Effects of Acid Treatment on Qualities of Used Lubricating Oil

Lubricating oil requirement is increasing day by day with the establishment of new industries, increase in number of vehicular transports, and mechanization of agriculture.The generated used oil can be considered as a source of pollution or as a resource, depending on the methods of utilization and management. Used lubricating oil has been reclaimed by treatment with commercial sulphuric acid followed by adsorption on kieselguhr. A maximum yield 70% of reclaimed oil at acid–oil ratio of 14:100 with addition of 15% (w/v) kieselguhr has been obtained. In this paper, an attempt has been made to discuss composition of used lubricating oil and various facts about hazardous nature of used oils. This will enhance more awareness about environmental impacts of hydrocarbon industries to the science community.