Used lubricating oil distillation

Waste Engine Oil Distillation Plant

Review an atmospheric and vacuum waste engine oil distillation plant for used lubricating oils, including feed pretreatment and fraction requirements.

2026-07-20
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This DB-series batch distillation platform is configured for characterized waste engine oil. The confirmed equipment-table range is 5-8 or 8-10 tonnes per day, with a reference oil yield of 80-90% and gross equipment weights of 55 or 60 tonnes. Actual fractions, product quality, heating duty and pressure configuration require feed analysis and a signed process specification; a vacuum stage is not promised unless it is included in that project specification.

How an Atmospheric Vacuum Waste Engine Oil Distillation Plant Works

  1. Direct catalytic distillation - waste oil is pumped into the processor and catalytically heated to vaporize the oil.
  2. Vapor reforming and fractionation - the vapor reacts with catalysts, condenses, and is fractionated into base fuel oil.
  3. Fuel oil refinement - the base oil passes through sedimentation, filtration, chemical treatment and additive blending.
  4. Self-powered gas recycling - purified non-condensable gas is returned to fuel the processor burner, saving about 30% of energy.
  5. Emission-controlled flue gas treatment - alkali spray neutralization and an adsorption tower clean the flue gas before discharge (configured for project-specific emission-control requirements).

The atmospheric section first removes light impurities; the vacuum section then fractionates the main components under negative pressure at low temperature, avoiding high-temperature cracking and preserving base-oil quality. A catalyst system breaks down impurity molecular chains to cut residual sulfur and chlorine, while PLC control adjusts temperature, pressure and liquid level in real time - with remote control and data recording.

Models and Specifications

ModelDB-8DB-10
Capacity5-8 t/day8-10 t/day
Furnace sizeΦ2500 × 8800 × 18 mmΦ2500 × 11000 × 18 mm
Gross weight55 t60 t
Working power20-30 kW20-30 kW
Reference oil yield*80-90%80-90%
Heating methodDirect heat / hot airDirect heat / hot air
Working typeBatchBatch
Source-table pressureNormal pressureNormal pressure
Noise target≤85 dB≤85 dB
Shipping1×FR + 2×40' HQ1×FR + 2×40' HQ

Both models are batch-type, horizontal static designs with circulating-water cooling. The source table lists normal pressure; any vacuum-stage configuration must be confirmed in the signed process specification. Installation footprint is approximately 35 m × 20 m, with 1-2 operators per shift.

Expected Output Fractions

  • Recovered base oil (80-90% reference) - light and heavy components separated via precise temperature control.
  • By-product combustible gas - separated and reused for heating, saving about 30-40% of fuel costs.

Key Equipment Features

  • Multi-stage distillation tower with precise temperature control for an 80-90% reference base-oil recovery rate.
  • Atmospheric + vacuum synergy: vacuum low-temperature fractionation avoids high-temperature cracking.
  • Low-temperature catalytic cracking removes residual sulfur and chlorine for higher purity.
  • Advanced decolorization for lighter, cleaner base oil.
  • PLC intelligent control with real-time monitoring and remote operation.
  • Premium output quality - strict process control for consistent fuel oil to be tested against the buyer's required product specification.
  • Efficient heating and maintenance - rapid non-stick heating walls minimize cleaning downtime.
  • Triple-layer safety - submerged arc welding + ultrasonic NDT + dual alarm system.
  • High-yield condensing system - enhanced cooling boosts oil output and extends service life.
  • Centralized automation - control desk monitors the full production line in real time.

Atmospheric & Vacuum vs Atmospheric Distillation

Atmospheric & Vacuum (this line)Atmospheric
PressureAtmospheric + vacuum stagesNormal pressure only
Vacuum pumpRequiredNot required
StructureMulti-stage towerSimpler structure, easier maintenance
Best forHigher-grade fractionation, sulfur/chlorine removalPrimary processing, lower operating cost

Choose atmospheric & vacuum when you need a higher base-oil recovery rate and sulfur/chlorine removal; choose atmospheric for a simpler, lower-cost primary treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the distillation process work? Engine oil is distilled into base oil.
  • What feedstock can this plant process? Waste lubricants such as engine oil and gear oil.
  • What is the recovery rate? 80-90% reference base oil recovery.
  • What is the delivery time? The delivery schedule and departure port are confirmed in the commercial quotation.
  • What payment methods do you accept? Mainly T/T; other methods on request.
  • Are you a factory or a trading company? We operate our own factory in Shangqiu City, Henan Province, China.
  • What warranty and after-sales support do you provide? About 1 year (negotiable), with replacement parts, maintenance support and on-site installation by our engineers - support scope defined in the supply contract.
  • What information do I need for a quote? Raw material type, daily processing capacity and project location.

Get a Configuration Quote

Send your feedstock type, daily volume and project location, and a Pyrojin engineer will prepare a matching line configuration, layout and investment estimate.

Used lubricating oil distillation

Design the plant from representative used-oil analysis

Used engine and lubricating oils vary in water, solids, additives, oxidation products and mixed-oil contamination. Plant configuration should be based on laboratory feed analysis, target fractions, residue route and local product and environmental requirements.

Project Verification Passport

Confirm performance boundaries before contract

Project enquiry

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