Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for cooling and/or heating engine lubricant, fuel, and engine oil is provided which includes a heat-transferring jacket. The heat transferring jacket includes a body having a plurality of fins. The body further includes an air-intake inlet, a plurality of air-exhaust outlets formed along the first lateral terminus and the second lateral terminus, and a means for securing the body to an oil filter.

Abstract: The mercury in crude oils is managed during the refining process to reduce its occurrence in refined petroleum products as well as in refinery emissions and wastes by converting the mercury, which may typically be present in the crude in elemental, ionic or combined organic (organomercury) forms, by operating the refinery on a blend of crudes comprising a mercury-containing crude of low sulfur content and a high sulfur crude. For optimal mercury control, the refinery should be operated in a high conversion regime, preferably with hydroprocessing (severe hydrotreating, hydrocracking) suitable for converting refractory, non-reactive sulfur compounds in the high sulfur crudes to more reactive forms including, for example, hydrogen sulfide, which will combine with the mercury present from the mercury-containing crude to form solid mercury sulfides which may be removed as solid waste by-products and disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: A process treats a fluid stream of used fracturing fluid containing contaminants and forms a reconditioned fluid stream. Contaminants are removed by the combination of distillation, electrostatic agglomeration, decanting, and filtration or by distillation and optional filtering. Optionally, in each case, the filtered fluid stream is treated in a clay tower to remove residual contaminants.

Abstract: A process treats a fluid stream of used fracturing fluid containing contaminants and forms a reconditioned fluid stream. Contaminants are removed by the combination of distillation, electrostatic agglomeration, decanting, and filtration. Optionally, the filtered fluid stream is treated in a clay tower to remove residual contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catalysts and, in particular, relates to in-situ replacement of catalyst within a reactor. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for the in-situ replacement of catalyst bodies in a catalytic reactor comprising removing catalyst bodies in-situ from at least one modularized section of a catalytic layer within a catalytic reactor and replacing the removed catalyst bodies in-situ with replacement bodies comprising catalytic function wherein at least 10% of the total catalyst bodies within the layer are replaced.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste oil comprises the steps of (a) supplying a stream of the waste oil to a dehydrator to dehydrate the waste oil and obtain a stream of dehydrated waste oil; (b) supplying the stream of dehydrated waste oil to a fractionated distillation column having a lower tray, an upper tray and a middle tray therebetween, wherein the lower tray is operated at a temperature of 370 to 390° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 50 to 100 mmHg, the middle tray is operated at a temperature of 265 to 280° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 35 to 45 mmHg and the upper tray is operated at a temperature of 100 to 110° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg; (c) withdrawing from the distillation column a bottom product comprising a bituminous material; (d) withdrawing a first side stream from the distillation column between the first and second trays, the first side stream comprising a heavy oil having a viscosity of 130 to 180 cSt at 40° C.

Abstract: A wheel-guiding device comprises a handle connected to a member of a U-shaped member and the handle is preferably essentially perpendicular to a plane of the U-shaped member for guiding the motion of a preferably wheel. The handle is extendable for adjusting the length of the wheel-guiding device. The wheel's motion is controlled with the wheel-guiding device by engaging the U-shaped member and pushing on the wheel with the wheel-guiding device causing the wheel to both rotate and move in various directions or to stop movement of the wheel.

Abstract: Used oil is treated in a reactor to remove contaminants. The reactor comprises a rotating vessel housed within a heating chamber. The inside of the vessel is indirectly heated by conduction through the vessel walls. The vessel contains a permanently resident charge of non-ablating, coarse granular solids. Within the vessel, the oil is vaporized and pyrolyzed, producing a hydrocarbon vapor. Coke is formed as a byproduct. Contaminants, such as metals and halides become associated with the coke. The coarse granular solids scour and comminute the coke to form fine solids. The fine solids are separated from the coarse solids and are removed from the vessel. The hydrocarbon vapors are separated from any fine solids and are routed to a vapor condensation system for producing a substantially contaminant-free product oil. The contaminant-rich solids are collected for disposal.

Abstract: This invention provides a facile method for removing odor-causing species from lubricants. In this method, such species are removed by contacting the lubricant composition with at least one zeolite. Preferred zeolites include the type 13X Molecular Sieve, i.e., Na86[(AlO2)86(SiO2)106].276 H2O.

Abstract: In a method of removing acidic compounds, color, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and for removing or converting hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms from petroleum distillates, phase transfer catalyst is employed to facilitate the transfer of inorganic or organic bases to the substrate of the distillate. An inorganic or organic base, a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group including quaternary ammonium salts, polyol ethers and crown ethers, and used oil distillate are mixed and heated. Thereafter, contaminants are removed from the used oil distillate through distillation. A solvent is then mixed with the resulting distillate to extract contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is coalesced to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of mercury and other heavy metals from a hydrocarbon feedstream. The process involves contacting the hydrocarbon feedstream with a feedstream-soluble sulfur compound and then contacting the hydrocarbon feedstream and solubilized sulfur compound with an adsorbent.

Abstract: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other contaminants are removed from petroleum distillates by mixing a solvent with petroleum distillate to extract the contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is also distilled to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: In a method of removing acidic compounds, color, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and for removing or converting hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms from petroleum distillates, phase transfer catalyst is employed to facilitate the transfer of inorganic or organic bases to the substrate of the distillate. An inorganic or organic base, a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group including quaternary ammonium salts, polyol ethers and crown ethers, and used oil distillate are mixed and heated. Thereafter, contaminants are removed from the used oil distillate through distillation. A solvent is then mixed with the resulting distillate to extract contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is also distilled to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: In a method of removing acidic compounds, color, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and for removing or converting hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms from petroleum distillates, phase transfer catalyst is employed to facilitate the transfer of inorganic or organic bases to the substrate of the distillate. An inorganic or organic base, a phase transfer catalyst selected from the group including quaternary ammonium salts, polyol ethers and crown ethers, and used oil distillate are mixed and heated. Thereafter, contaminants are removed from the used oil distillate through distillation. A solvent is then mixed with the resulting distillate to extract contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is also distilled to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and re-refining used oil that requires only moderate heat and only one re-refining step. The pretreatment involves mixing the used oil with a basic solution and optionally a phase transfer catalyst. The phase transfer catalyst aids the chemical reaction which allows removal of impurities in used oil. The basic solution preferably includes more than one base. The used oil, basic solution and phase transfer catalyst are mixed under low heat. The pretreated oil is then mixed with liquid propane in a non-turbulent manner, such as by use of a globe valve or orbit valve. The mixture of used oil and liquid propane are then placed into an extraction vessel and impurities are allowed to settle out of the oil and propane mixture. Heavy fraction may be removed from the extraction vessel. Preferably, a second vessel called a settling vessel will be used to cause further settling of impurities out of the used oil. Light fraction is produced which may be re-refined to produce base oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to separating different substances, more concretely, to a method and apparatus for filters, degassing, dehydrating and removing products of ageing in insulating and other petroleum oils. The technical result is that the aforesaid phases of processing oil or a mixture of oils are ensured with high efficiency for a single passage through an active component, and also the possibility of regenerating the adsorbents being used is ensured during the process of operation of the equipment, with simultaneous simplification of the construction and reduction of size and of power consumption. The apparatus 1 for filtering, degassing, dehydrating and removing products of ageing comprises at least one tank 2, in which are disposed cylindrical partitions 3, 4 filled with an adsorbent 5 and secured in the tank 2 by means of fixing elements 6. Partitions 3, 4 form channels for the passage of oil being processed.

Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming a useful oil product has an evaporation chamber, including an inlet for the waste oil, and an outlet for the vaporized oil, as a useful oil product. Burners are provided for heating the evaporation chamber to vaporized oil from the waste oil. A pump and float arrangement are provided for monitoring the level of waste oil in the evaporation chamber, and for pumping additional waste oil into the chamber to maintain the waste oil at a desired level. Continuous operation of the apparatus results in a build up of solid waters, e.g. heavy metals, in the chamber. After a period of operation, the burners are turned off, and the chamber opened, to enable the solid residue to be removed from the chamber. The vaporized oil can be condensed and collected.

Abstract: A process for significantly decreasing the acid sludge settling time in waste oil recovery processes comprising the steps of heating used oil to a high temperature above 725 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling the heated oil, adding an oxidizing agent to the oil, allowing the acid sludge to settle within a period of approximately 24 to 72 hours, separating the acid-sludge-free oil from the acid sludge which settles out of solution as a result of addition of the oxidizing agent, and adding a polishing agent and separating the re-refined oil from the spent polishing agent. The spent polishing agent is recycled, and the acid sludge which settles out after oxidation is converted to either hard, oxidized asphalt or soft asphalt or asphalt products such as emulsions etc. The process produces a high quality re-refined oil rapidly and economically with no acid sludge disposal problem.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: A method for recycling waste lubrication oil for use as fuel oil includes pumping new fuel oil from a source and monitoring the flow rate of the new fuel oil; pumping waste oil from a source through at least one filter and adjusting the flow rate of the waste oil according to the monitored flow rate of the new fuel oil and a preselected blend ratio; combining the filtered waste oil with the fuel oil in a static mixer; and dehydrating the blended oil prior to dispensation. An apparatus for performing the method includes a fuel pump fluidly coupled to a source of fuel oil and fluidly feeding a flow meter which is electrically coupled to a control circuit. A waste oil pump is fluidly coupled to a source of waste oil and to at least one depth media filter and is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The outputs of the flow meter and the depth media filter are fluidly coupled to a static mixer which is fluidly coupled to a coalescer.

Abstract: A method, composition and filter for reducing the presence of sludge or varnish precursors in a lubricating oil circulating within an internal combustion engine. The lubricating oil containing sludge or varnish precursors is contacted with discrete particles of an oil insoluble, oil wettable compound having an antioxidant functional group and/or a dispersant functional group, which are capable of complexing with sludge or varnish precursors. Preferably the compounds comprises a crosslinked amine having ethylene amine functionality. The starting polyethylene amines have a number average molecular weight in the range of about 100 to about 60,000, preferably 200 to 250 and are crosslinked with a silicon oxide, silane, silicate, epoxide, quinone, or phenol-formaldehyde crosslinking agent. The particles are encaged within a one or two stage oil filter together with filtering media such as chemically active filter media, physically active filter media and inactive filter media.

Abstract: A process for converting the acid sludge produced by waste oil refineries into an acid sludge intermediary which can be used in the production of asphaltic mixtures. The process includes contacting the entire surface area of acid sludge with a pH altering agent such as an aqueous inorganic liquid, and separating the liquid layer from the sludge layer, thereby producing an intermediate sludge having properties which make it suitable for use in asphalt production.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or a similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: Used lubricating oils can be rejuvenated by passing the oil through a filter system comprising a hollow solid composite that contains a thermoplastic binder and an active filter media of a chemically active filter media, a physically active filter media, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is formed by forcing a substantially uniform mixture of thermoplastic binder particles, active filter media particles, solvent 600 Neutral base oil, and sodium stearate through an extrusion die of substantially uniform cross-section, wherein the mixture is subjected to heat, pressure, and cooling to consolidate the mixture so that it emerges from the die as a hollow solid composite. Most preferably, the composite will surround an inactive filter media located within the filter system.

Abstract: A process for measuring and treating oil-water stable emulsions derived from crude oil desalters is provided. Emulsion volume is measured, the emulsion is withdrawn, blended with aromatic-rich hydrocarbon, heated and three phases--water, oil and solids--are separated by exposure to a force of at least 500 g.

Abstract: NaOH can be used to remove hydroperoxides from a lubricating oil provided the oil contains a metal thiophosphate. This extends the useful life of the oil and the equipment being lubricated. In a preferred embodiment, the NaOH is immobilized within the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Piston deposits resulting from neutralizing combustion acids present in the lubricating oil circulating within the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine are reduced or eliminated by first cntacting the acids with a soluble weak base in the piston ring zone of the engine to form soluble neutral salts containing the weak base and the combustion acids. Thereafter, the neutral salts are contacted with a heterogenous strong base immobilized within the lubrication system but outside of the piston ring zone. The strong base displaces the weak base from the neutral salts, returning the weak base to the oil for recirculation to the piston ring zone for further use. The remaining strong base/combustion adic salts are immobilized as deposits with the strong base rather than on the piston. In a preferred embodiment, trioctadecyl amine is the weak base and magnesium oxide is the strong base.

Abstract: Substrates polluted with toxic substances are treated in-situ with solvated electrons prepared chemically or electrochemically. The process is useful in treating porous and nonporous substrates, such as earth, clay, sand, soils, concrete, asphalt, wood, brick, block and other masonry surfaces, including liquids such dielectric fluids contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons without the usual separation procedures to provide substrates suitable for recycle having <1 ppm pollutant remaining.

Abstract: A filter system containing, in series, a first filter media having a chemically active filter media, a physically active filter media, or mixtures thereof and a second filter media having an inactive filter media can effectively rejuvenate used lubricating oils. In a preferred embodiment, the chemically or physically active filter media will be within a cannister that is separate from a container having both active and inactive filter media.

Abstract: Piston deposits resulting from neutralizing combustion acids present in the lubricating oil circulating within the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine are reduced or eliminated by first contacting the acids with a soluble weak base in the piston ring zone of the engine to form soluble neutral salts containing the weak base and the combustion acids. Thereafter, the neutral salts are contacted with a heterogeneous strong base immobilized within the lubrication system but outside of the piston ring zone. The strong base displaces the weak base from the neutral salts, returning the weak base to the oil for recirculation to the piston ring zone for further use. The remaining strong base/combustion acid salts are immobilized as deposits with the strong base rather than on the piston. In a preferred embodiment, trioctadecyl amine is the weak base and zinc oxide is the strong base. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the strong base is incorporated on a substrate, preferably a cement binder.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating an inert solid substantially inorganic fraction comprising sand or soil from a tarry or oily organic matter in a feedstock. The feedstock may be contaminated soil or tarry waste. The feedstock is combined with pulverized coal and water. The ratio (oil or tar to dry weight of coal) of about 1.0:10 to about 4.0:10 at a temperature in the range of 60.degree.-95.degree. C. The mixture is agitated, the coarse particles are removed, and up to about 0.10% by weight (based on weight of coal) of a frothing agent is added. The mixture is then subjected to flotation, and the froth is removed from the mixture.

Abstract: A system for the substantial removal of polynuclear aromatic compounds from lubricating oil used to lubricate the engine of a motor vehicle comprising a sorbent located within the lubricating system and through which the lubricating oil circulates which is capable of removing substantially all of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from the lubricating oil. The sorbent is preferably activated carbon which may be impregnated with additives typically found in lubricating oils especially antioxidants, to prolong the useful life of the oil.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing hydrocarbons from oily wastes. According to the process, the oily wastes are mixed with solids and a binder and then granulated. The granules thus formed are contacted with solvent to extract hydrocarbons from the granules. Preferred solids include limestone and preferred binders include portland cement calcium sulfate and/or calcium sulfate hydrate such as plaster of Paris.

Abstract: A process for removing catalyst fines from slurry oil is disclosed. A settling reagent, such as coal, alumina, or coke, is added to a fines containing heavy oil bottoms product from a fractionator downstream of a catalytic cracking unit. The settling reagent promotes rapid settling and removal of fines from heavy oil product. Settling may be performed in a slurry settler, or a centrifuge. A catalytic cracking process for heavy, metals laden oil is also disclosed using a settling reagent to clarify slurry oil, then recycling settled settling reagent to contact the heavy oil in the catalytic cracking process.

Abstract: Piston deposits resulting from neutralizing combustion acids present in the lubricating oil circulating within the lubrication system of an internal combustion engine are reduced or eliminated by first contacting the acids with a soluble weak base in the piston ring zone of the engine to form soluble neutral salts containing the weak base and the combustion acids. Thereafter, the neutral salts are contacted with a heterogenous strong base immobilized within the lubrication system by outside of the piston ring zone. The strong base displaces the weak base from the neutral salts, returning the weak base to the oil for recirculation to the piston ring zone for further use. The remaining strong base/combustion acid salts are immobilized as deposits with the strong base rather than on the piston. In a preferred embodiment, trioctadecyl amine is the weak base and zinc oxide is the strong base. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weak base is incorporated on a substrate, preferably a cement binder.

Abstract: A method of treatment of polluted emulsions or micro-emulsions (10) of oil in water, said method making use of tangential filtering through at least one membrane (1) constituted by a porous microfiltration structure which is constituted by titanium oxide, at least on the surface thereof. The method can be used to regenerate emulsions or micro-emulsions of oil in water.

Abstract: Contaminated oil is reclaimed for fuel use by pumping same through an oil filter into one side of a divided tank then through a heater to burn off water and antifreeze and then into the other side of the divided tank where the oil is blended with other clean oil, such as diesel fuel, which is then pumped through a water separator and another oil filter into a fuel supply tank from which it is pumped and used for blending. The divided tank is mounted on wheels and carries the various components such as pumps, heater, valves, piping, filter and so forth.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for removing halogenated polyphenyl materials from used or waste oil supplies. Waste or used lube stock is subjected to rerefining procedures in order to remove many of the impurities found in such waste or used stocks. The rerefined stock which is contaminated with halogenated polyphenyls is continuously pumped under pressure and mixed with highly pressurized hydrogen gas which is heated to a relatively low temperature and passed through a bed of catalyst in order to promote a reaction that forms a hydrogen halide and a polynuclear aromatic material that does not exhibit the environmental and health hazards of a halogenated polyphenyl material such as PCB's.

Abstract: Regenerated sorbent employed for refining of heavy crude feedstocks is used to remove contaminants from specialized hydrocarbons, especially used motor oil. The simultaneous operation of a decontaminating unit supplied with regenerated sorbent particulate from the regenerator of a heavy hydrocarbon refining system is utilized.

Abstract: A method for purifying used oil without the use of hydrogen comprising contacting a demetallized used oil with an acid such as sulfuric acid and an adsorbent such as clay.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminated transformer oil which comprises heating the contaminated transformer oil in a first heater to a temperature in the range of 100.degree. to 125.degree. F., passing the heated contaminated oil from the first heater through an adsorber containing Fuller's earth of about 30 to 60 mesh particle size, conducting the treated oil from the adsorber to a chiller where the temperature is reduced to about 50.degree. to 70.degree. F., conducting the treated oil from the chiller to a centrifuge to remove free water, conducting the treated oil from the centrifuge to a second heater where the oil is heated to a temperature of about 100.degree. to 160.degree. F. (preferably about 120.degree. F.), conducting the treated oil from the second heater to a degasifier wherein the oil is subjected to a vacuum of about 0.2 to 2 mm of mercury, removing the treated oil from the degasifier and passing it through a polishing filter.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming usable stock from used lubricating oil includes passing the used oil through a bed of oil shale containing kerogen. The shale removes impurities from the oil. The shale is then heated to convert the kerogens to shale oil in the presence of hydrogen donor compounds contained in the lubricating oil remaining in the shale. These enhance hydrogen transfer during shale oil production.

Abstract: A process for treating used motor oil or synthetic crude oil comprising: (i) contacting said used motor oil or synthetic crude oil with an effective amount of (A) a polyfunctional mineral acid and/or the anhydride of said acid and (B) a polyhydroxy compound to react undesired contaminants contained in said used motor oil or synthetic crude oil with components (A) and/or (B) to form one or more reaction products; and (ii) separating said reaction products from said used motor oil or synthetic crude oil. A process for reclaiming used motor oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for rerefining used industrial oil comprising the steps of: (i) contacting said oil with an aqueous solution of the basic salt of an alkali metal to precipitate metal contaminants, polar compounds or particulates from said oil and to neutralize acid that may be present in said oil; (ii) separating bulk water and solid contaminants from said oil; (iii) separating fine particulates and remaining suspended water from said oil; (iv) vacuum drying said oil at a temperature in the range of about 250.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F. and a pressure in the range of about 2 to about 50 torr to remove dissolved water and light hydrocarbons from said oil; (v) contacting said oil with (A) from about 0.1 to about 3% by weight based on the weight of said oil of a polyfunctional mineral acid or the anhydride of said acid and (B) from about 0.

Abstract: In a process for the re-refinement of used lubricating oil containing fuel fraction, an upgraded fuel fraction is provided by combining fuel fraction with demetallized lubricating oil prior to the hydrotreatment stage.

Abstract: Contaminating particles in lubricating oil have a density higher than the density of the oil. The present invention provides a device for removing the contaminating particles by settling out the heavier particles and separating them from the oil.The device comprises means to establish laminar horizontal flow and means to withdraw sinking particles vertically over the bottom surface of the horizontally flowing oil. In its preferred embodiment the device has a pressure tight cylindrical settling chamber over a hemispherical sump which are separated by a foraminous partition of elongated, slender vertical passages.

Abstract: A method for reprocessing used lubricating oils is disclosed wherein the oil is dried, treated with finely dispersed sodium metal at elevated temperature, the remaining free or organically bound metal is decomposed by means of an active hydrogen containing compounds, followed by distillation of the oil for recovery.

Abstract: A process for the production of an essentially ash-free oil stock from a lubricating oil containing ash-forming components comprising(a) contacting said lubricating oil with an aqueous ammonium salt treating agent;(b) removing a major portion of the water from the mixture resulting from combining said aqueous solution and said lubricating oil;(c) heating at least a portion of the product resulting from step (b) at a temperature in the range of about 320.degree. to about 420.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to decompose at least a portion of any ammonium salts of sulfonic acid and dialkyldithiophosphoric acid that are contained therein;(d) cooling the product from step (c) to a temperature in the range of about 150.degree. to about 180.degree. C.; and(e) separating the solids from the product of step (d), optionally with subsequent hydrotreating and stripping of the oil thus obtained.

Abstract: A used lubricating oil reclamation apparatus in which filters, heat exchangers, a vaporizer unit, pumps and other necessary equipment are all contained in a wheeled cabinet. The oil to be reclaimed is pumped through a warming heat exchanger, a first filter, a vaporizer unit, and further filters, after which appropriate additives are mixed into the decontaminated oil in a mixing tank. A vacuum is maintained on the vaporizer unit to exhaust the vapours from it via the heat exchanger and a condensate tank.

Abstract: An integrated process universally applicable for the reclaiming of used lubricating oils, regardless of the contaminants or previous additive systems contained therein, is provided to produce an intermediate low-ash oil or a high-grade lube oil stock which comprises (a) contacting the used oil with an aqueous ammonium salt treating agent, (b) removing a major portion of water, (c) separating the oil phase from the resulting residual product, (d) subjecting the resulting separated oil to hydrotreating and thereafter (e) stripping the resulting hydrotreated lube oil stock. Optionally the low-ash product of step (c) can be recovered for use as a fuel oil, in grease formulations, or in the preparation of some types of lubricating oil formulations.