most globally applied.
However, its application is on the decline, and is even prohibited in industrialized countries,
for ecological reasons. But, low capital investment makes it most cost effective for small and
tiny scale plants for the under- developed countries like Nepal. After a coarse filtration using
coarse filters ranging from simple gratings to catch unwanted objects, to eliminate particles,
for example, >3 mm, the oil is processed as follows:

1. Dehydration:
Dehydration is almost always the first step. Temperature is of the system was found in the
range of 160-180°C at atmospheric pressure. Heat is supplied by steam or heated fluid through
a heat exchanger. The dehydration column is in two sections:
a) Lower section: In the lower section, oil is pumped at a high flow rate to avoid formation of
deposits and oil cracking by ensuring a good heat transfer.
b) Higher section: A part of the oil is injected at the top of the upper section where dehydration
is achieved. This column helps to eliminate variable amounts of water in the lower section and,
finally, dehydrate the oil in the upper section. The lighter fractions removed at the top are used
as fuels.

2. Acid treatment and clay adsorption:

Dehydrated oil is cooled to about 30°C before reacting with sulphuric acid. Settling time is of
the order of 24 h. Decanted oil is mixed with clay before injection into the high temperature
vessel, (high-speed flash boiler), heated at 270°C by a heated fluid to avoid superheating of the
oil. During clay treatment, small acid droplets as well as sulphonic acids and oxidized or
sulphurized products resulting from acid action in suspension are coalesced and adsorbed.
Diesel and spindle oils are removed at the top and the oil at the bottom is cooled to a maximum
of 120°C before filtration. The pressure in the vessel is 80 mmHg. According to this process,
clay consumption is of the order of 3.5 wt. % of the settled oil.

17
 Figure 4.1 Schematic diagram of acid clay process

The advantages and disadvantages of the process are as follows:

Advantages
1. Acid-Clay process is old and popular. This is a proven technology worked for many years
worldwide. This can be set-up for very small capacity.
2. Low capital investment makes it most cost effective for small and tiny scale plants.
3. Non sophisticated, very simple process, simple to operate, no advanced instruments, low
energy input.

Disadvantages
1. Causes Environmental pollution due to generation of acid sludge and acid gas emission.
Disposal of acid sludge is a problem.
2. Causes corrosion of equipments reducing its life.
3. Gives lower yield, due to loss of oil in sludge as well as clay since higher dosage of clay is
required.
4. As most of the government has adopted stringent pollution control regulations, this process
is on its way out.
5. Unable to treat modern multi-grade oils.
6. Difficult to remove asphaltic impurities.

18
Re-refiners and re-cyclers, now have to use only environmentally sound technologies (EST)
while re-cycling and refining waste oil. In case of oil re-refiners using acid clay process or
modified acid clay process have been advised to switch over to environmentally sound
technologies only or close down.

The following processes have been approved as environmentally sound processes,

1. Vacuum distillation with clay treatment
2. Thin film evaporation process
3. Vacuum distillation with hydro treating
4. Solvent extraction technology

4.2.2 Vacuum distillation with clay treatment:-

In this process the used oil is passed through three distillation column viz; dehydration column,
light distillation column, lubricating oil distillation column after centrifugation. The lube oil
distillate is finally treated with 2-3 % clay.

This process involves the following steps:

1. Centrifuging/Filtration - The used oil passed through filters and centrifuge under high
centrifugal force to remove suspended impurities and moisture in the form of sludge and water.
2. Preparation of feed stock - Sample of used oil is tested in lab and based on this sample the
contamination quality is determined and the process cycle is formulated.
3. Dehydration column - In the dehydration column the used oil is heated at 110° C by
circulating thermic fluid from the boiler which is made to flow in the internal coil.
4. Light distillate column - The dehydrated oil is heated at 250° C in this column. The entire
light distillate content is distilled and converted into vapors.
5. Lube Oil distillation column - The vapors condensed are collected in receiver and heated to
the maximum temperature of 300° to 350° C at 1 Torr vacuum so that the lube oil is condensed.
6. Bottom Residue Collection - After the entire lube oil distillate is distilled, it leaves behind
some residue.
7. Clay finishing/Polishing - The lube distillate oil recovered need partial clay treatment which
is around 2 % to saturate.
8. Filtration - The clay treated oil is then passed through cloth filter pass under pressure where
the cloth filter of 5 micron filter traps the clay particles.
19
9. Percolation - In certain oils this process is carried out to make the product odorless and
colorless.
10. Blending - Based on the analysis of base oil, the suitable additive blending is carried out
on the base oil to get the finished product.

Figure 4.2: Schematic diagram of vacuum distillation process with clay treatment
(Ref - https://4.imimg.com/data4/YN/AC/MY-2936541/uf-membrane-250x250.jpg)

4.2.3 The solvent extraction technology:-

The solvent extraction technology has the potential to produce oil products that are superior to
those produced by the low-temperature distillation process currently in use. Figure shown
below presents a simplified, conceptual process flow diagram for the solvent extraction
technology. Used oil is mixed in the reactor column with an aliphatic solvent such as liquefied
propane (butane, heptanes or hexane may also be used). In this unit, the solvent acts selectively,
dissolving the oil fraction and leaving the less soluble impurities. The oil-laden solvent is
transported from the top of the reactor column to the solvent still (a distillation column) where
the solvent fraction is separated from the oil for recycling within the process. The impurities
(bottoms) slowly settle and coalesce in the bottom of the reactor column where they are pumped
to the bottoms still (a second distillation column). Residual solvent is also separated in this
unit. The recovered solvent is liquefied through a compressor and cooling system and re-
injected into the reactor column through the solvent recycle tank to repeat the cycle.

20
Solvent extraction is reported to be well suited for re-refining multi-grade motor oils
formulated with high concentrations of pour point improvers, viscosity index improvers, and
other additives; and containing large amounts of varnish, gums, and other asphaltic compounds
generated by heat and friction in their use. The solvent removes the mineral portion (phase) of
the detergent present and precipitates water which is loosely bound chemically and contained
in the detergent and the metalloorganic compounds. The solvent solubilization of the
hydrocarbon phase also disassociates it from the deteriorated portion of the antioxidant
compounds allowing the heavier antioxidant groups (also containing heavier metalloorganic
compounds) to precipitate. Similarly, solubilization of the hydrocarbon phase of other additives
such as the viscosity index improvers, the polar organic rust inhibitors, and the pour point
depressants causes a similar disassociation of the deteriorated portion of these additives from
the oils.

Figure 4.3: Simplified conceptual process flow diagram of solvent extraction method
(Ref: final report on ‘Solvent extraction technology for used oil treatment’ published by
Recycling Technology Assistance Partnership (ReTAP) published in December 1995)

Advantages
1. In this process propane is used as solvent to remove bitumen, additives, metals, tar etc.
2. Solvent is recyclable.
3. Does not cause pollution.
4. Produce good quality base oils.

Disadvantages

21
1. Has to operate at higher pressure (10 atm.) at ambient temperature (270 0C) require high
pressure sealing systems (making system expensive and complicated).
2. Involves operational solvent losses and highly skilled operating and maintenance personnel
and system is required.
3. Economical only for high capacity plants.
4. Propane being very hazardous, fire & explosion hazard is associated with this process.

4.2.4 Vacuum distillation with hydrotreating

This process of re-refining procedure involves the following steps:

1. Heat soaking the used oil.
2. Distilling the heat soaked used oil to produce a distillate and residue.
3. Passing the distillate through a guard bed of activated material.
4. Hydro treating the guard bed treated distillate to produce a re-refined oil product suitable for
lube oil base stock.

Figure 4.4: Schematic diagram of vacuum distillation with hydrotreating

(Ref - https://4.imimg.com/data5/YN/CC/MY-2936541/uf-membrane-250x250.jpg)

4.3 Comparative Lab Analysis:-

The lab test of the samples of re-refined used oil collected using method 1,2,3,4 and a single
sample of waste used oil drained from the motorcycle in the service period was done in the lab
of Nepal lube ltd., Amlekhganj, Bara was collected from the literature and are summarized as
follow. The results of the test have been given below in table

22
Sl Particular Re-refining of Distillation and Re-refining of A comparative study Waste
no. used lube oil, Solvent Used Lube oil, I- of recycling of used Lube oil
II-by Extraction By Solvent lubrication Oils using
solvent/Clay process for Re- Extraction and distillation, acid and
and refining used Vacuum activated charcoal
Acid/Clay- Lubricating oil Distillation with clay methods
percolation (METHOD-2) followed by (METHOD-4)
processes Hydrotreating
(METHOD-1) (METHOD-3)
1 Dynamic Viscosity 115.7 66.1 63 70.4 159.9
at 40ºC̊̊̊̊ , cP

2 Kin.Viscosity at 18.4 9 8.96 9.67 18

40ºC, cST

3 Viscosity Index 178 111 118 117 125

4 Flash Point. ºC 232 190 190 165 215

5 Total Acid no., Base no >12.2 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.06

mg koh/gm

6 Solid Contents 0 0.1 0.1 0 0.1

7 Colour L3.5 L3.5 L5 Does not

match
standard

8 Water content % 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Table 4.1-Result of Lab Test [3]

Findings of lab test

a. Used oil

The viscosity of used oil was found to be higher than the standard. The higher viscosity of used
lubricating oil is due to oxidation, soot or excessive dirt (insoluble).The flash point of used

23
lubricating oil was higher than the standard. The higher flash point of used lubricating oil is
due to the dilution of the oil by the unburned fuel. The used lubricating oil was found to be
acidic. The acidic nature of used lubricating oil is because of natural reaction of oil with oxygen
and water which is promoted by entry of metal particles and rise in temperature. The lubricating
oil losses its color during use. Hence the color of used oil didn’t match the standard.

b. Re-refined oil

The viscosity of re-refined oil samples is found to be lower than the standard. The viscosity
recovery was found to be almost 60 % only. The flash point was found to be lower than the
standard. The re-refined oil was acidic containing both solids and water. Hence it can be
concluded that the re-refined oil found in the market is not fully re-refined oil. The re-refined
oil found in the market is actually primary treated only.

4.4 Detail description about the re-refining process by wiped film

evaporation (WFE) with hydrotreating

4.4.1 Background

Historically, the most successful technology for treating used oils was the acid clay process.
This process is capable of producing good quality lubrication stocks, but it is of diminishing
applicability due to complexity of the additives employed in modern Lubricating oils, as well
as in light of sludge disposal problem. The applicability of Vacuum distillation with hydro-
treating increased tremendously after 1980’s when the use of acid was banned due to
environmental concern. An essential characteristic of this hydro-treating process is to
implement a vacuum distillation step after the standard pre-flash according to wiped film
evaporator (WFE) technology.

This technology offers the advantage of retaining the essential properties of the oil, owing to
short residence time and high vacuum in the column. The evaporator design facilitates a very
low drop in pressure that creates a high vacuum and consequently, temperature lower than in
other technologies. The concept of use of WFE marked its beginning after third international
conference on waste oil recovery and reuse held in 1978, where I. Bishop and D. Arlidge
Presents the article “Recent technology development in evaporative refining of waste oil” and
“thin film distillation as a tool in re- refining used oil” by D.F Pauley.
24
4.4.2 Equipment description

a. Settling chamber
Per day feed=7500L
Let us assume that the settling chamber reserves a feedstock for 10 days.
Therefore, the size of settling chamber= 7500*10= 75000L
So, we can select the settling chamber of 80,000L.
Feed rate = 7500/(16*60)=5.2L /min.

b. Intermediate storage tank

The used oil is stored in the intermediate storage tank for nearly 2 days.
Size of storage tank= 7500*2=15000L

c. Distillation tower
Distillation is a process in which a liquid or vapour mixture of two or more substances is
separated into its component fractions of desired purity, by the application and removal of heat.
Distillation columns should be designed to achieve this separation efficiently. Distillation is
based on the fact that the vapour of a boiling mixture will be richer in the components that have
lower boiling points. Therefore, when this vapour is cooled and condensed, the condensate will
contain more volatile components. At the same time, the original mixture will contain more of
the less volatile material.

Separation of components from a liquid mixture via distillation depends on the differences in
boiling points of the individual components. Also, depending on the concentrations of the
components present, the liquid mixture will have different boiling point characteristics.
Therefore, distillation processes depends on the vapour pressure characteristics of liquid
mixtures.

The vapour pressure of a liquid at a particular temperature is the equilibrium pressure exerted
by molecules leaving and entering the liquid surface. Vapor pressure increases with the energy
input and is related with the boiling. Liquid boils when its vapour pressure equals the
surrounding pressure which depends on its volatility of the liquid. Liquids with high vapour
25
pressures (volatile liquids) will boil at lower temperatures. Thus the vapour pressure and the
boiling point of a liquid mixture depend on the relative amounts of the components in the
mixture. Hence distillation occurs because of the differences in the volatility of the components
in the liquid mixture.

Distillation columns are made up of several components, each of which is used either to transfer
heat energy or enhance material transfer. A typical distillation contain several major
components:
1. A vertical shell where the separation of liquid components is carried out.
2. Column internals such as trays/plates and/or packings which are used to enhance component
separations.
3. A reboiler to provide the necessary vaporization for the distillation process.
4. A condenser to cool and condense the vapour leaving the top of the column.
5. A reflux drums to hold the condensed vapour from the top of the column so that liquid
(reflux) can be recycled back to the column. The vertical shell houses the column internals and
together with the condenser and reboiler, constitutes a distillation column.

Figure 4.5: Schematic diagram showing the distillation process. [5]

26
The liquid mixture that is to be processed is known as the feed and this is introduced usually
somewhere near the middle of the column to a tray known as the feed tray. The feed tray divides
the column into a top (enriching or rectification) section and a bottom (stripping) section. The
feed flows down the column where it is collected at the bottom in the reboiler. Heat is supplied
to the reboiler to generate vapour. The source of heat input can be any suitable fluid, although
in most chemical plants this is normally steam. In refineries, the heating source may be the
output streams of other columns. The vapour raised in the reboiler is re-introduced into the unit
at the bottom of the column. The liquid removed from the reboiler is known as the bottoms
product or simply, bottoms.

The vapour moves up the column, and as it exits the top of the unit, it is cooled by a condenser.
The condensed liquid is stored in a holding vessel known as the reflux drum, a part of this
liquid is recycled back to the top of the column and this is called the reflux. The condensed
liquid that is removed from the system is known as the distillate or top product.

4.4.3 Process description

This technology comprises of following four processes:

a. Primary treatment to remove the solid contaminants
b. Distillation to remove water and fuels.
c. Wiped film evaporation for separating lube oil base stock (LOBS).
d. Finishing treatment by catalytic hydrotreating to purify LOBS.

a. Primary treatment to remove the solid contaminants

Primary treatment is the physical separation process which involves the settling, and filtration.
Settling aims at separating the water and heavier suspended particles, from the used oil, taking
advantage of the gravity and viscosity difference. The water and suspended sediments settle at
the bottom of the tank which can be drained from the tank. Oil filtration, before and after being
received in the storage tanks, is achieved by means of coarse filters ranging from simple grating
to catch unwanted objects such as rags, to filters calibrated to a pore size of 150-250
micrometer, generally arranged in parallel and cleaned alternatively.

27
 Figure 4.6 - Block diagram of the vacuum distillation with hydrotreating. [6]

b. Vacuum distillation to remove water and fuels.

The primary objective vacuum distillation is to remove all compounds like water and fuel as
water, gasoline, glycol, phenols and diesel etc., at the top of the distillation column. The
temperature should be nearly 2200C and pressure should be nearly 2KPa. A reflux system is
used for the distillate i.e. diesel oil. The reflux ratio should be within 0.5/1 to 2/1. The column
bottom is heated and sends to wiped film evaporator (WFE). Distillate is cooled in the
condenser and is passed to the fuel oil separator.

c. Wiped film evaporation (WFE) for separating lube oil base stock (LOBS).
This step involves the vacuum distillation with falling film. The WFE constitutes the heart of
this process. This technique consists of introducing dehydrated waste oil at the top a cylindrical
column warmed by double walls. The oil flows along the internal wall, drawn downwards by
blades that control the falling film. This device allows a complete control of film thickness, the
residence time of given flow rate and the exposure of the product to be distilled to a large
surface area warmed by thermal fluid or steam that prevents the local risk of superheating.
Dewatering and defueling is best followed by a heat soaking step. The heat soaking is
conducted at a temperature range of 250- 3400 C, preferably 250-3200 C and most preferably
300-3200C.

28
A high heating soaking temperature results in a complete decomposition of dispersant type
additives as results sludge suspends in oil about 2 % vol., starts to settle, thus temperature of
3200C is maintained. The residence time should be sufficient to maximize halides (chlorides)
formation, phosphorus and sludge precursors’ removal, such time typically being 15-120
minutes. The heat soaking is followed by the coke formation resistant distillation step. The
distillation is conducted in the manner such that coking in the unit is employed is kept to
minimum under the condition of residence time, temperature and pressure. The key advantage
of preferred WFE distillation is its ability to fractionate unstable material under the high
temperature/ short residence time condition of minimal degradation or coking. The asphalt
residue is extracted from the bottom of the WFE.

d. Finishing treatments by catalytic hydrotreating to purify LOBS.

Catalytic hydro-treatment stood as the modern and successful re-refining treatment from the
point of view of the yield and quality of the finished product. Finishing steps for the catalytic
hydro-treatment involves the following two steps:
• Hydrotreater guard bed
• Hydro-finishing reactor

Prior to being introduced into the hydro refinery unit the distillate coming from the previous
step is subjected to the passage through the guard bed of the material suitable for removing
various remaining contaminants from the distillate. These contaminants include halides, trace
phosphorus and residual sludge remaining in the distillate after distillation. The suitable
materials for the guard bed are charcoal, lime and activated alumina. The use of activated
alumina is preferred since, in addition to adsorbing the residual sludge from the distillate, the
alumina can also remove residual phosphorous as well as high concentration of halides. It is
desirable to remove halides prior to hydrotreating to avoid the formation of corrosive
compounds such as hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromides in the hydro-treating reactor.
The final processing step is the hydro-treating. The alumina treated oil over a conventional
catalyst to produce the re- refined base oil. The operating conditions are: temperature in the
range of 260-4000C, more preferably 260-3200C, and pressure in the range of 3-11Mpa, more
preferably 3-5Mpa of hydrogen pressure. As a result of the improvement on the hydro-refiner
feedstock quality due to processing in the guard bed, smooth hydro-refiner operation and good
quality base oil is secured as well as service life of the catalyst is increased.

29
 (a) (b)
Figure 4.7 – Description of the distillation column
(a)Reboiling process (Stripping section)
(b)Reflux process (Rectification section)

Thus, there are internal flows of vapour and liquid within the column as well as external flows
of feeds and product streams, into and out of the column. The column internal consists of trays
or plates. The terms "trays" and "plates" are used interchangeably. A tray essentially acts as a
mini-column, each accomplishing a fraction of the separation task. There are many types of
tray designs, but the most common ones are:

i. Bubble cap trays

A bubble cap tray has riser or chimney fitted over each hole, and a cap that covers the riser.
The cap is mounted so that there is a space between riser and cap to allow the passage of vapour.
Vapour rises through the chimney and is directed downward by the cap, finally discharging
through slots in the cap, and finally bubbling through the liquid on the tray.

ii. Valve trays

In valve trays, perforations are covered by liftable caps. Vapour flows lifts the caps, thus self-
creating a flow area for the passage of vapour. The lifting cap directs the vapour to flow
horizontally into the liquid, thus providing better mixing than is possible in sieve trays.

iii. Sieve trays

Sieve trays are simply metal plates with holes in them. Vapour passes straight upward through
the liquid on the plate. The arrangement, number and size of the holes are design parameters.
Because of their efficiency, wide operating range, ease of maintenance and cost factors, sieve
and valve trays have replaced the once highly thought of bubble cap trays in many applications.

30
The figures below show the direction of vapour and liquid flow across a tray, and across a
column.

Figure 4.8: Flow of liquid and vapour in a tray column

Each tray has two conduits, one on each side, called ‘downcomers’. Liquid falls through the
downcomers by gravity from one tray to the one below it. The flow across each plate is shown
in the above diagram on the right.

A weir on the tray ensures that there is always some liquid (holdup) on the tray and is designed
such that the holdup is at a suitable height, e.g. such that the bubble caps are covered by liquid.
Being lighter, vapour flows up the column and is forced to pass through the liquid, via the
openings on each tray. The area allowed for the passage of vapour on each tray is called the
active tray area.

As the hotter vapour passes through the liquid on the tray above, it transfers heat to the liquid.
In doing so, some of the vapour condenses adding to the liquid on the tray. The condensate,
however, is richer in the less volatile components than is in the vapour. Additionally, because
of the heat input from the vapour, the liquid on the tray boils, generating more vapour. This
vapour, which moves up to the next tray in the column, is richer in the more volatile
components. This continuous contacting between vapour and liquid occurs in each tray the
column and brings about the separation between low boiling point components and those with
higher boiling points.

31
Drawbacks of the Wiped film evaporator (WFE)
For certain evaporation application, particularly those involving heat sensitive products, liquid
with suspend solids, viscous materials or chemical constituents that exhibit fouling and
foaming tendencies wiped film evaporator are often selected for more conventional evaporators
because of their better performance and process economics. The wiped film evaporator can be
used to concentrate, refine or recover a valuable product through distillation or similar thermal
separation processes. Due to its inherent design features, it is ideal for thermal treatment of
viscous media and heat sensitive.

Figure 4.9: Schematic diagram of WFE

In WFE, the mixture is fed from above on to the surface of cylindrical evaporator via a rotating
distribution system, and then flows downward on the internal evaporator wall as a thin film. A
mechanical wiper system, connected to the distribution system, uniformly distributes the
mixture on to the evaporator surface area and permanently assitates the downward flowing
materials. The cylindrical evaporator is jacketed to facilitate consistent heating of the
evaporator surface through a heat carrier medium (e.g. Thermal oil and steam). Depending
upon the temperature of the liquid and the operating pressure inside the evaporator, the volatile
substances are evaporated from the downward flowing liquid material film. In a reverse flow

32
to the liquid, the vapour lead upward and exhaust through a nozzle. Particularly when using a
WFE for low operation pressures, the above mentioned increase in volume must be considered
when designing the apparatus. Cross section as large as possible minimizes the flow resistance,
enabling low operating pressure.

e. Hydrotreating system
Hydrotreating is an established refinery process for improving product qualities. Hydrotreating
process is an advanced process technology which high-performance catalyst systems and
efficient reactor internal designs.

Figure 4.10 Schematic diagram of hydrotreating process

The feed to be hydrotreated is heated in a set of exchangers, then mixed with the recycling gas,
rich in hydrogen and the hydrogen make-up. The mixture is introduced into a furnace. The feed
is then introduced into hydrotreatment reactors, flowing through one or several catalytic beds
in downflow mode. As the hydrotreatment reactions are exothermic, a temperature gradient is
established between every bed inlet and outlet. In case of severe treatment, it can be necessary
to cool the reactant fluid by an injection of recycled hydrogen between two beds or between
two successive reactors. The reactor effluent is received in a hot or cold separator. The top
effluent is cooled and can be washed with amines allowing the elimination of hydrogen

33
sulphide. Hydrogen and hydrocarbons that are not condensed are recycled to the initial inlet.
In this way finished base oil is obtained.

34
 CHAPTER 5

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

The re-refining process is involved to remove all the above mentioned contaminants and restore
the oil to its original condition. Used oil will be uplifted from centralized collection points at
places such as service station, workshops, recycling depots and factory sites. The collected fuel
will be contracted from the group of used oil monitoring Group, whose members include BP.
Dominion oil refining, Caltex, Castrol, Shell, Milburn cement and the Department of the
Environment. Milburn administer the Group, where the Department of Environment represent
the Government.

Step 1-Dehydration
The oil will be stored to allow water and solids to separate out from the oil, then the oil will be
heated to 1200C in closed vessel to boil off any emulsified water and some of the fuel diluents.

Step 2- Lube oil distillation and condensation

The dehydrated oil will then be feed continuously into a vacuum distillation plant for
fractionation exactly in the same fashion as crude petroleum. The fraction obtained are as
follows:
1. Light fuel and diesel: Diesel produced from the used oil feedstock can be used to run all the
burners and boilers, giving total self-sufficiency for the process.
2. Lubricating oil: The bulk of the feedstock will distill off in the plant to produce a lubricating
oil fraction.
3. Residue: The non-distillable part of the feedstock contains all the carbon, wear metals,
degrade additives and most of the lead and oxidation products. The residue can be successfully
used as bitumen extender for roading.

35
Step 3- Extraction (Liquid/Liquid)
The lubricating oil fractions will then be passed through an extraction tower in the presence of
Nmethylpyrolidone(NMP). The NMP is an aromatic selective solvent which is added to
removing some colour and odour, and help in extracting all unwanted aromatics contaminants
present in the paraffinic lubricating oil fraction, subsequently to fractional distillation. This is
important as polycyclic aromatics are treacherous for the metals.

This process is commonly used in virgin oil refineries, but Dominion Oil Refining is the only
manufacture of re-refined oil to use it.

Figure 5.1 Schematic of re-refining process

36
5.1 Dehydration

The oil will be stored to allow water and solids to separate out from the oil. Then the oil will
be heated to 120°C in a closed vessel to boil off any emulsified water and some of the fuel
diluents.

The point at which an oil contains the maximum amount of dissolved water is termed the
saturation point. The saturation point is dependent on the oil’s temperature, the higher the
saturation point and hence more water held in solution, in the dissolved phase. This is the same
as being able to dissolve more sugar in hot water, than in cold water. Similarly, the older the
oil, the higher the level of water that can be dissolved. This is due to polar by-products of
oxidation in the oil. Which act as “hooks” holding on to the water molecules and keeping them
in solution. Likewise, highly additive oils, like crankcase oils, have a higher saturation point
than lightly additive oils like turbine oils, because the additives many of which are polar also
hold the water in solution.

Water can also affect the additives package through water washing and hydrolysis, leading to
acids and additives depletion. Water encourages rust and corrosion and will cause increased
wear as a result of acration, changes in viscosity resulting in film strength failure, hydrogen
blistering and embrittlement and vaporous cavitation. Finally, water is a generator of other
contaminants in the oil such as waxes, suspensions, carbon and oxide insoluble and even micro-
organisms.

Process Specification: -

1.CAPACITY: Batch: 200 ml

2.OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS: Constant heating (vacuum)

Temp – 100 - 180 oC
Pressure: 15-20 Torr

3.PROCESS REQUIREMENTS: Closed vessel (Glass 3 mouth round flask)

Burner (heating mantles)

37
 Condenser (Glass condenser)
Vacuum pumping system

4.INPUT FEED: Used lube oil

5.OUTPUT PRODUCTS: De-watered oil

Figure 5.2 Dehydrating device

5.2 Vacuum distillation and condensation

Petroleum oil is a complex mixture of hundreds of different hydrocarbon compounds generally

having from 3 to 60 carbon atoms per molecule, although there may be small amounts of
hydrocarbons outside that range. The refining of crude oil begins with distilling the incoming
crude oil in a so called atmospheric distillation column operating at pressure slightly above the
atmospheric pressure.

In distilling the oil, it is important not to subject the crude oil temperature above 370 to 380 °C
because the high molecular weight components in the crude oil will undergo thermal cracking
and form petroleum coke at the temperature above that. Formation of coke would result in

38
plugging the tubes in the furnace that heats the feed stream to the crude oil distillation column
as well as in the column itself. The constraint imposed by limiting the column inlet crude oil
to a temperature of less than 370 to 380 °C yields a residual oil from the bottom of the
atmospheric distillation column consisting entirely of hydrocarbons that boil above 370 to 380
°C.

To further distill the residual oil from the atmospheric distillation column, the distillation must
be performed at absolute pressure as low as 10 to 40 mm of Hg so as to limit the operating
temperature to less than 370 to 380 °C. Figure below is a simplified process diagram of a
petroleum refinery vacuum distillation column that depicts the internal of the column and
Figure below is a photograph of a vacuum distillation column in a petroleum refinery
laboratory. The 10 to 40 mm of Hg absolute pressure in a vacuum distillation column increases
the volume of vapor formed per volume of liquid distilled. The result is that such column has
very large diameters.

Distillation columns may have diameters of 15 meters or more, heights ranging up to about 50
meters and feed rates ranging up to about 25,400 cubic meters per day (160,000 barrels per
day).The vacuum distillation column internals must provide good vapor-liquid contacting
while at the same time maintaining a very low pressure increase from the top of the column to
the bottom. Therefore, the vacuum column uses distillation trays only where withdrawing
products from the side of the column (referred to as side downs). Most of the column uses
packing material for the vapor-liquid contacting because of such packing has a lower pressure
drop than distillation trays. This packing material can be either structured sheet metal or
randomly dumped packing such as Raschig rings.

The absolute pressure of 10 to 40 mm of Hg in the vacuum column is most often achieved by

using multiple stages of steam jet ejectors. Many industries other than the petroleum refining
industry use vacuum distillation on a much a smaller scale.

Laboratory scale vacuum distillation, sometimes referred to as low temperature distillation, is

used when the liquids to be distilled have high atmospheric boiling points or undergo a
chemical change at temperature near their atmospheric boiling points. Temperature sensitive
materials (such as beta carotene) also require vacuum distillation to remove solvents from the
mixture without damaging the product.
39
There are many laboratory applications for vacuum distillation as well as many types of
distillation setups and apparatuses. Figure given below is a photograph of a vacuum distillation
setup in a laboratory. Safety is an important consideration when using glassware as part of the
setups. All of the glass components should be carefully examined for scratches and cracks
which could result in implosions when the vacuum is applied. Wrapping as much of the
glassware with tape as is practical helps to prevent dangerous scattering of glass shards in the
event of an implosion.

The dehydrated oil is then fed continuously into a vacuum distillation plant for fractionation in
exactly the same fashion as crude petroleum. The fractions obtained are as follows:
1.Light fuel and diesel: enough diesel is produced from the used oil feedstock to run all the
burners and boilers, giving total self-sufficiency in fuel.
2.Lubricating oil: The bulk of the feedstock will distill off in the plant to produce a lubricating
oil fraction.
3.Residue: The non-distillable part of the feedstock. This contains all the carbon, wear metals,
degraded additives and most of the lead and oxidation products. This residue is successfully
used as bitumen extender for roading.

PROCESS SPECIFICATION :-

1. CAPACITY: Batch: 200 ml

2. OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS: Constant heating (vacuum)

Temp – upto 370-380 °C
Pressure: slightly above atmospheric pressure
to 10 – 40 mm of Hg (further distillation)

3. PROCESS REQUIREMENTS: Closed vessel (Glass 3 mouth round flask)

Burner (Closed cloth burner)
Condenser (Glass condenser)
Vacuum pumping system

4.INPUT FEED: Used lube oil

40
5.OUTPUT PRODUCTS: De-watered oil

Figure 5.3 Vacuum distillation setup arrangement

5.3 Extraction and Seperation

The lubricating oil fractions are then passed through an extraction tower in the presence of
Nmethylpyrolidone (NMP). The NMP is an aromatic selective solvent which, on addition helps
in removing some colour and odour as well as to extract unwanted aromatic contaminants
present in the paraffinic lubricating oil fraction, subsequent to fractional distillation. This is
important as polycyclic aromatics form dangerous gas which on longer period of contact can
lead to cancer. This process is commonly used in virgin oil refineries, but Domainion Oil
Refining is the only manufacturer of re-refined oil and to use it.

Liquid-liquid extraction also known as solvent extraction and partitioning, is a method to

separate compounds based on their relative solubilities in two different immiscible liquids,
usually water and an organic solvent. It is an extraction of a substance from one liquid into
another liquid phase. Liquid-liquid extraction is a basic technique in chemical laboratories,
where it is performed using a separator funnel. This type of process is commonly performed
after a chemical reaction as part of the work-up

41
The process of solvent extraction followed with clay treatment of feed oil (dehydrated oil) in
the next stage was applied. Firstly, solvent extraction study used methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
as solvent for treatment. This solvent is easily of recovery, low boiling point and low cost of
the MEK. The solvent was of analytical grade and supplied by Merck. The feed oil was mixed
to solvent at 25 ⁰C and atmospheric pressure. Solvent to oil ratio was 5:1. A mixer settler
apparatus was used for extraction and temperature was controlled with the help of thermostatic
bath. The oil/solvent mixture was stirred for one hour to ensure adequate mixing, and then
subjected to sufficient settling for 24 hours. The mixture was separated and was freed from any
suspended particles by centrifugation. The Solvent was recovered by distillation, as the MEK
boiling point is 80⁰C, to reuse it again.

Figure 5.4 –Extraction and separation unit

5.4 Additives

1) Detergents - They hold acid-neutralising compounds in solution in the oil. They are alkaline
and react with the strong acids which form during the combustion of fuel and can cause
corrosion. Neutral detergents are also used to impart anti-wear and extreme pressure properties
to an oil. Ex. Phenaltes, Sulphonates, Naphthenates.

2) Dispersants- Dispersants keep soot and combustion products in suspension in the body of
the oil charge and therefore prevent deposition as sludge or lacquer. Ex. PBI (Polyisobutylene)
Succinimides.

42
3) Antioxidants- Antioxidants inhibit the processes of decomposition that occur naturally in
lubricants as they oxidise in the presence of air. These oxidation processes give rise to
formation of sludge resulting in an increase in acidity and viscosity.

4) Anti-Foam Additives- They are substances that prevent foaming. Air entrapment in
lubricating oil can cause oil starvation due to the presence of air bubbles at the contacting
surfaces. Ex. Silicone Polymers (very low concentrations).

5) Pour Point Depressants- Mineral oils contain paraffin waxes that start crystallising at low
temperatures. This rapidly increases the viscosity of the oil and leads to faster crystallisation
as the temperature lowers. Pour point depressants prevent this rapid viscosity increase. Ex.
Polymethylacrylatev.

6) Polymer Thickeners- These additives are used if the viscosity characteristic of an oil at
different temperatures needs to be altered. Ex. Dodecyl hydrogen phosphate.

7) Corrosion Protection- It is included to protect vulnerable metal surfaces from atmospheric

corrosion. especially when machinery is idle or during overhaul. Ex. Sulphates, Thiourea type
chemicals.

5.5 Calculations and Analysis

5.5.1 Analysis tests

• Kinematic viscosity – Redwood viscometer

• Water contamination – Dean Stark Apparatus
• Specific gravity
• pH – pH meter
• Flash point – Pansky-Marten flash point apparatus

• Spectrographic analysis - Spectrometer

43
 Fig -5.5(a) Fig -5.5(b)

Figure 5.5 (a) – Figure of Dean Stark Apparatus

(b) – Figure of Redwood viscometer

5.5.2 Redwood viscometer

APPARATUS:
Redwood Viscometer, 50ml Receiving flask, thermometers and stopwatch

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS:

Redwood viscometer consists of a cylindrical oil cup furnished with a gauge point, agate /
metallic Orifice jet at the bottom having a concave depression from inside to facilitate a ball
with stiff wire to act as a valve to start or stop oil flow. The outer side of the orifice jet is
convex, so that the oil under test does not creep over the lower face of the oil cup. The oil cup
is surrounded by a water bath with a circular electrical immersion heater and a stirring device.
Two thermometers are provided to measure water bath temp. & oil temperature under test. A
round flat-bottomed flask of 50ml marking, to measure 50 ml of oil flow against time. The
water bath with oil cup is supported on a tripod stand with leveling screws.

5.5.3 Pensky marten apparatus

APPARATUS:
Pensky Marten’s apparatus, thermometers.

44
THEORY:
In the Pensky-Marten’s closed cup flash point test, a brass test cup is filled with a test
specimen and fitted with a cover. The sample is heated and stirred at specified rates
depending on what it is that's being tested. An ignition source is directed into the cup at
regular intervals with simultaneous interruption of stirring until a flash that spreads
throughout the inside of the cup is seen. The corresponding temperature is its flash point.
Pensky-Martens closed cup is sealed with a lid through which the ignition source can be
introduced periodically. The vapor above the liquid is assumed to be in reasonable
equilibrium with the liquid. Closed cup testers give lower values for the flash point
(typically 5-10 K) and are a better approximation to the temperature at which the vapor
pressure reaches the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL).

5.5.4 Comparison of properties

Properties Pure oil Used oil
Color & appearance Clear & homogeneous Blackish & homogeneous
Specific gravity 0.822 0.910
Dynamic viscosity 312 324
Water, volume % 0 12
Flash point 234 264

5.5.5 Material Balance

FEED STOCK Ml
Waste lube oil 200

PRODUCTS Ml
Off gases (water, light & losses) 16
Base oil 140
Gas oil 32
Residue 12
TOTAL 200

45
 CHAPTER 6

FINANCIAL AND FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS

6.1 Investment analysis

Investors want to invest in the projects that give them adequate return. It is thus imperative to
carry out the financial analysis of the lubricating oil re-refining system. From our data analysis,
the daily output of the used lube oil which can be processed is 7500 L. So, we calculate the
details on a plant designed for the capacity of 7500L/day. The yearly working days is taken
about 300days. For establishing the plant of required size 1200 m2 land is required.

Total land cost = ₹. 1, 17, 93,840 (assuming ₹.50, 00,000 per acre)
Cost of building = ₹. 30, 00,000
Cost of transportation vehicles = ₹. 30, 00,000
Cost of collecting & storage container = ₹. 2, 00,000
Cost of the catalyst expenses (20 tons) = ₹. 61, 20,000
Cost of machinery (I1) = ₹. 14, 00, 00,000
(Ref.: Derived from process economics of Kinetics technology international)

Investment in the auxiliary equipment =I1 *20% =₹. 14, 00, 00,000* 0.2
(I2) = ₹. 2, 80, 00,000
Then total machinery cost = ₹. 14, 00, 00,000 + ₹ 2, 80, 00,000 = ₹. 16, 80, 00,000

For the import of the machinery import tax rate is 5% (Arthik Ain, 2015)
Then import tax amount = ₹. 84, 00,000
VAT collected at the custom is 13% and local development cost is 1.5%
(Ref: http://customs.gov.np/en/tariff.php) then;

46
VAT amount = ₹. 2, 18, 80,000
Local development tax = ₹. 25, 20,000

Assuming the transportation cost of machinery is 5% then,

Transportation cost of machinery = ₹. 84, 00,000

Then, total engineering cost = (I1 + I2) * 12% = ₹. 2, 01, 60,000

Then total investment cost = ₹. 24, 16, 80,000

SL NO. ITEM CALCULATED BASIS

1. Project life 20 years
2. Construction period 3 years
3. Depreciation Straight line with 4%
4. Salvage value Zero
5. Income tax rate 10%
6. Inflation 0
7. Capital expenditure
1st year 20% of fixed capital
2nd year 45% of fixed capital
3rd year 35% of (fixed capital+ working
capital)
8. Capacity utilization
1st and 2nd year 60%
3rd and subsequent 100%
years
Table 6.1: Basis for the financial calculation

SI no. UTILITIES CONSUMPTION

1. Electricity 90 kWh
2. Heat 18000 kcal
3. Water 700 L
4. Catalyst 0.4 kg
5. Hydrogen 0.2%
Table 6.2 Requirement of the utilities for 1000 L (1m3) of used oil processing

47
 SI no. PARAMETER QUANTITY (MASS %)
1. Base oil 75%
2. Fuel (diesel) 06%
3. Reside 11%
4. Waste water 08%
5. Off gas 0% Table 6.3
Composition of output on the basis of mass

Then, calculating annual operating cost from our survey, present rate of the used oil is ₹. 20-
₹. 25 per L, so we assumed the used oil purchase cost to be ₹. 30/L (including collection and
transportation cost and increasing cost of used oil due to the high demand).

Used oil purchase cost for the 300 days operating condition = 7500*300*30
= ₹. 6, 75, 00,000
Our total used oil amount per year =7500*300 = 22, 50,000 L = 2250 m3
Cost of the electricity for the industrial use is ₹. 12 per unit.

Then,

Cost of electricity = 2250 * 90 *12

=₹. 24, 30, 000

Cost of catalyst removal = 2250 * 0.4 *306

= ₹. 2, 75,400

Cost of hydrogen = 2250000 * 0.002 * 100

= ₹. 4, 50,000

Total heat required = 18000 * 4.2

= 75600 k Joule

Assuming the heating value of furnace oil = 38 MJ/Kg

Total amount of the fuel required = 75600 kJ/ 38 MJ *2250 = 4476.31 Kg
Sp. gr. of the furnace oil = 0.85
Then, total amount of fuel = 5266 L
48
Total cost of the fuel = 5266 * 40 = ₹. 2, 10,640
Labour cost for (25 staffs) = ₹. 24, 48,000
Extra expenses =₹. 10, 00,000

Maintenance cost = I2 * 4% + I2 * 3%
=14, 00, 00,000*4% + 2, 80, 00,000 * 3%
= ₹. 64, 40,000

Assuming the straightline depreciation with zero salvage value after 20 years.
Then,
Depreciation = (I-0)/N
= (16, 80, 00,000-0)/20
=₹. 84, 00, 000/year

Insurance and other fees are 2% of the total investment = ₹. 48, 31,600
Financial cost is 7% of the capital investment = ₹. 1, 68, 47,600

Total operating cost = ₹. 16, 87, 92, 040

6.2 Revenue analysis

Unit cost of base oil produce is ₹.130 per L

Assuming, during 1st and 2nd year only 60% of oil is sold

Then, for 1st and 2nd year, revenue =7500*300*0.6*130*0.75

= ₹.13, 16, 25,000
For the remaining years, revenue = ₹.21, 93, 75,000
Then the variable cost per unit (1m3) = ₹. 73331400/2250 (m3 per year) = ₹. 32,591.73

Net revenue in 1st and 2nd years = selling cost – total operating cost
= ₹. 13, 16, 25,000 – ₹. 2250*0.6* 32591.73 – 3, 75, 18,000
= ₹. 5, 01, 08,164
Income after the 10 % tax = ₹. 45,097,347

49
For the other years =₹. 219,375,000- 110,831,400
=₹. 108,543,600
Income after tax = ₹. 97,689,240
SI. no Particular Amount (INR. Lakhs)

1 Investment of the project

a. Building 30
b. vehicle 30
c. Container 2
d. Catalyst expenses 61.2
e. Machinery 1400
f. Auxiliary equipment 280
g. Import Tax 84
h. Vat &local dev. Tax 244
i. Engineering cost 201.6
j. transportation of machinery 84
Total 2416.8

2. Variable Cost

a.Used oil purchase 675

b. Electricity 24.3
c. Catalyst removal 2.754
d. Hydrogen 4.5
e. Heating fuel 2.1
f. Labour 24.48
Total 733.134

3. Fixed cost/year

g. Maintenance cost 64.4

h. Depreciation 84
i. Insurance 48.31
j. Financial cost 168.47
k. Extra 10
Total 375.18

4. Revenue from the base oil

a. First year 1316.25
b. Second year 1313.25
And other Years 2193.75
Revenue from the base oil 1316.25
Table 6.4 Showing various costs and revenues of the project

50
 Figure 6.1 Cash flow diagram

6.3 Financial feasibility of the project

6.3.1. Simple payback period

The payback period is the number of years required to recover the investment made in a project
without considering time value of money.

Period Cash flow(In Lakhs) Cumulative cash flow

0 -483.36 -483.36
1 -1087.56 -1570.92
2 -845.8 -2416.72
3 501.081 -1915.639
4 501.081 -1414.558
5 976.89 -437.668
6 976.89 539.222

Calculation of simple payback period

Then, payback period = 5 years + 437.668/976.89

= 5.448 years or, 5 years and 5 months

6.3.2. Discounted payback period calculation

Interest rate = 10%

51
Discounted payback period is the number of years required to recover investment made in
project considering time value of money.

Year Cash Flow (In Lakhs) Cumulative cash flow

0 -483.36 -483.36
1 -1087.6 -1619.296
2 -845.8 -2627.02
3 501.081 -2388.647
4 501.081 -2126.4308
5 976.89 -1362.18
6 976.89 -521.508
7 976.89 403.2312

Calculation of discounted payback period

Then the discounted payback period = 6 years + 521.508/924.74

= 6.56 years

6.3.3 Net present worth (NPW)

Interest rate = 10% NPW (10%) = -483.36 -1087.56/1.1 -845.88/1.12 +501.081/1.13

+501.081/1.14 +976.89 × (P/A, 10% 16) × (P/F, 10% 4)
NPW (10.25%) =₹.3305.24
Since the NPW is greater than zero, project is feasible.

6.3.4 Internal rate of return (IRR)

IRR is the interest rate earned on the un-recovered project balance of investment such that
when the project terminates, un-recovered project balance will be zero. To calculate internal
rate of return net present worth of the project is equated to zero. IRR is the interest rate at with
net present worth of the project becomes zero.

NPW (I) = 0 0= - 483.36 - 1087.56/ i – 845.88/ i2 + 501.08/ i3 + 501.08/ i4 +976.89 × (P/F, I,

4) × (P/A, i ,16)

Now we calculate the different values of PW at different i. Table is shown below. Calculation
is done from excel program.

52
 S.N Interest rate (1%) NPW (Lakhs)
1 2 10613.78
2 4 7973.69
3 6 6014.16
4 8 4542.54
5 10 3425.05
6 12 2567.69
7 14 1903.61
8 16 1384.74
9 18 976.12
10 20 652.04
11 22 393.41
12 24 185.9
13 26 18.66
14 28 -116.61
15 30 -226.31
Table 6.5 The different values of PW at different i

From the calculation IRR is found to be ≈ 26%, which is far greater than MARR. Thus the
project is feasible.

53
 CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

7.1 CONCLUSION

Mismanagement of use lubricating oil results in severe environmental hazard. Thus, proper
management of used oil is necessary. Re-refining is best alternative among possible
management option of used oil for country like India which solely depends on import of the
lubricating oil. The total amount of used oil that will be generated in Indian valley is forecasted
to be 79, 13, 149 L/day for the year 2020. Assuming a collection efficiency of 60%, the oil that
can be collected in the year 2019 is 8000L/day in Berhampur. We have studied different type
of the re-refining techniques. From different techniques we have selected wiped film
evaporator with hydrotreating because of its higher yield, ability to process multi grade oils
and environmental friendly.

The need to conserve crude reserve has definitely shifted attention of researchers towards re-
refining of lubrication oil. It is also a source of employability and can be booming industry for
future generation and thereby minimizing unemployment through the building of used lube oil
recycling plant. This process can eliminate environment pollution source of used lubricants.

Re-refining process tends to reduce dependence on base oil imports there by reducing our
dependence on foreign exchange. It prevents ground water contamination and pollution thereby
preserving natural resources such as coal and crude oil. It helps in reducing sewage treatment
costs thereby eliminate improper burning of waste oil as fuel, which generate toxic fumes and
air pollution.

54
7.2 FUTURE WORK

Used oil is pollutant and by Re-refining, the pollution is reduced. Hence it should get status of
eco-friendly technology and get grants and incentive from the ministry of environment. The
quality of thoroughly re-refined oil is comparable with nascent base oil. Hence it should be
evaluation awarded import-substitute status.

While making fresh lubricating oils blending with 5-10% of re-refined base oils should be done
for viscosity correction. All such blended oil should be stamped with green label to make the
public aware about the concept of re-refining. The eco-conscious customer would buy the
product with green labels. Since re-refining leads to oil conservation the concept of re-refining
should be strongly supported by the petroleum conservation research association.

The following changes are recommended for the successful implementation of the technology
in wider scale:-
● Government should bring proper rules and regulations for proper management of used oil as
soon as possible.
● Public awareness programs should be launched to make people aware about the harmful
effect of mismanagement of used lubricating oil and to encourage them to use re-refined
lubricating oil.
● Efficient Collection system should be set up to collect the used lubricating oil from a larger
sources and generation points.
● Study of possibility of used lubricating oil re-refining should be performed for whole country.
● Detail design of the plant should be performed.

55
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