Variable Speed Agitator in Used Oil Solvent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for re-refining used oils struggle to produce high-quality base oils efficiently and conveniently handle diverse feedstocks with varying components and properties, often requiring extensive reconfiguration and optimization, leading to reduced quality, efficiency, or increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous liquid-liquid solvent extraction followed by continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation, using a variable speed agitator and hydrogenation catalysts like palladium or nickel, to process used oils, adjusting agitation and flow rates based on feedstock quality, and incorporating a guard bed to remove contaminants like phosphorus and silicon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional re-refining systems are used to process diverse feedstocks, then system complexity and reconfiguration requirements increase, but production efficiency and quality consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous liquid-liquid extraction system is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple types of used oil feedstocks (automotive, industrial, mixed compositions) through the same basic process configuration. The system uses adjustable parameters (flow rates, agitation speeds, solvent-to-feed ratios) rather than requiring physical reconfiguration, enabling one system to perform multiple functions across different feedstock types while maintaining consistent production efficiency and quality outcomes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive reconfiguration and optimization are performed to accommodate different feedstocks, then system adaptability improves, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities where flow rates, agitation speeds, and solvent ratios can be continuously modified during operation to match different feedstock characteristics. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for extensive reconfiguration or optimization periods, as the system can transition between different feedstock types by simply adjusting operational parameters rather than performing time-consuming system redesign or recalibration.
3Device complexity
If conventional processing methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but base oil quality and yield are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous liquid-liquid extraction followed by continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation, eliminating batch processing interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the process. This continuity enables consistent high-quality base oil production (Group II or III standards) with improved yield, while the modular design keeps operational complexity manageable through standardized continuous processing units rather than complex batch operations.
4Ease of operation
If fixed agitation and flow rates are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but process efficiency and quality consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with adjustable parameters including agitation speeds, flow rates, and solvent-to-feed ratios that can be optimized for different feedstock types and quality targets. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve high process efficiency and quality consistency by matching operational conditions to specific feedstock characteristics, while the adjustment mechanisms remain straightforward enough to maintain ease of operation without requiring complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the production of high-quality base oils meeting Group II or III standards, with improved yield and throughput, while maintaining continuous operation and extending catalyst life by adapting to different feedstocks without system reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a feedstock comprising purified used oil with an extraction solvent to perform continuous liquid-liquid solvent extraction
Implementation Method 2
the feedstock and the extraction solvent are agitated by a variable speed agitator during the solvent extraction
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the extract to a continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation treatment
Implementation Method 4
continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation treatment to produce an oil product having a viscosity index of at least 80
Implementation Method 5
incorporating a guard bed to remove contaminants like phosphorus and silicon
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for re-refining used oils comprises contacting feedstock comprising purified used oil with extraction solvent to perform continuous liquid-liquid solvent extraction, to produce an extract stream comprising the extraction solvent and an extract dissolved in the extraction solvent. The feedstock and the extraction solvent are agitated by a variable speed agitator during the solvent extraction at a selected agitation speed. The extract is separated from the extraction solvent and subjected to a continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation treatment to produce an oil product. A system for performing the method includes a purification unit for purifying the used oil; an extraction column for extracting the extract from the feedstock; and a continuous flow liquid phase hydrogenation unit. The extraction column comprises an agitator configured to agitate the feedstock and the extraction solvent flowing through the extraction column at a variable agitation speed.