Abstract
Applied pyrolysis is used in this work as a treatment technique for hydrocarbon fraction recovery of used lubricating oils (ULO) with the aim of its further energetic valorisation. Applied pyrolysis bring also the advantage of a better management of metallic compounds that will be concentrated in the solid residue. In this work, technical parameters have been evaluated to establish their influence on the process evolution with the aim of identifying the adequate parameters for obtaining the maximum liquid fraction. It was found that, for an equilibrated energy balance, the final pyrolysis temperature should not exceed 460°C and the main parameter that affect the pyrolysis oil yield and its physical-chemical properties is the heating rate in the thermal range of decomposition. Activated Zeolites (HZSM-5 type) and Na2CO3 were used as catalysts. The catalysed pyrolysis tests were performed using direct contact between ULO and catalyst, the materials being mixed before processing. Experimental results showed that in non-catalysed pyrolysis an increasing heating rate is slightly reducing the yield of liquid fraction. On the other hand, by using catalysts, the liquid fraction is decreasing. Thus, the highest liquid ratio (81 wt.%) was obtained when the Na2CO3 is used and the process is run under a heating rate of 3-5°C/min. But then, the zeolite HZSM-5 is leading to the highest overall conversion, 95 wt.% at 15-17°C/min, and is positively influence the formation of gas fractions. Keywords: Used lubricating oil, pyrolysis, environment, energy
Highlights
Applied pyrolysis is used in this work as a treatment technique for hydrocarbon fraction recovery of used lubricating oils (ULO) with the aim of its further energetic valorisation
Experimental results showed that in non-catalysed pyrolysis an increasing heating rate is slightly reducing the yield of liquid fraction
TG Analysis showed that by increasing the heating rate, the start point of decomposition stays at 200 - 211°C while the end point is growing from 464°C for 5°C/min to 488°C for 15°C/min. following these results, it was established that the tests in laboratory-scale reactor will be run at the final temperature of 500°C
Summary
Applied pyrolysis is used in this work as a treatment technique for hydrocarbon fraction recovery of used lubricating oils (ULO) with the aim of its further energetic valorisation. Concerns about the material recovery or reuse of various types of natural oils used as lubricants in different fields have been since the 1970s, generally correlated with the various economic crises in which the oil price was a major player [3]. This is understandable considering the chemical composition of these oils, up to 95% being represented by hydrocarbons and 5% by additives [4]. An economically feasible system for oil recovery from ULO is possible to be implemented only if the process plant is located near a refinery or petrochemical plant where hydrogen can be supplied to ensure high profitability [7]
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