The category of mineral oils encompasses a wide
range of applications. These oils are purified both before they are
brought to market to meet the required clarity and residue-free
characteristics, and after use to enable their reuse or proper
disposal.
Often, the treatment of oils, especially used
ones, involves complex processes and high temperatures. It is
essential to consider the origin of the oils and their final
destination to choose the appropriate separator.
In general, mineral oils can be categorized as
follows:
Lubricating
Oils: These
are used for lubrication and are purified using a vertical disc
separator. It is important to determine the amount of water in the
oil to identify which three-phase centrifuge is best suited for the
treatment.
Hydraulic
Oils: These
are purified with a separator as well. The considerations are similar
to those for lubricating oils.
Washing
Oils: These
are also purified with a separator, following the same considerations
as for lubricating oils.
Engine
Oils: These
are often recycled to produce new, reusable oil. This process
involves removing contaminants such as carbon and metallic particles
typical of the oil’s work in the engine. A centrifuge helps remove
solid contaminants from the oil. This often requires high-temperature
treatment and, in many cases, a refining process. Reuse is possible
once the oil is converted into other formulations.
Vegetable-Based
Engine Oils:
There is a growing focus on using vegetable-based oils for engines
(see dedicated applications).
Bilge
Water: Refer
to the dedicated application for treatment.
Lubricating
Coolants: Refer to the dedicated application for
treatment.
Thermal
Oils: Emulsified thermal oils do not separate with
simple mechanical centrifugation.