Comparison of Different Used Lube Oil and Low Pour Fuel Oil Using Niger Delta Clay

Abstract

A comparative study was carried out experimentally on some of the physicochemical properties of low pour point oil and used lube oil.. The various used lube oil samples collected were examined in this research work and their properties compared with those of low pour fuel oil (LPFO) collected from cement factory. The result obtained revealed that the used lube oil (ULO) characteristics is like those of the low pour fuel oil (LPFO) and can be used alone or blended at a ratio with LPFO, for the firing of cement rotary kiln. The research work demonstrates that the used lube oil (ULO) can be blended with 60/70 bitumen grade to obtain 80/100 higher grade bitumen. As well, used lube oil (ULO) could be used as feedstock to carbon plant in the petrochemical industries as well as for fluid catalytic cracking unit in the refineries. The research work showed that the used lube oil can be recycled or reused in various varieties of ways of reprocessing, reclamation and regeneration. The significance of the recycling is to reduce the problems associated with disposal of used lube oil into the environment. The application of the clay obtained from Oboburu community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria for the treatment of used lube oil reveals that the recovered lube oil can either be used as high energy content, clean burning fuel or a lube base stock comparable to a highly refined fresh oil, hence useful conclusion and requisite recommendations are made on the handling techniques of lubricating oils.

Key words: Comparison, different, used lube oil, low pour fuel oil, Niger Delta, clay