(26c) Hylube Process Commercialization: Recovering Value from Used Motor Oil

HylubeTM Process Commercialization: Recovering Value from Used Motor Oil T.N. Kalnes, UOP LLC, 25 E. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60017 Andreas Schuppel, Puralube GmbH, Hauptstrasse 30, Gebaude 27, Elsteraue / OT Alttröglitz, D-06729, Germany Laura Kadlec, Technical Services, UOP LLC, 25 E. Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60017

ABSTRACT

Environmentally-conscious design of processes and products is increasingly viewed as an integral strategy in the sustainable development of new refining and chemical processes. Although re-refining of spent lubricating oils such as used motor oils has been practiced with varying technical and commercial success over the past 50 years, a sustainable processing technology has yet to become widely accepted. Poor on-stream efficiency, inconsistent product quality, and careless management of feedstock contaminants and byproducts have often resulted in widespread environmental problems and poor economics.

A novel catalytic process for regenerating spent lubricants has now been successfully commercialized. Puralube GmbH, a subsidiary of Puralube Inc., recently commercialized the UOP HyLubeTM process. The first industrial scale plant, located in Elsteraue / Zeitz, Germany, converts used oil into lube base oils and green fuels in an environmentally conscious manner. Key process features include (1) continuous processing of the entire used oil charge stock in a hydrogen-rich environment without use of intermediate oil storage, (2) efficient removal of contaminants such as chlorinated, sulfurous, and oxygenated organic compounds and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, (3) management of all sulfurous and odorous compounds to eliminate malodorous and toxic emissions and (4) production of deeply desulfurized base oil and distillate fuel products of consistent high quality. Byproducts are managed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy recovery. This paper describes the HyLube process and reviews the performance of the commercial unit. It also compares the process life cycle of used oil re-refining to combustion of used oil as a secondary fuel.