Abstract
Zeolite types LTZ and LSX were synthesized from bauxite and kaolin in Ghana and characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Fouries transformed infrared spectroscopy. The zeolites were then applied to used lubricant oil and parameters lubricant engine oil were measured and compared to those of fresh ones. Parameters such as flashpoint, viscosity index, pour point, sulfur content, heavy metals, specific gravity, refractive index and carbon residue were analyzed. The results obtained showed that zeolite types A and X successfully removed heavy metals, particularly lead, copper and iron that were in the spent oil. A removal efficiency of 23.40 % Fe, 96.76 % Zn, 19.05 % Cu and 12 % Cr were obtained for Zeolite A with a yield of 62 % whilst 32.81 % Fe, 39.00 %, Zn, 47.61 %, Cu and 24 % Cr were obtained for zeolite LSX with a yield of 67 %. The viscosity index of the virgin, zeolite LTA treated and zeolite LSX treated oils were 115, 121 and 115 respectively. These results showed that used engine oils recovered using glacial acetic acid and zeolites A and LSX can be reused.
Highlights
Spent lubricants or used oils are lubricating oils that have lost their greasing properties as a result of worn out of their additives (Hamawand, Yusaf, & Rafat, 2013)
From the XRD spectra the positions of the peaks in the sample were at 2ߠ = 6.15, 11.74, 15.47, 23.34 and 26.75o. These peaks coreespond well with that of zeolite low silica type X (LSX) synthesized from chemical reagents in the ICDD database
The band at 680.57 cm-1 correspond to linkage due to symmetric stretch was found whilst the band at 570.82cm-1 relates to the existence of double ring in the framework structure of zeolites was present (Kwakye-Awuah et al, 2014). These bands suggest that the synthesized sample was zeolite in the class of zeolite LTAA, due to auspicious double ring vibrational peaks
Summary
Spent lubricants or used oils are lubricating oils that have lost their greasing properties as a result of worn out of their additives (Hamawand, Yusaf, & Rafat, 2013). Spent or used oils are used for wood preservation, greasing, pouring them into pit latrines, gutters and running waters. These pollutants may find their way into running water bodies or penetrate the ground and cause serious destruction to aquatic life or may cause ground water contamination (Boughton & Horvath, 2004). Another method employed by most people in disposing spent lubricating oils is burning. Recycling of the spent lubricating oils provide efficient way of reducing the environmental pollution problems associated with their disposal whilst at the same time adding value to the spent lubricant which is considered waste (Rincon, Canizares, & Garcia, 2005; Reis & Jeronimo, 1988; Whisman et al, 1978; Quang, Carriero, Schieppati, Comte, & Andrews, 1974)
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