Composition-Explicit Distillation Curves of Waste Lubricant Oils and Resourced Crude Oil: A Diagnostic for Re-Refining and Evaluation

Abstract

Problem statement:We have recently introduced several important improvements in the measurement of distillation curves for complex fluids. The modifications include a compositionexplicit data channel for each distillate fraction and temperature measurements that are true thermodynamic state points that can be modeled with an equation of state. The composition-explicit information is achieved with a sampling approach that allows precise qualitative as well as quantitative analyses of each fraction, on the fly. We have applied the method (called the advanced distillation curve technique) to a variety of fluids, including simple n-alkanes, rocket propellants, gasoline, jet fuels, diesel and biodiesel fuels and crude oils (both petroleum-and bio-derived crude oils). Approach: In this study, we present the application of the method to new, recycled and resourced heavy oils. The ultimate purpose of this work is waste reduction and energy utilization, by placing the reprocessing steps on a more fundamental footing. First, we present measurements on four unused automotive crankcase oils and then four samples of used oils: automotive oil, cutting oil, transformer oil and a commingled lubricant waste stream. Using the advanced distillation curve metrology, we can distinguish between the different weights (viscosity ranges) of crankcase oils and compare them to the sample of used crankcase oil. The distillation curves also provide valuable information regarding the presence or absence of low-boiling contaminants in the recycled automotive oil, such as water and gasoline. Results: Additionally, we demonstrate the evaluation of all four used lubricant oils. Then, we apply the advanced distillation curve method to a sample of crude oil prepared using a plastic waste stream from an automotive plant. Conclusion: Overall, we conclude that the composition-explicit advanced distillation curve metrology is important for understanding the boiling behavior of the various oils streams and is a valuable diagnostic for future re-refining of the used lubricant oils. This information will be essential in the development of models for the thermophysical properties of such fluids.

Application of Pressure-Controlled Advanced Distillation Curve Analysis: Virgin and Waste Oils

“…We show hash marks (on the y axis of the distillation curve figures) representing the measured initial boiling temperatures (IBTs). Also provided are distillation curves previously reported from the same fluids at atmospheric pressure (101 kPa) . These data, which were adjusted from our experimental pressure of approximately 83 kPa by use of the modified Sydney Young equation, can be seen in Figures b and b …”

“…Also provided are distillation curves previously reported from the same fluids at atmospheric pressure (101 kPa). 70 These data, which were adjusted from our experimental pressure of approximately 83 kPa by use of the modified Sydney Young equation, can be seen in Figures 3b and 4b. 71 We note that the distillate volume fractions measured in that prior work are slightly different from those reported here, and in that earlier work, the IBTs could be determined only for the 5W-30 and 20W-50 virgin oils and the used motor oil.…”

Heating and Evaporation of Droplets of Multicomponent and Blended Fuels: A Review of Recent Modeling Approaches

“…Many studies of the modeling of droplet heating and evaporation of multicomponent fuels have been presented (e.g., refs − ). However, in most cases, multicomponent fuel groups were represented by individual components.…”

Combustion of Fuel Surrogates: An Application to Gas Turbine Engines

“…As such, understanding these processes is crucial to the design and optimum operation of engine. Different models were developed for the simulation of multicomponent fuel droplet heating and evaporation [19][20][21][22]. In most cases, the modelling of heating and evaporation of multi-component droplets were represented by single components; for instance, gasoline was represented by iso-octane [23] and diesel was represented by n-dodecane [24,25].…”