Overview on globally applied used engine oil recycling technologies

Abstract

Due to the growing importance of environmental issues in modern society, the global economy has been compelled to refocus further towards eco-friendly, low-pollution technologies based on waste recycling. Furthermore, these technologies not only offer economic value to products at the end of their life cycle, but they have the ability to address the issue of inadequate waste storage in landfills. At the same time, given the growing trends in the number of vehicles, the demand for lubricants is also increasing, which involves the generation of larger and larger amounts of used engine oil. Being included in the category of hazardous waste, it requires management based on sustainable principles, and recycling is recommended as a preferred method of treatment, as it still has a high economic value. This article aims to present some of the technologies that have been effectively implemented on a global scale for the recycling of used engine oil, as well as a series of advantages that these processes present, both ecologically and from an economic perspective.

Studies on Engine Oil Degradation Characteristics in a Field Test with Passenger Cars

“…A rapid drop in TBN was observed for Peugeot 308 SW with SAE 0W30 engine oil used after 12,000 km of mileage, as a result of which the ability of the engine oil to neutralize acids caused by incomplete fuel combustion decreased rapidly, which is important in protecting the engine components from corrosion [44] and may be used as an indication for the engine oil's replacement time [45]. Loss of additives resulted in an increase in degradation products, like oxidation, which was also observed in another study [46].…”

Pressure-freezing of dodecane: exploring the crystal structures, formation kinetics and phase diagrams for colossal barocaloric effects in n-alkanes

“…35,39 Advantages of low price and volatility, as well as superior caloric effect over currently used gas–liquid refrigerants, seem to overweight the disadvantages. N -Alkanes are constituents of engine oils and fuels, and ways of their disposal and recycling 40 (including biodegradation 41 ) and possibility to obtain them from plastic waste 42 are well known, which helps to reduce their negative environmental impact.…”

Assessment of the Conventional Acid-Clay Method in Reclaiming Waste Crankcase Lubricating Oil

“…Some researchers have assessed the various methods for re-refning waste crankcase lubricating oil where the pros and cons of conventional approaches to re-refning waste crankcase lubricating oil such as acid-clay, solvent extraction, vacuum distillation, and modern techniques such as membrane technology, catalytic process, Vaxon process, chemical engineering partners process (CEP), EcoHuile process, and cyclone process among others are discussed [7,8]. Although a review [7] recommended a combination of advanced methods such as membrane technology and pyrolysis as the most environmentally friendly techniques, those technologies are not available in many underdeveloped and developing countries and those that are available are beyond the fnancial reach of many Ghanaian businessmen and women.…”