In today's environmentally conscious world, effective waste management and conservation are paramount. One ground-breaking solution in this domain is waste oil recycling. HERING VPT's Waste Oil Recycling Plant (WORP) stands out with its cutting-edge technology that converts used lubricating oils into high-quality base oils. This article delves into the benefits, processes, and technical excellence of HERING VPT's waste oil recycling systems.

The Importance of Waste Oil Recycling

Recycling waste oil goes beyond merely reducing waste; it involves transforming waste into valuable resources. Traditional disposal methods, like incineration or landfilling, are harmful to the environment and miss out on significant economic opportunities. Recycling waste oil helps conserve natural resources and significantly reduces the carbon footprint, making it both an environmentally and economically sound practice.

Why Recycling Waste Oil is Beneficial

Recycling waste oil is highly efficient and economically advantageous. For instance, recycling 4 liters of used oil can yield 2.5 liters of high-quality lubricating oil, whereas producing the same amount from crude oil requires 160 liters. Additionally, recycling offers lower conversion costs—around US 10 cents per liter—and the final product can sell for up to three times more, making it a financially attractive option.

How HERING VPT’s WORP System Operates

HERING VPT’s WORP system uses advanced technology to ensure the efficient and economical recycling of used oils. The process begins with the Non-Cracking Evaporator (NCE) technology, capable of handling various types of used lubricating oils, such as engine oils, spindle oils, and turbine oils. The NCE technology facilitates the conversion of waste oil into valuable base oils through a high vacuum, thin-film evaporation process.

Non-Cracking Evaporator Technology

The NCE technology involves several stages: initial evaporation, where water and light ends are flash-evaporated from the waste oil; thin-film evaporation, where the remaining hydrocarbon stream spreads over a large surface area under vacuum, allowing efficient separation and condensation of oil fractions; and the final output, producing medium (300N), low (100N), and high viscosity (500N) base oil cuts, with yields typically between 70% to 80%. The residual sludge can be sold as an asphalt extender, enhancing revenue further.

Advanced Polishing Systems - RCPS and AMPS

HERING VPT ensures the highest quality of base oils with two polishing systems: the Reactivation Clay Polishing System (RCPS) and the Adsorbent Mineral Polishing System (AMPS). These systems stabilize the oil against oxidation and improve its color and odor. The RCPS reduces sulfur content from 2000 PPM to less than 300 PPM and enhances the oil’s visual and olfactory properties. The AMPS, an alternative to clay-based processes, is suitable for applications where such processes are not preferred, ensuring high-quality Group I & Group II base oils with minimal waste production.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs

HERING VPT offers customized solutions to meet specific requirements. Whether you are a small transport company or a large recycling organization, HERING VPT has the right system for you. Their systems cater to various throughput needs, from low throughput (2,000 to 3,000 MT annually) for small businesses, medium throughput (30,000 to 40,000 MT annually) for regional oil recycling companies, to high throughput (75,000 to 100,000 MT annually) for national recyclers.

Technical Specifications and Output Quality

HERING VPT’s WORP systems handle a wide range of input characteristics and produce high-quality outputs. The input specifications include mixed hydrocarbons containing approximately 3.5% water, 10% diesel, and 68% long-chain hydrocarbons. The output specifications involve evaporation skids that produce around 3.5% water and 13.5% light ends, and WFE skids that yield about 68% longer chain hydrocarbons (100N – 500N) and 15% asphalt extender.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

HERING VPT’s waste oil recycling plants offer significant environmental and economic advantages. They have lower initial capital investments and operating costs compared to other processes, flexible operating modes adaptable to different input qualities, and a modular design that allows for customized layouts. Moreover, they have a low environmental impact, as the waste generated is classified as standard industrial waste, leading to low environmental costs. HERING VPT also provides comprehensive technical, engineering, and commercial support, ensuring the success of your waste oil recycling plant from initial consultation to installation and startup.