Re-refining of waste lubrication oil: Federal perspective
Environmental and conservation efforts are reviving Federal interest in re-refining more of the nearly one billion gallons of waste lubrication oil that is produced annually. Most waste oil comes from automotive (600 million gallons) and industrial (350 million gallons) applications. Although military efforts during wars have saved vast amounts of oils by re-refining, changes in consumer and motoring habits, low-priced virgin oils, and government tax and standards specifications that effectively prohibited re-refined materials all combined to diminish interest in the process. Current uses of waste oil are limited to burning, dumping, use on roads, and in asphalt, with most collection from gas stations by small firms operating in urban areas. Poor legislation governing the use or distribution of waste oil leads to environmental problems. The three-step process of re-refining includes (1) pre-treatment to remove impurities and additives, (2) distillation to light fuel and heavy lube oil fractions, and (3) final clean-up of the lube oil fraction with a residual acid sludge. In spite of a ready market, constraints now limit re-refiners to closed-loop and long-term arrangements. The Environmental Protection Agency, which has recognized re-refining as the most energy-conserving way to recycle petroleum products, is seeking ways to improve market conditions and re-refining residuals. Samples of re-refined lube oil stock are collected and analyzed for blending and will be tested. Research efforts will concentrate on improving quality, setting standards, and developing better collection and re-refining policies. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 7125352
- Journal Information:
- Resour. Recovery Energy Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Resour. Recovery Energy Rev.; (United States) Vol. 3:6; ISSN RRERD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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DEMAND FACTORS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LUBRICANTS
LUBRICATING OILS
MANAGEMENT
MARKET
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PROCESSING
RECYCLING
REFINING
REGULATIONS
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSPORT
USES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT