Waste Oil Refinnery

Overview:
The Waste Oil Refining Systems produces automotive diesel and heating fuel from waste lubricating oil and other appropriate feedstock. This waste oil re-refining process is based on thermal cracking/distillation technology. The re-refining system is capable of handling a variety of used lube oil, hydraulic fluid and off spec. distillate fuel.

Salable products include number two (#2) type diesel fuel suitable for use in diesel engines and light to medium grade heating oil for commercial and industrial applications.

The waste oil re-refining system consists of three (3) major processing units: Dewatering, the Processor and the Refiner. These units are fully integrated with auxiliary equipment to condense, centrifuge and stabilize fuel products. The system is highly automated with state-of-the-art computerized control for safe and efficient operation. Self-fueling capability is also built into the system. In a typical operation, waste oil is fed to the Pre-Treater to thermally de-water the feed stock. Following pre-treatment, the de-watered oil is fed to the Processor. At this stage, hot oil is vaporized, some thermal cracking occurs and oil contaminants including dirt and heavy metals are concentrated in the heavy bottom materials

Dewatering:
The Dewatering unit is designed to reduce or eliminate water normally found in waste oil feedstock. This unit is capable of operating independently or in combination with the Processor. The Pre-treater is fully automated and utilizes the latest in combustion technology to achieve continuous operations.

Wet feedstock is supplied to the Dewatering unit using variable speed feed pumps. As the temperature of the wet feedstock increases, the water is vaporized overhead and the dry feedstock is discharged to an intermediate holding tank. The water vapor and light ends pass into the condenser. The condensate is separated to a wastewater and a light hydrocarbon liquid stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is utilized to provide process heat. The wastewater is treated to achieve acceptable discharge standards.

The Processor
The automatic control system then elevates the oil temperature to maximize the fuel production rate. In the process, light hydrocarbon gases and vapor products flow through twin overhead towers to a forced air-cooled condenser. As vapor condenses, fuel is discharged through a manifold system thereby achieving flash point adjustment.

Gases and vapors not captured flash point adjustment. in the forced air-cooled condenser pass to the Hot Gas Generator to provide process heat to the system

Utilizing continuous mode, sediment and heavy components are continually drawn off the bottom of the Processor. This ensures that build-up of heavy oils and sediment in the unit is prevented, and shut down for clean-out will not be necessary, thus increasing production time. The heavy bottom product can be marketable as burner fuel supplement, as asphalt extender or, if adding the hot gas generator, fuel to operate system.

A highly sophisticated programmable logic controller is utilized to monitor and control the combustion system, operating pressure, temperature and liquid level. The technologically advanced fuel combustion system is controlled by a systematic firing pattern to accurately achieve operating temperature in a highly efficient and effective manner.

The Refiner
The operating principle of the Refiner is similar to that of the Processor with a few notable exceptions. The major exceptions are as follows: a) the heavy oil withdrawn from the bottom of the Refiner is routed to the Processor for enhanced fuel recovery, b) the operating conditions are less severe due to the higher quality incoming feed.

As with the Processor, the PLC controls the combustion system, operating pressure, temperature, flow and liquid levels. The PLC provides on-screen monitoring and control capabilities in a user friendly environment. All processing units, including the Refiner, come equipped with remote input/output and pre-wired panels to facilitate and reduce installation times and associated costs. The Refiner has a highly sophisticated combustion system designed for high operating efficiency.