(73f) Catalytic Upgrading of Used Motor Oil for Marine Diesel Fuel Applications

Used motor oil (UMO) is a waste product generated in large quantities in every country throughout the world. During normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time the oil no longer performs well. Chemical impurities can include solvents, halogens, or saltwater. UMO is an environmental pollutant and is disposed of in various forms such as recycling, re-refining, and combustion to name a few. Because of its high sulfur content (1-3 wt%), it cannot be used as road transportation diesel fuel. We have developed a one-step catalytic conversion process that removes water, sulfur, and other impurities from the oil. The process reduces the viscosity and sulfur of the oils to meet the specifications of the international Marine Organization standards for marine diesel fuel.