Title: Recycling and characterisation of spent lubricating oil

Authors: Habibu Uthman

Addresses: Centre for Hydrogen Energy, Institute of Future Energy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, International Campus, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: Ten samples of spent lubricating oil (SLO) were obtained from different road side mechanics in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; five samples were collected from both premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (AGO) engines respectively. Samples were digested to reduce organic, hydrocarbon and organo-metallic compounds. Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Metals average concentration (ppm) in PMS and AGO samples were as follows: 1.1, 1.43; Iron 4.78, 10.10; copper 0.39, 0.19; zinc 10.5, 17.43; chromium 2.4, 3.83; magnesium 0.633, 0.60 and calcium 135.39, 128.06. Results showed that copper and magnesium were the least concentrated while calcium has the highest concentration. SLO was recycled using locally sourced soap (surfactant) and tetraoxo sulphate (VI) acid, H₂SO₄, producing cleaner SLO suitable for combustion in industrial burner. Recycled SLO was found to have a specific gravity of 0.8972, water content of 10%wt, carbon residue of 3.89% and a flash point of 127°C which complied with standard properties given in the literature. It can be inferred from various analyses conducted that the treatment method employed is efficient and suitable for SLO treatment.

Keywords: recycle; digested; surfactant; spent lubricating oil; SLO; standard properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2017.083972

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2017 Vol.19 No.2, pp.181 - 190

Accepted: 28 Dec 2016
Published online: 28 Apr 2017 *

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