Ameer Randolph
With the volatile price of crude oil and high cost of fuel, many are looking for alternative ways to fuel their vehicles. One such way is to convert used motor oil into diesel fuel. This can be done through a distillation machine, which pumps dirty motor oil into an expansion tank, heats it to generate oil gas, and then cools it into diesel. However, this method is not without its challenges, as some worry about the impact of acids formed by moisture combining with motor oil. Nevertheless, with proper filtering, it is possible to use waste oil in diesel engines, and it has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking cheaper fuel alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filtering used motor oil | A leg from a pair of jeans, a mesh filter, a centrifuge, a bag filter, a magnet on the fuel filter |
| Filtering used motor oil issues | Moisture combining with motor oil forms acids that can't be filtered out, metal contamination |
| Heating used motor oil | Needs to be around 100F to flow smoothly, WVO needs to be close to 160F |
| Heating dirty used motor oil | Heat to about 250°C to generate oil gas |
| Yield from distillation machine | 80%-85% diesel fuel, 15%-25% asphalt |
| Uses of distilled diesel | Diesel generators, trucks, ships, fishing boats, heavy machinery, boilers, used in vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
Filtering used motor oil with a waste oil distillation machine
Used engine oil is mixed with impurities such as moisture, dust, other miscellaneous oils, and metal powders produced by the wear of mechanical parts during use. This causes the oil to turn black and become more viscous. A waste oil distillation machine can be used to purify used engine oil into diesel fuel. The process of purification is detailed and complex and requires higher requirements for the design of the waste oil distillation machine.
The waste oil distillation machine needs to be pre-prepared for heat-conducting oil circulation. The heat-conducting oil heats the distillation reactor to 250 degrees Celsius, allowing the water and emulsified oil to fully evaporate. After buffering in a buffer tank, the oil enters a horizontal condenser, where it condenses and is stored in the first fraction tank. The heat-conducting oil and burner are then heated simultaneously to 380-400 degrees Celsius, causing oil and gas volatilization. After buffering in the buffer tank, the oil once again enters the horizontal condenser and condenses, before being stored in the second distillation tank. The temperature of the reactor is maintained at 380-400 degrees Celsius. The volatilized oil gas passes through the buffer tank and is catalyzed by the catalytic tower before entering the horizontal condenser and condensing into oil, which is stored in the third fraction tank.
The flue gas generated by the heat-conducting oil furnace and the reactor is processed by the desulfurization tower and discharged into the atmosphere after reaching the national emission standard. The oil in the oil tank is then fed into the decolorizing pot, and white clay is added to stir and decolorize the oil. The oil is then pumped into the leaf filter to obtain a clear colour, followed by fine filtering to remove impurities. This process may be repeated multiple times to obtain clean, bright non-standard diesel.
An alternative method is to pump used motor oil into the distillation reactor by oil pump and heat the reactor. The liquid oil will slowly become oil gas, which will pass through a catalytic chamber and condenser, then diesel will be cooled out first by controlling the temperature over 150 degrees Celsius. The gasoline will be cooled out when the temperature drops below 150 degrees Celsius. This method also requires a condensing device to condense the steamed oil gas.
Another method of purification is "catalyst adsorption", which uses a catalyst to absorb impurities in the oil, which is then filtered out to obtain bright-coloured diesel fuel.
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Centrifuges for cleaning fuel oils
Centrifuges are highly effective tools for cleaning fuel oils, including waste motor oil, and can be used to produce fuel-grade oil. They are driven by the machine's oil pressure, meaning they can work while your machinery is in operation, so there is no downtime.
Centrifuges work by generating a centrifugal force, up to 2,000 times greater than gravity, which removes particles and unwanted fluids from the oil. They can remove contamination from oil down to less than 2 microns, making it ready for blending into diesel fuel. The process is simple and efficient, with no ongoing operational costs, and the oil can be pumped through the centrifuge for two to four hours. After this time, the oil will be ready for blending, and the rotor can be cleaned out.
There are a variety of centrifuges available on the market, with different flow rates. The Lubemaster, for example, has a flow rate of 10-70 litres of oil per minute, while another model can process up to 25 gallons per hour. Dieselcraft offers Waste Oil Centrifuge Filtration Kits, which can be used to build your own system, or complete "Fuel Factory" systems. These kits include a centrifuge, pump, motor, mounting plate, control valve, pressure hose, and a drum heater.
Centrifuges are a reliable and economical method of cleaning fuel oils, constantly removing impurities, soot, and other contaminants, and maintaining optimal operating conditions for machinery. They are a popular choice for many engine manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Mack, Cummins, MTU, and Scania.
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Filtering used motor oil with a mesh filter
If you are looking to filter your used motor oil at home, you can use a leg from a pair of jeans, tied in a knot at the bottom, to filter the oil. This method is slow but effective. Alternatively, you can purchase a bag filter from McMaster-Carr for less than $5 each. These filters can be hung over a bucket, and you can pour your oil into the top and let it sit. These filters come in a range of microns, from 5 to 300.
If you are looking for a more industrial approach, you can use a waste oil distillation machine. This process involves pumping dirty motor oil into the machine, heating it to the best temperature for diesel quality, and then cooling the resulting diesel oil gas. This method can produce 80%-85% diesel fuel, with the remaining 15%-25% being asphalt.
It is important to note that, regardless of the method used, the oil will need to be heated to flow smoothly. For waste oil fuel, a temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient, while for WVO (waste vegetable oil), a temperature of around 160 degrees Fahrenheit is required.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that engine oil filters are generally around 20 microns, so the oil that comes out of an engine is relatively clean. Therefore, when filtering used motor oil, simple methods such as using a mesh filter or a pair of jeans can be effective.
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Filtering used motor oil with a leg from a pair of jeans
Filtering used motor oil to make diesel fuel can be done in several ways. One simple method is to use a leg from a pair of jeans. This technique is inexpensive and effective, although it may take some time for the oil to filter through.
To begin, cut a leg from an old pair of jeans. Tie one end of the jeans leg in a knot to close it off. This will serve as the bottom of the filter. Place a bucket or container below the open end of the jeans leg to collect the filtered oil. Ensure the bucket is clean and free of any contaminants.
Pour the used motor oil into a separate container if it is not already stored in one. Carefully pour the motor oil into the top of the jeans leg filter. Allow the oil to drip through the fabric, which will act as a strainer to remove any large particles or debris. The oil will slowly filter through the denim, leaving behind solid contaminants.
Once the filtration process is complete, untie the knot at the bottom of the jeans leg and remove the filtered oil from the bucket. You can now use this oil as diesel fuel. However, it is important to note that this method may not remove all contaminants, and there may still be small particles in the oil.
For a more comprehensive filtration system, you may want to consider investing in a purpose-built filter or using other materials, such as a window screen or a fine mesh fabric, in conjunction with the jeans leg filter. Additionally, heating the oil to around 100°F (37.8°C) can help it flow more smoothly, but this may require additional equipment.
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Heating used motor oil to flow like diesel
Heating used motor oil is an essential step in the process of converting it into diesel fuel. The oil needs to be heated to a high temperature, typically around 250°C, to undergo a process known as distillation. This involves pumping the used motor oil into a waste oil distillation machine, along with heat transfer oil, to prepare for subsequent heating.
During the distillation process, the high temperature causes the used motor oil to turn into oil gas. This oil gas is then cooled and condensed into diesel fuel through a professional industrial cooling system. The resulting diesel fuel can be used in a variety of applications, including diesel generators, trucks, ships, and heavy machinery.
It is important to note that heating used motor oil to the required temperature of around 250°C requires specialized equipment, such as a waste oil distillation machine. Attempting to heat used motor oil to such high temperatures without proper equipment can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Additionally, when heating used motor oil, it is crucial to ensure that all safety precautions are followed to prevent fires or injuries. This includes proper ventilation and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as heat-resistant gloves and eye protection.
While heating used motor oil to a high temperature is necessary for the distillation process, it is just one step in the overall process of converting used motor oil into diesel fuel. Other steps include initial filtering to remove large debris and the removal of water from the oil, as water is a byproduct of combustion. Proper filtering and water removal ensure the final diesel fuel product is clean and suitable for use.
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Frequently asked questions
The process involves using a waste oil distillation machine to heat dirty motor oil to around 250°C, which generates oil gas. This oil gas is then cooled into diesel fuel.
The diesel fuel obtained can be used in diesel generators, trucks, ships, fishing boats, and heavy machinery. It typically has an 80-85% efficiency, with the remaining 15-20% being asphalt.
With rising fuel costs, converting used motor oil to diesel fuel can be a profitable venture. The process requires an initial investment in equipment but can provide long-term fuel cost savings.
One concern is the formation of acids due to moisture combining with motor oil, which cannot be easily filtered out. Additionally, there may be metal contamination in the oil, especially with gear oil, which can affect the fuel system.
For basic filtering, a piece of cloth, such as a leg from a pair of jeans, can be used to remove larger impurities. Alternatively, a fine mesh filter can be employed to capture smaller particles.
