Re-Refining Of Used Lubricating Oils

RE-REFINING OF USED LUBRICATING OILS

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

HARSHAL BABAR
Roll no-01
JAYDEEP TAYADE
Roll no-55
SUMEDH INAMDAR
Roll no-12

Bharati Vidyapeeth College Of Engineering, Navi Mumbai

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Re-Refining Of Used Lubricating Oils

Certified that this project report “RE-REFINING OF USED

LUBRICATING OILS ” is the bonafide work of “HARSHAL BABAR
,JAYDEEP TAYADE AND SUMEDH INAMDAR” who carried out the
project work under my supervision.

Prof.M.Suryawanshi Dr.Prof.S.M.Shingare Dr.S.D.Jadhav

Guide Head of the Department Principal

SE CHEMICAL

BHARATI VIDYAPEETH COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,NAVI

MUMBAI

MUMBAI UNIVERSITY

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DECLARATION

I declare that this written submission represents my ideas in my own words and
where others' ideas or words have been included, I have adequately cited and
referenced the original sources. I also declare that I have adhered to all
principles of academic honesty and integrity and have not misrepresented or
fabricated or falsified any idea/data/fact/source in my submission. I understand
that any violation of the above will be cause for disciplinary action by the
Institute and can also evoke penal action from the sources which have thus not
been properly cited or from whom proper permission has not been taken when
needed.

: Signature
Harshal Babar
Jaydeep Tayade
Sumedh Inamdar

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my project guide

Prof.M.Suryawanshi as well as our principal Dr.S.D.Jadhav who gave me the
golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic Re-Refining Of
Used Lubricating Oils, which also helped me in doing a lot of research and i
came to know about so many new things I am really thankful to them.

Secondly I would also like to thank my parents and friends who helped
me a lot in finalizing this project within the limited time frame.

Date : 16/12/2021 Harshal Babar

Jaydeep Tayade

Sumedh Inamdar

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Re-Refining Of Used Lubricating Oils

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.2 Lubricating Oils

a. Definition
b. Properties of lubricating oil
c. Additives of lubricating oil

CHAPTER TWO : LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition of Used Oils

2.2 Contaminants in Used Oils

2.3 Effects of Oil Contaminants

2.4 Used Oil Management

CHAPTER THREE : PROCESSES OF RE-REFINING

3.1 Conventional Methods

a. Acid Clay
b. Solvent Extraction
c. Vacuum Distillation
d. Hydrogenation

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3.2 Combined Technologies

a. Vaxon Process
b. Ecohuile Process
c. Cyclone Process

CHAPTER FOUR : ECONOMIC AND FUTURE

ASPECTS

4.1 Economic Impact

4.2 Future Aspects

a. Need for Used Oil Re-Refining

b. Future Aspects

CHAPTER FIVE : ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

CHAPTER SIX : CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Background
The term ‘lubricating oil’ refers a wide range of products that are
characterized by hundreds of base chemicals and
additives. Lubricating oils may be either mineral-based or synthetic.
Lubricating oil is a generic name for a wide range of products that are
characterized by hundreds of base chemicals and additives. The most
common lubricating oils are crude oil distillate fractions although both
synthetic and plant-based lubricating oils are used. Lubricating oils are
composed of 80–90% petroleum hydrocarbon distillate with 10–20%
additives to impart specific properties to the oil. The petroleum
hydrocarbon distillate generally consists of paraffinic or naphthenic
compounds.

1.2 Lubricating Oils

a) Definition
Lubricating oil is a thick fatty oil used to make the parts of a machine
move smoothly. Lubricating oil creates a separating film between
surfaces of adjacent moving parts to minimize direct contact between
them, decreasing heat caused by friction and reducing wear.
Lubricating oils are specially formulated oils that reduce friction
between moving parts and help maintain mechanical parts.
b) Properties Of Lubricating Oils
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.

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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.

c) Additives of Lubricating Oils

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.

1.Anti-Oxidants
Oxidation is the general attack of the weakest components of the base
oil by oxygen in the air.  It occurs at all temperatures all of the time but
is accelerated at higher temperatures and by the presence of water,
wear metals and other contaminants. 

2.Viscosity Improvers
Viscosity index improvers are very large polymer additives that
partially prevent the oil from thinning out (losing viscosity) as the
temperature increases.  These additives are used extensively when
blending multi-grade engine oils.

3.Detergents
Detergents perform two functions.  They help to keep hot metal
components free of deposits (clean) and neutralize acids that form in
the oil.  Detergents are primarily used in engine oils and are alkaline or
basic in nature.  

4.Pour Point Depressants

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The pour point of an oil is approximately the lowest temperature at

which an oil will remain fluid.  Wax crystals that form in paraffinic
mineral oils crystallize (become solid) at low temperatures.  The solid
crystals form a lattice network that inhibits the remaining liquid oil
from flowing. 

5.Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors

These additives reduce or eliminate internal rust and corrosion by
neutralizing acids and forming a chemical protective barrier to repel
moisture from metal surfaces. 

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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

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2.1 Definition Of Used Oils

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.

Fig.1

2.2 Contaminants of Used Lubricating Oils

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

a. Extraneous Contaminants
Extraneous contaminants are introduced from the surrounding air and by
metallic 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,

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(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
(6)Fuel or fuel additives or their byproducts, which might enter
the crankcase of engines (Guthrie, 1960).
b. 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.

2.3 Effects of Oil Contaminants

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.

2.4 Used Oil Management

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.

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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. Third option is reprocessing the used oil so that it can be
used fuel oil. Normally, used oils for use as fuel need to be subjected to
treatments involving settlement to remove sludge and suspended matter.

CHAPTER THREE
PROCESSES OF RE-REFINING

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3.1 Conventional Methods

a. Acid-Clay
In the acid clay process, used oil is typically filtered and then heated to remove
debris, solid particles and water. It is then mixed with sulfuric acid which extracts
metal salts, acids, aromatics, asphaltenes and other impurities. This forms a by-
product of acidic sludge that settles out of the oil. The remaining slightly acidic oil
is mixed with active fuller’s earth (clay) to remove mercaptans and other
contaminants and to improve colour. This process requires approximately 0.4 lb of
clay per gallon of oil. After clay is filtered from the oil, the final steps are
neutralization and distillation of the oil. Acid clay treatment was the predominant
technology in the past. According to the US DOE study, there were 150 re-
refiners using Acid/Clay in 1960 processing 300 million gallons per year. In 1976,
it dropped to 25 active re-refiners processing 51 million gallons per year. Today,
in many countries and states, the acid clay process is illegal due to the hazardous
waste of the acidic clay from the process.

Fig.2

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1. Dehydration
Dehydration is almost always the first step. The temperature is of the order 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: 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. 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.
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.

b. Solvent Extraction

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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.
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

Fig.3

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.

Advantages

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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
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.

c. Vacuum Distillation

Fig.4

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

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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 vapours.
5. Lube Oil distillation column
The vapours condensed are collected in receiver and heated to the maximum
temperature of 300° to 350° C under 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.
9. Percolation
In certain oils this process is carried out to make the product odourless 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.

d. Hydrogenation
To avoid formation of harmful products and environmental issues based on above
methods, some modern processes have been used and the best one is
hydrotreating. This method follows vacuum distillation. In this process, the
distillate from vacuum distillation is hydrotreated at high pressure and temperature
in the presence of catalyst for the purpose of removing chlorine, sulphur, nitrogen
and organic components. The treated hydrocarbons resulted in products of
improved odour, chemical properties and colour.
Another important aspect of this method is that, this process has many advantages:
Produces of high Viscosity Index lube oil with well oxidation resistance and a
good stable colour and yet having low or no discards. At the same time, it
consumes bad quality feed. In addition to that, this method has advantage that all
of its hydrocarbon products have good applications and product recovery is high
with no (or very low) disposals. Other hydrocarbon products are: In oil refinery
the light–cuts can be used as fuel in plant itself. Gas oil may be consumed after
being mixed with heating gas oil and the distillation residue can be blended with

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bitumen and consumed as paving asphalt, because it upgrades a lot its rheological
properties. Also, it can be used as a concentrated anti-corrosion liquid coating, for
vehicles frames.

3.2 Combined Technologies

These are advance methods that combines two or more generic methods in its
process. Due to the complex nature of contaminants removal in used lube oils,
using a single method may not give you the desired standard emission-controlled
process. Therefore, some companies have developed specific processes for
treatment and contaminants removal in used lube oils these methods require
sophisticated technologies, equipment and processes. Some of these complex
processes are briefly discussed below.
a. Vaxon Process
This process contains chemical treatment, vacuum distillation and solvent
refining units. The advantage of Vaxon process is the special vacuum
distillation, where the cracking of oil is strongly decreased. The chemical
final stage does not, however allow the high-quality base oils production;
although in Spain the Catalonia refinery produces base stocks accepted by
an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). In connection with this fact,
the lube distillate obtained from Vaxon process (Denmark) or North
Refining (Netherlands) are precursors for Avista Oil base.
b. Ecohuile Process
The re-refining process was based on vacuum distillation and acid-clay
treatment steps until the end of 2000 [51]. Clay adsorption was bannedon 1
January 2001 and the plant was modified and upgraded to the Sotulub
process. Moreover, the addition of injection facilities of so-called Antipoll-
additive (1–3 wt% of pure sodium hydroxide) has been provided and has
allowed solving the following basic problems:
• Corrosion of dehydration column and cracking column top section due to
organic acidity of used oil.
• Plugging of equipment and piping due to polymer formation in cracking
section.
• High losses of base oil in oily clay due to high consumption of clay.

c. Cyclone Process
This process combines the technology of vacuum distillation and
hydrofinishing. The process licence belongs to Kinetic Technology
International (KTI). In this process, used oils taken from storage tanks are
dewatered and the light hydrocarbons are removed by distillation. The
heavier fraction is sent to high vacuum distillation, where the majority of
base oil components are evaporated from the heavy residue. The oils in
residues are extracted with propane in de-asphalting unit and sent to
hydroprocessing unit where other oils are processed. Then they are treated

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with hydrogen and fractionated based on desired base oil features. The re-
refined base oil products obtained are of high quality due to hydrogenation

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CHAPTER FOUR
ECONOMIC AND FUTURE ASPECTS

4.1 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).
Refining crude oil for industrial use relies on separation processes like centrifuging
and distillation to remove impurities and separate small and large hydrocarbons for
use in different applications. In order to turn used oil into desirable products, plants
can use similar approaches to those applied to crude oil to remove unwanted particles
and sort degraded hydrocarbons from usable ones.
Any type of oil is potentially environmentally damaging. Most of the 25-28 million
tons of used oil produced annually, is spilled into the environment. The high content

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of heavy metals makes oil a very hazardous pollutant commodity, such as Zn, Cu, Ni,
Pb, Cr, Cd. These metals are very harmful for environment. Spillage of used oil onto
soil can induce a drastic change in the environment. It ends up in sites where surface
and groundwater may be contaminated. These changes can have an effect on the
biological cycles in soil. In aquatic environments, oil film on water can minimize light
penetration in water and thus reduce the photosynthesis rate. The production of
oxygen is also limited if photosynthesis is reduced. The decline of oxygen dissolved
in water stresses animals that live in water. Also, by means of inhalation, aspiration,
ingestion or skin contact, used oil can induce lipid pneumonia, oil acne, cancer of the
skin and lung cancer in humans. Used lubricating oils are re-refined through a method
that efficiently eliminates pollutants and restores oils to the equivalent of oil extracted
from virgin stocks. As a result, used oil is a pollutant and has the ability to be recycled
safely and by re-refining, thereby minimizing environmental emissions.
4.2 Future Aspects
a. Need for Used Oil Re-Refining
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.
Future Aspects
The production facilities within the refining industry have become increasingly
diverse; process configuration varies from plant to plant according to its size,
complexity, and product slate. Refining technology has evolved considerably over the
last century in response to stimuli such as increasing demand for gasoline and diesel
fuel as well as fuel oil, higher demand for petrochemicals as building blocks for
clothing and consumer goods, and the need to for more environmentally friendly
processes and products. To cope with changing feedstocks, refinery technology has
had to change. This has caused a movement away from conventional means of
refining heavy feedstocks using (typically) coking technologies, to more innovative
processes that will produce the required liquid fuels from the feedstock and maintain
emissions within the limits of environmental legislation. The main thrust of
development in the refinery layout will be primarily on process modification, with
some new innovations coming on-stream. The industry is likely to be more involved
in deep conversion of heavy feedstocks, have higher hydrocracking and hydrotreating
capacity, and also will use more efficient processes.

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CHAPTER FIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

5.1 Environmental Effects

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 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.

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Mismanagement of used lubricating oil is a serious environmental problem. All

automotive oils have the potential to be recycled safely and productively, saving
energy and avoiding environmental pollution. Unfortunately, most used motor oil is
handled improperly. Some is emptied into sewers, adversely affecting water treatment
plants or going directly into waterways. Some is dumped directly onto the ground to
kill weeds or is poured onto dirt roads. Millions of gallons are thrown into the trash,
ending up in landfills, where it can contaminate surface and ground water.
Crude oil is used to make the petroleum products we use to fuel airplanes, cars, and
trucks; to heat homes; and to make products such as medicines and plastics. Although
petroleum products make life easier, finding, producing, and moving crude oil may
have negative effects on the environment. Technological advances in exploration,
production, and transportation of oil and enforcement of safety and environmental
laws and regulations help to avoid and reduce these effects.
Drilling for oil, both on land and at sea, is disruptive to the environment and can
destroy natural habitats. Additionally, pipes to gather oil, roads and stations, and other
accessory structures necessary for extracting oil compromise even larger portions of
habitats. In Alaska, drilling could interfere with the area in which animals such as
polar bears give birth, which could lead to a decrease in their already dwindling
population. Luckily, new advances, such as satellites, global positioning systems and
seismic technology help researchers find oil reserves before drilling, leading to the
drilling of fewer wells. With technology, wells also tend to be smaller than they once
were.
While seismic technology can decrease the damage done to marine habitats, its use
can hold severe consequences for deep-sea life. Unfortunately, there is a correlation
between seismic noise and an increase in beached whales. It appears that seismic
noise can disorient whales and other marine mammals, causing them to beach
themselves. The death of whales is not only sad, but can also impact the delicate web
of marine life.

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CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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 Nepal which solely depends on import of the
lubricating oil.
Rerefining of waste lubricants could result in both environmental and economic benefits.
Rerefining of waste oil to manufacture base oil conserves more energy than reprocessing the
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waste oil for use as fuel. The energy required to manufacture rerefined oil from used oil is
only one-third of the energy required to refine crude oil to produce virgin base oil. Therefore,
rerefining is considered by many as a preferred option in terms of conserving as well as
minimizing waste and reducing damage to the environment.
Currently applied technologies can be compared in terms of their operating and capital costs,
quality of feedstock and products obtained. These advance combine technology processes
and/or methods are mainly found in developed countries but not available in developing
countries. These methods when applied generates reduced concentrations of pollutant but
require complex and expensive equipment which are rarely found in developing countries.
Under increasing environmental pressure of conventional treatment method such as acid-clay
treatment, which was the first oil regeneration process used, it was substituted in majority of
European countries with new technologies based on solvent extraction, pyrolysis, membrane
etc. The modern technologies based on solvent extraction, pyrolysis, membrane etc. are
environmentally controllable but their operating and capital costs are high, low yields and
requires highly skilled personnel (compared to conventional method)is the major drawback.
Also, the challenge of cost reduction resulting from vacuum distillation and hydroprocessing
technique. The combined treatment methods have shown remarkable well with high treatment
efficiency, environmentally friendly. However, the problem of high cost and season skilled
operating personnel remains a major gap in used lube oil treatment. Therefore, there is the
need to developed viable, efficient, environmentally friendly, affordable treatment and high
yield technique such as solvent extraction coupled with adsorption process to remove
contaminants in used lube oil.
Recommendations
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.
Collection system should be set up to collect the used lubricating oil.
Study of possibility of used lubricating oil re-refining should be performed for whole country.
Detail design of the plant should be formed.

References
Study on Re-refining of Used Lubricating Oil in Bagmati Zone By Guru Prasad
Chaudhari,Rabin Basnet,Rudra Mani,Ghimire Sudeep and Raj Subedi.
A Review of Methods for Removal of Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oil By K. O.
Boadu1,2,3*, O. F. Joel1, D. K. Essumang2 and B. O. Evbuomwan3.

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Re-Refining Of Used Lubricating Oils

RE-REFINING OF USED LUBE OIL, I- BY SOLVENT EXTRACTION AND VACUUM

DISTILLATION FOLLOWED BY HYDROTREATING Eman A. Emam, Abeer M. Shoaib.
Re-refining of used lubricating oil. By Maria Yash P
0⁰, of Toxicology (Third Edition), 2014

Firas Awaja, Dumitru Pavel, in Design Aspects of Used Lubricating Oil Re-Refining, 2006

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