Experiments in use of bentonite for energy recovery of used oils

¹ University Politehnica of Bucharest Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Department of Thermodynamics, Engines, Thermal and Refrigeration Equipment, Romania;
² University Politehnica of Bucharest, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, Department of Biotechnical Systems, Romania;
³ University Politehnica of Bucharest, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Biotechnical Systems, Romania;

^* Corresponding author: elena.pop@upb.ro

Abstract

The paper proposes the development of advanced, integrated technologies for materials with properties of adsorbents (e.g. bentonite), and the use of these material in processes of used oil recovery with remediation effect and energy recovery. The main objective is to replace diesel fuel, which is an expensive fuel, with revitalized oils for energy production. For these, laboratory experiments are required in two important directions. The first tests are related to the determination the optimum concentration of bentonite for removal of metals from used oil. The revitalization of the used oil leads to the protection of the combustion plant, to the increase of its lifetime and polluting emissions reduction. The second set of experiments relates to the determination of energy characteristics of used oil and revitalized used oil for energy production. Elemental analysis, lower heating value, viscosity, density and ash analysis were determined. Experimental test of combustion process on a small scale boiler has been done and the results shows an improved combustion process of revitalized oil compares with used oil and the decrease of the pollutant emissions.