RECLAMATION OF USED LUBRICATING OILS

An experimental analysis was carried out by treatment of used hydraulic oil with various concentrationsof fullers’ earth and the results obtained were compared with fresh oil. Properties tested for includeviscosity, specific gravity, absorbance and wear metals. The results obtained showed an improvementin the depleted quality of oil; in particular the viscosity falls within ± 15% tolerance of the fresh oilvalue as recommended by ASTM standards. It is recommended that the reclaimed oil obtainedshould be re-blended with additive or fresh oil in a pre-determined ratio using ASTM blending chartfor further enhancement of additive content. It is concluded that reclamation of used oil is anenvironmentally friendly way of dispersing waste oils which can serve as a waste to wealth method.