Thermal Elimination of Waste Lubricating Oil in High Intensity Industrial Combustion Chambers in Guayaquil

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Thermal Elimination of Waste Lubricating Oil in High Intensity
Industrial Combustion Chambers in Guayaquil
by
Luis Fernando Auhing Balladares
A Master’s Degree Project submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Energy and
Environment
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Quito, Ecuador
August 2002

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY/OLADE
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The undersigned certify that they have read, and recommend to the Faculty of Graduate
Studies for acceptance, the Individual Project Report “Thermal Elimination of Waste
Lubricating Oil in High Intensity Industrial Combustion Chambers in Guayaquil”
submitted by Luis Fernando Auhing Balladares in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Energy and Environment.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Supervisor: Mary-Ellen Tyler Date
______________________________ ____________________________
Co-Supervisor: Jorge W. Duque R. Date
_________________________________ ____________________________
Representative of the Academic Council Date
ii

ABSTRACT
The total lubricating oil market in Ecuador is approximately 62,130 TM/year, of which
it is estimated that 8,814 TM/year correspond to the market of lubricating oil for vehicle
crankcases in the city of Guayaquil. The mismanagement of used oil is producing
several adverse impacts on the environment as well as on human health because of
inadequate methods of final disposal that for different reasons have resulted in a parallel
market (black market).
This project examines the preliminary feasibility of utilizing lubricating oil from
crankcase engines as an energy resource in industries that have high intensity
combustion chambers that can take advantage of the energy content of used oil and
incineration (thermal destruction) in Guayaquil. The project offers an overview of the
management of used oil in the European Community, in Latin America and in
Colombia. In addition, the project analyses projects and cases that have been conducted
and are presently being executed in Ecuador in order to discover in these experiences
what is most useful for used oil management in the city of Guayaquil.
Finally, the project tries to quantify the impacts used oil produces and gather enough
relevant information regarding the city to help develop an environmental management
strategy plan for used oil based on the present context of the Municipality by using a
census of the lubrication stations in the city that was sponsored by the Municipality of
Guayaquil.
Based on this preliminary feasibility, recommendations and steps that can taken for
both the short and the long term and that are appropriate for the current situation and
bear in mind the concepts of group responsibility, innovative processes, public
participation and bridging strategies are set forth for the application of a strategy for the
environmental management of used oil in Guayaquil in the near future.
iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A special thanks to the Municipality of Guayaquil for their help with information,
carrying out the census of lubrication stations and visits to industries through their
Department of Environment and Department of Justice and Vigilance.
A special thanks to Dr. Mary-Ellen Tyler and Mr. Jorge Duque for all the support and
patience they gave me while working on this Project.
I also want to thank Swisscontact and its Ecology Coordination, the Municipality of
Quito and its Department of Soil Resource, the Cuenca Telephone, Water and Sewage
Enterprise (ETAPA) and its Coordination of Urban Environmental Management, the
Ministry of Environment and its Vice-ministry of Environmental Quality, the
Coordination of Dangerous Products and the Coordination of Environmental Control
and Monitoring, Shell-Ecuador and its Technical Department, the United Nations
Organization and its Virtual Department of Documentation, the Superior Polytechnic
School of the Littoral (ESPOL) and its Department of Mechanical Engineering, the
University of Guayaquil and its School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering,
the Central University of Quito and its School of Petroleum Engineering for their help
with technical information, information regarding environmental management in
Ecuador and data regarding the cases carried out in Ecuador related to used oil.
A special thank you to the industries that collaborated and cooperated with me by
providing technical information: Cemento Nacional, Cemento Selva Alegre, Andec-
Funasa, Poliquim, Electroguayas and their thermoelectric plants Gonzalo Zevallos and
Trinitaria, and Electroecudaor and its thermoelectric plant Aníbal Santos.
My profound thanks to the Latin America Organization of Energy (OLADE) and the
professors of the different faculties of the University of Calgary who gave me the
opportunity to learn and acquire value tools I can use in carrying out an environment
and energy management project with a new vision.
iv

DEDICATION
To my sisters, parents and grandparents for the constant support they gave through their
love, patience and comprehension. A special dedication to my sister, Mónica, for
teaching me through her example that there always is and there will always be a reason
for living that is worth fighting for, and that that is the real meaning of our existence.
To all of them, my respect, my love and my effort.
v

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Approval page........................................................................................................ ii
Abstract.................................................................................................................. iii
Acknowledgements................................................................................................ iv
Dedication.............................................................................................................. vi
Table of Contents................................................................................................... vi
List of Tables......................................................................................................... ix
List of Figures........................................................................................................ xi
CHAPTER ONE: PROBLEMS CREATED BY USED OIL AND THE
PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY OF
THE PROJECT..................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Problems Created by Used Oil in Municipal Environmental
Management.......…………………………………………………………….
1
1.1.1 Contamination of Soil, Water and Air.................................................... 2
1.1.2 Effects on Human Health….................................................................... 5
1.1.3 Interest of the City of Guayaquil in Managing the Used Oil Problem
and Its Involvement and Sponsorship of the Project.............................. 6
1.2 Purpose and Objectives of the Project............................................................. 6
1.2.1 Purpose.................................................................................................... 6
1.2.2 Objectives............................................................................................… 7
1.3 Methodology.................................................................................................... 7
1.3.1 Survey of Industries to Evaluate Incineration Capacity in Guayaquil.... 8
1.3.2 Survey of Lubrication Stations............................................................... 10
1.3.3 Technical Requirements and Considerations for Incineration and
Quality of Used Oil Identified in Literature, Reports, Interviews,
Cases and Examples, and Information Gathering......................……... 12
1.3.4 Identification of Lubrication Stations and Potential Re-collection
Routes…………………………………………………………………..
14
CHAPTER TWO: DEFINITION, CHARACTERISTICS OF USED OIL,
DISPOSAL METHODS, THE BURNING OPTION AND
ITS RISK, AND CASES AND EXAMPLES OF USED
OIL MANAGEMENT IN ECUADOR................................ 16
2.0 Introduction...................................................................................................... 16
2.1 Summary of the Results of the Literature Reviewed Regarding Used Oil
Management Methods and Incineration……................................................... 16
2.1.1 Definition 16
2.1.2 Chemical Composition and Toxic Effects of Different Types of Used
Oil……………………………………………………………………..
20
2.1.3 Disposal Methods for Used Oil and Their Problems............................. 33
2.1.4 Alternative Methods of Treatment and Management............................ 36
2.2 Cases and Examples of Used Oil/Waste Oil Management in Ecuador............ 52
vi

2.2.1 Critical Factors in the Success or Failure of the Examples.................... 58
2.2.2 Lessons Learned and Their Relevance to Specific Circumstances in
Guayaquil............................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER THREE: RESULTS OF THE WORK DONE, CONCLUSIONS
AND ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS............................ 75
3.0 Introduction..................................................................................................... 75
3.1 Results of Incineration, Lubrication Station Surveys, and Re-collection
Route and Information Gathering. ................................................................. 75
3.1.1 Principal Collection Routes.................................................................... 75
3.1.2 Lubrication Station Surveys.................................................................... 77
3.1.3 Incineration Surveys............................................................................... 91
3.1.4 Cost of Used Oil Treatment Plant........................................................... 94
3.2 Conclusion and Analysis of Results................................................................. 100
3.2.1 Quality of Oil, Variability and Contamination from Current Practices.. 100
3.2.2 Capacity of Incinerators......................................................................... 103
3.2.2.1 Halogen vs. Non-halogens.......................................................... 103
3.2.2.2 End Products............................................................................... 110
3.2.3 Costs of Waste, the Oil Market and Incineration with its Potential
Costs and Benefits for the City and for Stakeholders............................ 112
3.2.4 Opportunities and Constraints for Collection Route Efficiency............. 114
CHAPTER FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL ENVI-
RONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
FOR USED OIL IN GUAYAQUIL..................................... 117
4.0 Introduction...................................................................................................... 117
4.1 Recommendations and Preliminary Feasibility Assessment........................... 117
4.1.1 Further Study and Technical Information Requirement........................ 117
4.1.2 Opportunities and Constraints for Incineration, Collection, Quality
Control of Used Oil, Economic Considerations and Incentives............ 118
4.2 Next Steps in the Development of the Municipal Environmental Mana-
gement Strategy for Used Oil in Guayaquil.................................................... 120
4.2.1 Short-term Actions.................................................................................. 121
4.2.2 Long-term Actions.................................................................................. 122
BIBLIOGRAPHY.................................................................................................. 122
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS..................................................................... 132
APPENDIX A: DIFFERENT DISPOSAL METHODS FOR USED OIL.......... 134
APPENDIX B: COMBUSTION.......................................................................... 142
APPENDIX C: MATHEMATICAL CORRELATION FOR BURNING.......... 161
APPENDIX D: KINETIC MODEL FOR FORMATION OF CHLORINA-
TED DIOXIN............................................................................. 164
APPENDIX E: DESIGN AND OPERATING GUIDELINES FOR INCINE-
RATORS.................................................................................... 165
APPENDIX F: INCINERATOR OPERATING CONDITIONS AND EMI-
SSION STANDARDS SPECIFIED BY VARIOUS
JURISDICTIONS....................................................................... 167
vii

APPENDIX G: PROPERTIES AND FUNCTION OF COMMONLY USED
LUBRICANT ADDITIVES..................................................... 170
APPENDIX H: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
ECUADORIAN FUEL............................................................. 173
APPENDIX I: ACCUMULATED NATIONAL PRODUCTION OF
LUBRICATING OIL................................................................. 176
APPENDIX J: SURVEY FORM FOR INDUSTRIES...................................... 178
APPENDIX K: TECHNICAL INFORMATION OF SELECTED INDUS-
TRIES........................................................................................ 182
APPENDIX L: SURVEY FORM FOR LUBRICATION STATIONS.............. 186
APPENDIX M: LIST OF LUBRICATION STATIONS.................................... 189
APPENDIX N: MULTIVARIABLE TABLES OF LUBRICATION STA-
TIONS........................................................................................
213
APPENDIX O: COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR THE SHORTEST ROU-
TES............................................................................................ 222
APPENDIX P: QUOTATIONS.......................................................................... 227
POCKET: SECTOR MAP OF GUAYAQUIL
viii

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.0 Contaminants produced in the industrial sector of
Guayaquil................................................................................. 4
Table 1.1 Industries selected to burn used oil in the city of
Guayaquil................................................................................. 8
Table 2.0 Classification of lubricating oil................................................ 17
Table 2.1 Contaminant limits of used oil................................................. 20
Table 2.2 Typical additive blend used to make lubricating oil ............... 20
Table 2.3 The most common compounds used in automotive oil
additives.................................................................................. 21
Table 2.4 The most common compounds used in industrial oil
additives................................................................................... 22
Table 2.5 Indicative list of contaminants present in used oil from
engine crankcase.................................................................... 23
Table 2.6 Chemical contaminants........................................................... 24
Table 2.7 Potentially harmful constituents in used oil versus virgin
motor oil................................................................................. 25
Table 2.8 The most common compounds used in gasoline and diesel
used for internal combustion engines...................................... 28
Table 2.9 Test made by UNIDO.......................................................... 29
Table 2.10 Test made in Cuenca and Quito............................................... 30
Table 2.11 Toxic effects of the potentially harmful constituents in used
oil............................................................................................. 32
Table 2.12 Used oil disposal options – comparison summary of major
effects....................................................................................... 35
Table 2.13 Comparison of available methods for Guayaquil.................... 39
Table 2.14 Guide for selecting APCE........................................................ 49
Table 2.15 Type of transfer of contaminants in the manufacture of
cement..................................................................................... 50
Table 2.16 Possible options for energetic mixtures................................. 55
Table 2.17 National projects using lubricating oil from crankcase
engines..................................................................................... 56
Table 2.18 Maximum limit of contaminants in wastes for cement
plants........................................................................................ 68
Table 2.19 Relevant information regarding vehicle transportation in
Guayaquil................................................................................. 71
Table 3.0 Vehicles/month – final destination of used oil – amount of
used oil generated – sector one........................................ 78
Table 3.1 Other wastes – final disposal of other wastes –
vehicles/month – sector one.................................................. 80
Table 3.2 Frequency of purchase of new lubricating – quantity of used
oil generated – sector one............................................ 81
Table 3.3 Frequency of purchase of new lubricating oil – vehicles
attended per month – all sectors........................................... 82
Table 3.4 Amount of used oil generated – average price of 55-gallon
tanks of used oil – size of lubrication stations – sector
one................................................................................ 83
ix

Table 3.5 Vehicles/month – amount of used oil generated at lubrication
station – size of the business – number of employees who
work at lubrication stations – sector one................................. 84
Table 3.6 Average amount of used oil by brand – all sectors............ 87
Table 3.7 What is done with used oil at lubrication stations – amount
of used oil generated – all sectors......................... 88
Table 3.8 What is done with used oil at lubrication stations – number
of lubrication stations – all sectors......................... 88
Table 3.9 Different ways of marketing new lubrication oil – amount of
used oil generated – all sectors......................... 89
Table 3.10 Residence time of each selected industry............................. 94
Table 3.11 Cost of direct material............................................................ 95
Table 3.12 Cost of direct personnel.......................................................... 96
Table 3.13 Cost of indirect material.......................................................... 96
Table 3.14 Cost of indirect personnel........................................................ 97
Table 3.15 Depreciation............................................................................ 97
Table 3.16 Cost of office supplies............................................................ 98
Table 3.17 Cost of supplies for plant........................................................ 98
Table 3.18 Rapairs and maintenance........................................................ 99
Table 3.19 Total cost of production.......................................................... 99
Table 3.20 Estimated saving for selected industries................................ 113
Table 3.21 Different scenes....................................................................... 113
x

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.0 Different waste oil disposal methods....................................... 34
Figure 2.1 Options of integrated waste management................................ 37
Figure 2.2 Management of waste oils in the E.U. in 1999........................ 40
Figure 2.3 Example of residence time and destruction of organic
compound in a combustion chamber....................................... 43
Figure 2.4 Volatile metal groups............................................................... 47
Figure 3.0 Zones of Guayaquil.................................................................. 76
Figure 3.1 Used oil treatment plant........................................................... 95
Figure 3.2 Temperature flame distribution in an afterburner chamber..... 105
Figure 3.3 Average temperature of the flame and the temperature of the
flue gases versus total residence time of the flue gases in the
combustion chamber (3% O2).................................................. 107
Figure 3.4 Temperature distribution of the flue gases in a cement kiln
with wet process....................................................................... 107
Figure 3.5 Thickness of the crust versus residence time........................... 108
Figure 3.6 Consumption of fuel oil No. 6 and residence time above
1200°C with 3% O2 in the flue gases....................................... 109
xi

1
CHAPTER ONE
PROBLEMS CREATED BY USED OIL
AND THE PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY
OF THE PROJECT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Chapter presents relevant information regarding problems produced by used oil in
the environment and to human health in relation to the control of the environment
maintained by the Municipality of Guayaquil. Therefore, this Chapter outlines the
purpose, the objectives, the methodology and the relationship this study has with the
city of Guayaquil in regard to its final implementation.
1.1 PROBLEMS CREATED BY USED OIL IN MUNICIPAL ENVIRON-
MENTAL MANAGEMENT
Vehicle transportation in Guayaquil produces a great volume of waste lubricating oil.
Considering the available information of Swisscontact, Fundación Natura, and the
Ferysol Project,1
in 1995 the total oil production in the Guayaquil market for all sectors
was 4,155,592 gal/year. 199,000 motor vehicles were registered in Guayaquil in 1995.
Therefore, assuming vehicle performance of approximately 1,500 km/month and oil
changes per vehicle every 3,000 km with each vehicle consuming 1 gallon per oil
change, then the used oil factor is 0.5 gal/vehicle-month.2
Therefore, a rough estimate is
that motor vehicle oil consumption was approximately 1,194,000 gallons in 1995.
Because of the large amount of used oil generated during the year and the fact that no
quantization of impacts on the environment and human health in Guayaquil was found
in the studies consulted for this work, the following is a discussion of the contamination
used oil produces in soil, water and air, as well as the principal effects it has on human
1
Swisscontact, Fundación Natura and Ferysol. Estudio de Factibilidad Para la Recolección, y el
Reciclaje/Combustión del Aceite Automotor Usado. Base Study. Second Report. Tables 16-A. (Quito,
Ecuador: Swisscontact.1996): 17, 19.
2
Swisscontact, Eliminación adecuada del aceite automotor usado, generado en la ciudad de Quito,
Table 5 (Quito, Ecuador:Swisscontact, 2000), 21.

2
health and the interest the Municipality of Guayaquil has in the management of this
substance.
1.1.1 CONTAMINATION OF SOIL, WATER AND AIR
Used oil discarded in an uncontrolled manner causes possible damage to the
environment and to human health. One of the best-known cases happened at Times
Beach, Missouri.3
Hazardous waste was discarded with toxic chemical substances,
dioxins being the most noxious compound found. From 1960 until 1970, wastes were
thrown on roads and horse farms to control dust. A chemical plant near St. Louis
diluted their chemical wastes in used lubricating oil. In May 1971, the oil was spread
over a horse farm, producing the death of some animals. At that time, the noxious
effects of dioxins was not known. The dioxin concentration was discovered to be more
than 100 ppm on this farm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency bought the farm
and removed 6 inches of topsoil to protect human health.
The disposal of used oil on land produces severe impacts on the environment. Based on
several points made by Rena Herrera (1998),4
this type of disposal can produce the
following:
Direct effects on micro-organism and plant life
Decreased oxygen in the land, originating negative effects for seed growing
Contamination of the permeable geologic layer which contains water
Change in the physical properties of soil due to the reduction of the filtration
and absorption capacity of water
Increased susceptibility of plants with respect to infections affecting their
growth
Obstruction due to an accumulation of nutrients and water infiltration
Decreased soil quality, affecting the subsoil fauna such as bacteria and worms
3
LaGrega, M.D., Buckingham, P.L., and Evans, J.C., Hazardous Waste Management, 2nd
ed. (New York:
McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., 2001),7.
4
Herrera, R.M., Recycling of Lubricant Oils in Ecuador, Individual Project of the University of
Calgary/OLADE Master’s Degree Program in Energy and the Environment (Quito, Ecuador: Herrera,
R.M., 1999), 46.

3
Affect on humans through the food chain
If used oil is disposed of in bodies of water or soil, it can contaminate surface and
underground water. In surface water, oil can propagate very quickly with a thin film
between 0,2 –1 mm. This film becomes very visible in a relation of 300 liters per km2
of surface, affecting microbiological life in the water due to an increase of biological
oxygen demand (BOD) by microorganisms present in the oil. Also, this film does not
permit the normal interchange of gases over the surface.5
Consequently, it produces
some connotations such as the reduction of photosynthesis, biological equilibrium,
covering the soil due to coagulation and precipitation of used oil and emulsification
with some accumulated substance. Besides, one gallon of used oil can contaminate
1,000,000 gallons of a body of water and leave it useless for human consumption.6
Contamination of underground water by used oil disposal on the land is produced by a
diffusion process and by the additive toxicity present in the oil, resulting in these waters
becoming harmful for drinking or irrigation. Also, if used oil is thrown into the sewage
systems of a city, it will affect the filtration system of a residual water treatment plant.
This is the main reason that ETAPA (a public utility for telecommunication, potable
water and sewage) has intervened with a collection system for used lubricating oil in the
city of Cuenca, because this substance can cause corrosion in the treatment plant or
danger of explosion because of itss inflammability, and its density can affect biological
treatments.7
Currently, used lubricating oil is sold to small industries in order to take advantage of
its high energy content in the combustion process. The low price of waste lubricating
oil compared with commercial fuel gives it a competitive advantage on the market.
Unfortunately, the furnaces currently used to burn used oil are inefficient and
inadequate, which results in an incomplete combustion process that generates
5
Empresa de Teléfonos Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (ETAPA), Manejo de Aceites usados en la ciudad
de Cuenca (Cuenca, Ecuador: ETAPA, 1997), 3.
6
Empresa de Teléfonos Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (ETAPA), Estudio de Factibilidad para el Re-
Refinamiento de Aceites Usados en Cuenca, Informe Final (Cuenca, Ecuador: ETAPA, 1998), 1.
7
Empresa de Teléfonos Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (ETAPA), Manejo de Aceites usados en la ciudad
de Cuenca (Cuenca, Ecuador: ETAPA, 1997), 4.

4
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals
which are released into the air, water and soil, creating contamination problems in the
environment.8
If used oil is not burned correctly in the equipment --especially taking
into consideration high temperature, turbulence, available oxygen and residence time--
then it can produce the substances mentioned above that are noxious for human health.
Contamination from reused oil also occurs when it is used for the protection of wood in
construction, brick manufacturing, pulverization tasks, herbicides and insecticides, as
well as for dust control on roads in rural areas.9
The Efficásitas-INEC10
study of 1996 showed that the industrial sector of Guayaquil
(542 manufacture industries) produces the types of contamination shown in the
following Table.
Table 1.0 CONTAMINANTS PRODUCED IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
OF GUAYAQUIL
Air
During Combustion Process
Particles 186.18 ton/year
SO2 1,448.62 ton/year
NOx 585.88 ton/year
Hydrocarbons 38.8 ton/year
CO 45.9 ton/year
Water
Oil and fat discharges 613.62 ton/year
Soil
Filth, hair discharges 18.45 ton/year
Sludge discharges 1,022.03 ton/year
Scum discharges 10,562.86 ton/year
Source: Duque, J.W., and Patiño, M.R. ed. 1996. Contaminación Industrial en Guayaquil. Guayaquil,
Ecuador: Efficácitas Cía. Ltda.
8
Shell, Used Oil Management: The Cement Kiln Option, Briefing Paper G/L/93/D/0435 (London: Supply
and Marketing, Shell International Petroleum Company Limited, Shell Centre, 1993).
9
Organización de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Industrial (O.N.U.D.I.), Estudio Sobre la
Regeneración de Aceites Usados en Ecuador (Quito, Ecuador: O.N.U.D.I., 1991):7; Fundación Suiza de
Cooperación para el Desarrollo Técnico (Swisscontact), Estudio de Factibilidad para la Recolección, y el
Reciclaje/Combustión del Aceite Automotriz Usado, Estudio Base Segundo Informe(Quito, Ecuador:
Siwsscontact, 1996), 5.
10
Duque, J.W., and Patiño, M.R. Ed. Contaminación Industrial en Guayaquil: Evaluación Preliminar
(Guayaquil, Ecuador: Efficácitas Cía. Ltda, 1996).

5
Given the location of the city of Guayaquil in the Guayas marine drainage basin with
"sea arms" (natural canals) reaching into the city, the Municipality of Guayaquil has
always been concerned about potential water and soil contamination. Therefore, the
prevention of contamination and proper protocols for handling potential contaminants
represent an important municipal environmental management issue.
1.1.2 EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
As mentioned in the previous Section, the contamination of soil with used oil can affect
human health through the food chain because of the contaminants contained in used oil
such as benzene, lead, zinc and cadmium.11
The handling of used oil has shown that
regular or repeated skin contact with used oils may result in the loss of natural fats from
the skin, leading to dryness, irritation and dermatitis.12
In addition, unburned fuel can be
present in used oil and other contaminants can be absorbed through the skin.
The most significant risk of used oils from crankcase engines is that they can produce
skin cancer due to the presence of PAHs as the product of the incomplete combustion of
the engine fuel.13
In addition, if used oil is not burned in a correct manner, it will
produce PAHs and chlorinated hydrocarbons because of the incomplete combustion of
the used oil and the inadequate technical considerations (principally residence time,
temperature and turbulence of combustion gases in the furnaces or boilers), and burning
this substance can produce cancer and is bio-accumulative. For example, in the United
States, when used oil is utilized as fuel for heaters and there is no proper ventilation,
people can be directly exposed to the substances mentioned above. Finally, used oil can
be ingested through contaminated water due to the mechanism mentioned in the
previous Section, producing different effects depending on the ingested contaminant.14
11
Fundación Suiza de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Técnico (Swisscontact), Estudio de Viabilidad:
Eliminación Adecuada del Aceite Automotor Usado, Generado en la Ciudad de Quito (Quito, Ecuador:
Swisscontact, 2000), 5.
12
Concawe. Collection and Disposal of Used Lubricating Oil. Report No. 5/96 (Brussels, Belgium:
Concawe, 1996), 19.
13
Concawe, 1996), 19.
14
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Regulations and Technology: Managing
Used Motor Oil. EPA/625/R-94/010 (Cincinnati, Ohio: Center for Environmental Research Information,
1994), 4.

6
In the section on the chemical composition and toxic effects of different types of used
oil found in the next Chapter, there will be a more detailed discussion of the effects the
principal contaminants of used oil can have on human health, and the alternative
methods of treatment and management will also be discussed at greater length in regard
to technical requirements for combustion and contaminant formation produced by
incomplete combustion.
1.1.3 INTEREST OF THE CITY OF GUAYAQUIL IN MANAGING THE USED
OIL PROBLEM AND ITS INVOLVEMENT AND SPONSORSHIP OF
THE PROJECT
The Municipality of Guayaquil, continuing its orientation focused on incorporating
environmental variables in its actions, lent support to this study by carrying out surveys
of lubrication stations in the entire city and in the selected industries based on the
criteria in Section 1.3.1 of this Chapter, because they are very interested in Municipal
Environmental Management and in examining methods for managing used oil. The
Municipality wants to obtain sufficient information based on the results of this study in
order to develop an environmental management plan for the collection and incineration
of used oil from crankcase engines if the technical and economical feasibility of the
project is demonstrated by the recommendations.
1.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
1.2.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to assist the City of Guayaquil in assessing the potential
and the feasibility for developing an environmental management strategy for used oil.

7
1.2.2 OBJECTIVES
1. Feasibility of incineration in managing used oil in Guayaquil and the
identification of critical factors.
2. The technical requirements of incineration and identification of potential
facilities in Guayaquil.
3. Sources, volumes and quality of used oil in Guayaquil.
4. Potential for efficient spatial collection routes for used oil in Guayaquil.
1.3 METHODOLOGY
This section will explain the methodology used to develop this study for which it was
necessary to research bibliography (web sites, books, reports, case studies, database and
e-mail), have personal interviews at companies to discuss the topic, and make field
visits, surveys and other related activities. The Municipality of Guayaquil played an
important role in carrying out surveys, because they provided vehicles, assistants and
engineers who work for the Department of Environment and the Department of Justice
and Surveillance. Because of the information registered in the Municipality (addresses,
telephone numbers, owner names, etc.), because of the number of places to be surveyed
(157 lubrication stations and 9 industries), and because of the information gathered
from surveys that quantified and identified the impacts caused by the current
management of used oil and evaluated the incineration capacity in Guayaquil based on
technical information, it was necessary to use two different methodologies for
developing the survey of the industries and lubrication stations. Appendix L contains a
copy of the survey made of the lubrication stations and Appendix J is a copy of the
survey made of the selected industries.

8
1.3.1 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIES TO EVALUATE INCINERATION CAPA-
CITY IN GUAYAQUIL
The industries were chosen by applying the following criteria:
1. Type of manufacturing process, because it is necessary to know if the
manufacturing process uses furnaces or boilers and also if the quality of the
products produced (steel, ceramic, glass and galvanized wire) is not affected by the
contaminants contained in the used oil.
2. High demand for thermal energy from furnaces or boilers, because a
large amount of energy used generally implies high temperatures necessary
to process the product, high consumption of fuel and a high level of
production of processed products.
3. Industrial incinerators, because this type of device is especially designed
to destroy toxic wastes at high temperatures.
4. Control of air emissions, because of the contaminants in used oil that are
harmful to human health and the environment. This type of control is also
related to the control of the technical parameters of the combustion process
for the correct operation of equipment (furnaces, boilers and incinerators).
By applying these criteria to a list of 542 manufacturing industries in Guayaquil and
using the environmental impact assessment made available by the industries for the
Municipality, the industries shown in the next Table were selected.
Table 1.1 INDUSTRIES SELECTED TO BURN USED OIL IN THE CITY OF
GUAYAQUIL
Name of Factory Type of Product Type of Device
Cemento Nacional Cement Industrial Furnace
Aníbal Santos Thermoelectric Plant Electrical Energy Boiler
Gonzalo Zevallos Thermoelectric Plant Electrical Energy Boiler
Trinitaria Thermoelectric Plant Electrical Energy Boiler
Calquero Huayco Blocks Industrial Furnace
Andec – Funasa Steel Industrial Furnace
Cridesa Glass Bottles Industrial Furnace
Alfadomus Bricks Industrial Furnace
Poliquim Chemical Products Incinerator

9
To evaluate the potential of incineration in Guayaquil in relation to the capacity and the
technical evaluations of the furnaces (residence time of the combustion gases,
temperatures of the combustion gases, turbulence in the combustion chamber and the
percentage of oxygen added for improving the combustion process) in the selected
industries, it was necessary to make surveys of the industries listed in the above Table.
Since the industries have different types of furnaces depending on their manufacturing
process, it was understood that the technical questions would vary. The survey specified
the name of the industry, the person interviewed and that person’s job, number of
workers, information regarding equipment (type of furnaces, air control devices and the
parameters used), and finally, technical information about the industrial furnaces,
incinerators and boilers (type of fuel, fuel consumption, efficiency of the equipment,
maximum temperature in the combustion chamber, volume of the combustion chamber,
etc.) in order to estimate the residence time of combustion gases higher than 1000°C
and 1200°C. The estimated residence time was based on specific correlations found in
specialized books on incineration and the combustion process (see Appendix C). The
technical analysis of the results of the surveys is found in Section 3.2.2 of this study.
Procedure used for making the surveys of industries:
1. Preparation of the first draft of the survey.
2. Draft given to the Director of the Environmental Department in order to
verify and approve the questions with the technicians from the department.
3. Communication and discussion with the representative of the Municipality
by reading and explaining the questions.
4. Industries contacted to ask for an appointment and explain the reasons for
the survey.
5. Each industry visited with the representative of the Municipality, and the
manager and a technician contacted in order to clarify questions regarding
the contents of the survey.
6. When not possible to visit a specific industry, the survey was faxed along
with a request for the plans of the industrial furnace or a diagram of how the
furnace functioned, and then the situation was discussion with a technician
designated by the manager.

10
7. Comprehension of the questions verified by telephone two days after
delivering the surveys.
8. The collection of surveys made by mail, fax or field visits, always verifying
that they had been filled out correctly.
9. Corresponding information was requested by telephone when a survey had
not been answered correctly.
1.3.2 SURVEY OF LUBRICATION STATIONS
At the beginning of this study, several lists of lubrication stations were registered in the
city, so the most recent was used, which indicated 257 lubrication stations in which the
Municipality carries out the respective control through the Department of Urban
Hygiene. The Municipality estimated that there were approximately 300 mechanic
shops in the city, according to verbal information given at the Guayas Transit
Commission, which controlled the mechanic shops in the city towards the end of the
1990s. It was not possible to get better information from the Guayas Transit
Commission, because this Institution does not control the mechanic shops at present
and files were not available. The Swisscontact Foundation surveyed mechanic shops in
several cities in the country in 1996, including 50 in Guayaquil. They did not register
the exact number of mechanic shops or their addresses in Guayaquil.
Since it was not possible to gather more exact information, a survey was made of all the
lubrication stations in the city because lubricating oil is changed at lubrication stations,
and it was presumed that they generate more used oil than mechanic shops. Another
factor taken into consideration was that no studies regarding lubrication stations had
been made before to provide relevant information concerning the management of used
oil.
The idea of the Municipality of Guayaquil is to carry out a small project to re-collect
and manage used oil if the results of this study demonstrate the technical and economic
feasibility of burning used oil in the city. It was discovered that there are not 257
lubrication stations in the city, but rather only 157 (see Appendix M). One lubrication

11
station had closed and 99 only sell oil and do not change it, according to the surveys
and the Municipality’s final report of the surveys.
The global analysis of the lubrication station surveys verifies that the amount of used oil
they generated was very low in comparison with what the estimated consumption of
lubricating oil for crankcase engines in Guayaquil is at present, since the expected result
was that the amount from mechanic shops would be higher than that of lubrication
stations.
Unfortunately, almost at the end of this study the registration of mechanic shops in the
city was discovered at the Municipality’s Department of Use of Space Use and Public
Roads. They had been registered under a different title: Automobile and Motorcycle
Repair. At that point it was possible to verify that the number of mechanic shops in
Guayaquil is 1,617.
Procedure used for making the surveys of lubrication stations:
1. Preparation of the first draft of the survey.
2. Validation of the survey through a pilot test with 3 lubrication stations in
order to discover any mistakes in the survey.
3. Corrections made and given to the Director of the Environmental
Department in order to verify and approve the questions with technicians
from the department.
4. Surveys presented to the representative of the Municipality of Guayaquil.
5. Utilization of the Public Thoroughfare Census for the year 2000 and the
1999 Environmental Census.
6. Communication and discussion with the representative of the Municipality
by reading and explaining the questions.
7. The representative explained the survey to the delegates’ leaders (4 groups)
who in turn explained the survey questions to the delegates (15 delegates per
group).

12
8. Each person responsible for the survey was requested to include the
cadastral code, a map of the place, and the seal or authorizing signature on
the survey.
9. The delegates were told they had a one-month deadline in which to return
the filled-out survey forms.
10. Verification in each lubrication station to see if they had carried out the
regulations stipulated by the Municipality (grease trap, patent and residence
tax).
1.3.3 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR
INCINERATION AND QUALITY OF USED OIL IDENTIFIED IN
LITERATURE, REPORTS, INTERVIEWS, CASES AND EXAMPLES,
AND INFORMATION GATHERING
Technical and environmental information was found by using the Web sites of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and journals: Also used were the Concawe
report, other reports, Web pages of the European Union and the Ministry of Energy in
Colombia and Web sites pre-established for research by the University of Calgary. The
information gathered was based on studies made in the United States, Canada,
Colombia and countries belonging to the European Union in regard to the management
of used oil and technical conditions for incineration and energy recovery options.
The Latin American Organization of Energy (OLADE) library provided references for
the University of Calgary who selected books related to the topic of incineration,
regulations, policies and environmental management of used oil from crankcase
engines. OLADE also provided research material related to the production and
characteristics of used oil. Documents from projects carried out in Ecuador and other
Latin American countries such as those of United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO), Swisscontact and ETAPA were consulted. Statistical yearbooks
of the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censo (INEC) and the Transit Commission of
Guayas were also used in order to establish the number of vehicles and their distribution
according to type in the city of Guayaquil and in the province of Guayas. This
information was used to estimate the consumption of lubricating oil by vehicles in

13
Guayaquil. An automobile technician who has worked in this sector over 20 years
helped estimate the number of changes of lubricating oil and its use.
Databases such as the External Commerce Department of the Central Bank of Ecuador
identified the amount of base oil and other lubricating oil imported from other
countries. This information was compared with the database on national production
maintained by lubricating oil producers in Ecuador in order to make a total assessment
of lubricating oil in Ecuador. Shell’s Global Solution Department in the United
Kingdom, the Government of Cataluña in Spain and the Concawe Company in Belgium
were contacted in order to learn about the management of used lubricating oil and
related projects in Europe.
Interviews were made in order to acquire information not available in written form in
the projects or studies that had been carried out. The selection of persons to be
interviewed was based on their identification in projects carried out in Ecuador, on the
regulations and current conditions of the management of used oil and incineration in the
country, and the technical point of view of cement plants and producers of lubricating
oil. Consequently, ETAPA; Swisscontact, the Higher Institute of Research of Quito’s
Central University, the Municipality of Quito, the Ministry of Environment, the
Municipality of Guayaquil, Cemento Nacional, Cementera Selva Alegre and Shell were
selected.
The procedure for the interviews made at both Cemento Nacional and Swisscontact
follows:
1. The person to be interviewed was contacted and the reasons for the
interview explained.
2. 5 or 6 questions were asked, depending on what information was required,
basing the questions on information gathered from various projects or
studies that had been made.
3. The person to be interviewed received the questions before the interview
was carried out.

14
4. During the interview, other questions asked were based on the answers of
previous questions.
5. The answers were recorded in written form.
The other interviews used the following procedure:
1. An appointment was made in order to talk about used oil.
2. During the meeting, questions related to the topic based on material from
the Bibliography read beforehand were asked.
3. The answers were taken down in written form.
A field trip was made to Cuenca to learn about a project related to the re-collection and
final disposal of used oil carried out by ETAPA. Other industries such as Cemento
Nacional, Cementera Selva Alegre, the Aníbal Santos Thermoelectric Plant, the
Gonzalo Zevallos Thermoelectric Plant and 12 lubrication stations were also visited to
find out about the management of used oil in Guayaquil.
1.3.4 IDENTIFICATION OF LUBRICATION STATIONS AND POTENTIAL
RE-COLLECTION ROUTES
Identification of the lubrication stations was based on lists of a census made of
lubrication stations in 1999 and 2000. These lists helped find the location of the
lubrication stations with the digital map of the city. The purpose was to get a global
perception of the locations inside the city (see Appendix Q). After the surveys had been
carried out, the exact number of lubrication stations in the city was verified with
relevant information such as the cadastral code and the quantity of used oil generated.
The Municipality of Guayaquil had an important role making their computers, plotters
and assistance for the execution of this stage of this study available.
For the main routes to be used to re-collect used oil from lubrication stations, it was
necessary to divide the city in 6 large zones. The information utilized was:
1. The number and location of the lubrication stations in each sector on the
map in order to visualize their proximity.

15
2. The quantity of used oil generated in each sector in order to determine the
minimum size of the tanker needed to transport the used oil.
3. Vehicle routes the Municipality permits for the transportation of toxic
substances in order to determine the principal avenues that lead to the
Perimetral, which is the main route selected by the Municipality since it
crosses the city peripherally.
After this, the principal route in the first zone was checked to verify the amount of
traffic during the day. Finally, the computing program was prepared to determine the
shortest route from one point to another within a ten-block area in the city, using the
location of lubrication stations and the distances between them. The goal of the program
was to provide a tool that the Municipality could use to manage the re-collection routes
of used oil in each zone. The program can be greatly improved with the information
acquired in the surveys, and the program can be applied to the entire city. The algorithm
of the program is in Appendix O.

16
CHAPTER TWO
DEFINITION, CHARACTERISTICS OF USED OIL, DISPOSAL METHODS,
THE BURNING OPTION AND ITS RISK, AND CASES AND EXAMPLES OF
USED OIL MANAGEMENT IN ECUADOR
2.0 INTRODUCTION
This Chapter gives an operational definition of used oil and explains its impacts on
human health and environment documented in literature. Current disposal methods of
used oil and the different alternatives that can be applied for developing countries are
reviewed. Given this project’s focus on used oil in Guayaquil, the primary source of
used oil will be from crankcase oil.
One Section explains the burning option and the necessary parameters that need to be
considered in incineration. The mechanism of the formation of some contaminants is
explained in this Section also. Finally, this Chapter ends with an analysis of several
cases and some examples of used oil management in Ecuador in order to learn from
these cases and understand their relevance to the specific circumstances of Guayaquil.
Complementary information for this Chapter is found in the Appendixes. The
information from this Chapter provides the basis for the Chapters that follow.
2.1 SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF THE LITERATURE REVIEWED
REGARDING USED OIL MANAGEMENT METHODS AND
INCINERATION
2.1.1 DEFINITION
According to Federal Code 40CFR279 of the Environmental Protection Agency of the
United States of America (EPA), “used oil means any oil that has been refined from
crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used and as a result of such use is
contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.”
Based on this definition and in the context of the mentioned regulation, used oil is any
oil that comes from lubricating oils (also known as mineral oils) and synthetic oil.

17
Lubricating oils are composed of three general three types of hydrocarbons: straight and
branched-chain parffinic compounds, polycyclic and fused-ring saturated hydrocarbons
based on cyclopenthane and cyclohexane prototype ring structures collectively known
as naphthenes, and finally, the aromatic, both mono and polynuclear, which are
unsaturated ring structures.15
Lubricating oil is classified in two large groups as
automotive oils and industrial lubricants. The next Table shows the different types of
lubricating oil. It should be noted that crankcase oils are classified under automotive
oils.
Table 2.0 CLASSIFICATION OF LUBRICATING OIL
LUBRICATING OILS CLASSIFICATION
Engine and Machine oils. Used on reciprocating as well as rotating
machine elements.
Circulating oils. Used when the oil is pumped under pressure through
some form of distributing systems to the parts to be lubricated and then
returned to a sump or central base for re-circulation.
Industrial gear oils. Used in completely enclosed gear units of the
herringbone type.
Instrument oils. Used for control mechanisms, especially in aviation.
Oil spray lubricants. Used in automatic lubrication for bearings and
gears.
Hydraulic fluids. Used for hydraulic power transmission.
Wire-rope lubricants. Used in wire rope such as elevator or hoisting
rope.
Spindle oils. Used for high-speed bearing service.
Pneumatic tool oils. Used on the tool mechanism by the expansion of
compressed air.
Insulating Oils. Used in electric switches and transformers.
Metalworking and cutting oils, soluble oils, grinding oils. Used in
applications in which metal cutting predominates.
Steam Cylinder Oils
Diesel Engine Oils. Depend on operating conditions in the industry.
Steam Turbine Oils
Speed Reduction Gear Oils
Compressor Oils
INDUSTRIAL
LUBRICATION
Electric Motor Bearing Oils
Crankcase oils
Transmission and axle lubricantsAUTOMOTIVE OILS
Fluids for hydraulic torque converters and fluid couplings. Special
type of transmission oil used in automatic transmission.
Source: Guthriee, V.B. Ed. 1960. Petroleum Products Handbook. Chapter 8 and 9. New York: McGraw-
Hill: 8.1-9.141.
15
Hobson, G.D., and Pohl, W. Ed. Modern Petroleum Technology (Great Britain: Gelliard (Printers) Ltd
Great Yarmouth, 1975), 723.

18
Synthetic oils are synthetic fluids that are used for lubrication. They have some
characteristics in which mineral oils cannot be applied such as in the field of aviation
where the oil should maintain its lubrication properties at high temperatures16
.
Commercially, they are more expensive than mineral oils. Synthetic fluids used as
lubricants are esters (di-esters and complex esters), polyglycols, hydrocarbons
(CH3.(CH2.CH2.CH2.CH2.)nH), phosphate esters, chlorofluorcarbons, silicones, silicate
esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons and polyphenyl ethers.17
In addition, because of the contamination that used oil can produce in water, soil and air
as was seen Section 1.1.1 of Chapter One of this study, used oil is considered hazardous
waste. According to the Environmental Program of the United Nations (December
1985), “hazardous wastes means wastes (solids, sludge, liquids, and containerized
gases) other than radioactive (and infectious) wastes which, by reason of their chemical
activity or toxic, explosive, corrosive, or other characteristics, cause danger or likely
will cause danger to health or the environment, whether alone or when coming into
contact with other waste.”18
This type of definition varies depending on the regulations
of each country. It is important to delimit the term “waste” used at international levels
as any moveable object that has no direct use and is discharged permanently.19
This
definition of waste refers to recycling and does not suggest that any relaxation of
controls be considered for recyclable wastes. In general terms, the definition of
hazardous waste applied by different countries is based on an inclusive listing of the
following references:
Specific type of hazardous waste
Industrial processes in which wastes are considered hazardous
Substances, the presence of which is indicative of a potential human health
or environment hazard
16
Guthriee, V.B. Ed. Petroleum Products Handbook.Section 2 (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960), 28.
17
Hobson, G.D., and Pohl, W. Ed. Modern Petroleum Technology (Great Britain: Gelliard (Printers) Ltd
Great Yarmouth, 1975), 724-726.
18
ed. (New
York: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., 2001),2.
19
ed. (New
York: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., 2001),2.

19
In other cases, reference is made to the level of concentration of each dangerous
substance. Another useful criterion includes the toxicity of an extract of the waste
based on the specific leaching test. Usually the toxicity is defined by reference to
concentration of specific substances in the extract based on their characteristics, such
as:
Flammability or ignitability
Corrosiveness
Reactivity
The inclusion list has the advantage that it can easily consider without proof which
wastes are considered dangerous or not, but it has disadvantages when making the final
decision regarding which wastes from industrial processes to control when they are not
known.20
One example of definition is in the United States of America. There are two important
regulations, one for the specific handling of used oil and the other for hazardous wastes
based on their finality and applicability. Currently, the Federal Codes of the United
States in their Regulation for the Handling of Used Oil (40CFR279) establishes that if
substances or elements contained in used oil pass the established levels shown below,
the handling of this oil should be carried out under Federal Codes 260, 266, 268, 270
and 124 that correspond to hazardous waste. In addition, if used oil is mixed with any
kind of hazardous waste or the halogen content is over 1000 ppm, this used oil is to be
considered as hazardous waste.21
20
The World Bank, World Health Organisation, and United Nations Environment Programme, The Safe
Disposal of Hazardous Wastes: The Special Needs and Problems of Developing Countries. Vol.I.
(Washington, United States: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World
Bank, 1989), 13,16.
21
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Standards for the Management of Used Oil, 40CFR Ch.
I (7-1-97 Edition) Part 279 (United States: EPA, 1997), 396, 398.

20
Table 2.1 CONTAMINANT LIMITS OF USED OIL
Element/Property Acceptable Level
Arsenic 5 ppm max
Cadmium 2 ppm max
Chromium 10 ppm max
Lead 100 ppm max
Flash Point 100° F min
Total of Halogens 4000 ppm max
Source: U.S. Environmental Prtection Agency(EPA). 1997. Standard for the Management of Used Oil.
40-CFR-279. Edition 7-1-97.
Based on the information mentioned previously, this study focuses only on crankcase
oil, and this used oil is considered hazardous waste.
2.1.2 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND TOXIC EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT
TYPES OF USED OIL
As shown in the previous section, used oil can have different sources according to its
use. The next Table shows that 14% of the lubricating oil is conformed by additives.
Table 2.2 TYPICAL ADDITIVE BLEND USED TO MAKE LUBRICATING
OIL
INGREDIENT PERCENT
Base Oil
(Solvent 150 Neutral)
86
Detergent Inhibitor
(ZDDP-zinc dialkyl)
1
Detergent
(Barium and calcium sulfonates)
4
Multifunctional Additive
(Dispersant, pour-depressant, V.I. improver-polymethyl-methacrylates)
4
V.I. Improver
(Polyisobutylene)
5
Source: Kimball, V.S.1975.Waste Oil Recovery and Disposal. p.6. Table 1.3. New Jersey: Noyas Data
Corporation.
These additives change according to the properties desired in the lubricating oil
designated for a specific use. In Appendix G, types of additives, used components in the
additives and action mechanisms for lubricating oil are listed in a general way.
Crankcase oil uses additives for oxidation and corrosion inhibitors, wear resistance
improvers, detergent-dispersant inhibitors, viscosity improvers, pour point depressants
and antifoaming agents. According to the NTE INEN 2 027:95 standard in Ecuador,
crankcase oil can be formulated with a viscosity grade of SAE 0W – SAE 60 in which

21
the percentage of each additive changes according to the engine service. For a
multiviscosity grade (SAE10W-SAE30/SAE5W-SAE20), VI improver (4.5-12.0
volume percent), inhibitor (0.5-1.5 volume percent) y detergent (3.0-6.5 volume
percent) are generally used.22
Since the additive content is considerable, it is therefore
important to know what the organic as well as the inorganic components are in the
additives used in lubricating oil. Table 2.3 shows the chemical components most used
in lubricating oil used as automotive oils. Crankcase oil uses components such as Zn, S,
P, Ba, Ca, and transmission oils use S, Cl, P, Zn y Li.
Table 2.3 THE MOST COMMON COMPOUNDS USED IN AUTOMOTIVE OIL
ADDITIVES
CLASSIFICATION TYPE OF
ADDITIVES
COMPOUNDS OF THE ADDITIVES
Oxidation and
corrosion inhibitors
1. Zinc dithiophosphates
2. P2S5 olefin reaction products
3. P2S5 terpene reaction products.
4. Sulfurized oelefins.
Wear-resistance
Improvers
1. Zinc dithiophosphate
2. Graphite
3. Molybdenum disulfide
Detergent-dispersant
Inhibitors
1. Petroleum Sulfonate (R-SO3-Me-SO3-R)
2. Basic petroleum sulfonates (R-SO3-Me-
OH). R is composed of hydrocarbons and
Me is commonly barium or calcium.)
3. Barium salt from wax-substituted benzene
sulfonate
4. Calcium or barium alkyl phenate
5. Barium (or calcium) phenol sulfide
6. Barium salt of P2S5, a polymer reaction
product
Viscosity Index
Improvers
1. Isobutylene polymers
2. Methacrylate copolymers
Pour Point Depressant
1. Wax-naphthalene condensation product
2. Phenol-wax condensation product
3. Methacrylate polymer
Crankcase Oil
Antifoaming Agents Silicone compounds
Multipurpose
Automotive Gear
Lubricant Additives
Sulfur, Chlorine, Phosphorus and zinc, as
potent antiweld agents under high temperature
and pressure conditions
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Additive*
Multipurpose
Automotive Greases
Sulfurized terpene as antioxidant
*Additionally, automatic transmission fluid can use the additive mentioned here.
Source: Guthriee, V.B. Ed. 1960. Petroleum Products Handbook. Chapter 2. New York: McGraw-Hill:
18-30
22
Guthriee, V.B. Ed. Petroleum Products Handbook. Section 2 (New York: McGraw-Hill,1960), 24-25

22
In the same way, Table 2.4 shows the components of the additives of industrial
lubricating oils which can use Cl, P, Na, S, Zn, Ca, Ba, and Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
in their chemical composition depending on their final use.
Table 2.4 THE MOST COMMON COMPOUNDS USED IN INDUSTRIAL OIL
ADDITIVES
TYPE OF ADDITIVES COMPOUNDS OF THE ADDITIVES
Viscosity index improver
additives.
1. Acrylic ester polymers
2. Polyisobutylene types
Pour depressant additives Condensation products of chlorinated wax with aromatic compounds
or polymers of acrylic esters containing long-chain fatty alcohols.
Rust preventatives 1. Fatty acid derivatives
2. Acid phosphate esters
3. Petroleum sodium sulfonates in oil
4. Ammonium mahogany sulfonates
Oxidation and corrosion
inhibitors
1. 2,6-di-tertieryl-butyl-4-methyl phenol.
2. Sulfurized wax derivative
3. Sulfurized turpentine
4. Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphatres
5. Phosphorous pentasulfide-pinene
Extreme pressure additive 1. Compounds of sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine and sulfurized fatty
oil
2. Phosphorus and sulfur sperm base oiliness to extend load
carrying capacity of the oil film
Oiliness and antiwear agents 1. Tricresyl phosphate
2. Beta-methyl naphthyl ketone, methyl esters, oxidized oil acids
and oxygenated organic compositions containing a polar group
Detergent-dispersant additive 1. Salts of phenolic compounds and basic sulfonate salts
2. Calcium or barium salts of petroleum sulfonic acids and
synthetic sulfonic acid as well as salts of a wide variety of
phenolic derivatives
Antifoam agent 1. Silicone polymers of intermediate molecular weight
2. Candelilla wax
3. Acrylates or polybutenes (tackiness agents)
Fire resistant hydraulic fluids 1. Aqueous bases of the water in oil or polymer thickener type
2. Phosphate ester base type
3. Tricresyl phosphates
4. Chlorinated hydrocarbon types
Additives for cutting fluids 1. Sulfur
2. Chlorine (carbon tetrachloride)
30-42.
In Ecuador, additives are imported generally from both Europe and the United States23
.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to learn the chemical components in the
additives or the amount used in Ecuador in the manufacture of lubricating oil since this

23
information is directly related to the chemical formulation reserved and owned by each
producer. But in general, the additives used in Ecuador normally contain a great
quantity of Zn, Ca, P and Mg, the base oil is largely conformed by parffinic
hydrocarbon, and the quantity of aromatic hydrocarbon in the composition of base oil is
less or equal to 0.1%.24
Lubricating oil properties change when it is degraded. The most important changes are
molecular weight, flash point, solid content, foaming, viscosity, specific gravity, water
content and acid level. These changes are produced principally by heat, mechanical
wear and oxidation.25
Consequently, there are other contaminants in crankcase oil that
do not come from additive components used in the manufacture of lubricating oil as can
be seen in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 INDICATIVE LIST OF CONTAMINANTS PRESENT IN USED OIL
FROM ENGINE CRANKCASE
Contaminant Source Concentration Range (ppm)
Ba Detergent additives < 100
Ca Detergent additives 1000-3000
Pb Leaded gasoline/bearing wear 100-1000
Mg Detergent additives 100-500
Zn Antioxidant/antiwear additives 500-1000
P Antioxidant/antiwear additives 500-1000
Fe Engine wear 100-500
Cr Engine wear Traces
Ni Engine wear Traces
Al Bearing wear Traces
Cu Bearing wear Traces
Sn Bearing wear Traces
Cl* Additives/leaded gasoline ca. 300
Si Additives/water 50-100
S Base oil/combustion products 0.2-1%
Water Combustion 5-10%
Light HC Fuel dilution 5-10%
PAH Incomplete combustion <1000
*Chlorine can also be found up to 1500 ppm in collected used oil due to contamination, e.g. from illegal
disposal of chlorinated solvents.
Source: Concawe. 1996. Collection and Disposal of Used Lubricating Oil. Report No. 5/96. Brussels:
Concawe: 18.
23
Central National Bank, Data Base (Quito, Ecuador: Central National Bank, 2002).
24
Tinoco, Technical Director of Shell Ecuador, Personal communication, 2002.
25
Skinner, J.H., and Forester, W.S. ed., Waste Minimization and Clean Technology: Waste Management
Strategies for the Future (San Diego, California: Academic Press Inc., 1992), 156-167.

24
A quantity of unburned fuel (gasoline or diesel) is dissolved in lubricating oil. Light
hydrocarbons increase from the breakdown of oil and heavier hydrocarbons, including
the poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) due to the polymerization and incomplete
combustion of fuel.26
Table 2.6 shows different used oil contaminants and their sources. Note that the
difference with Table 2.5 is that Table 2.6 shows the organic contaminants present in
used oil in more detail.
Table 2.6 CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
Kind of Contaminant Chemical Species Source
Nitrogen Oxides Nitric oxide (NO)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Atmospheric nitrogen
combustion.
Sulfur Oxides Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Sulfur Trioxide (SO3)
Sulfur of fuel combustion
Hydrocarbons Olefins R2C=CR2
Diolefins R2C=CH-CH=CR2
Aromatics R-Aromatics
Saturated Hydroocarbons R3C-CR3
Incomplete Combustion
Products
Organic Compounds Formaldehyde H-CHO
Superior aldehydes R-CHO
Acetone R-CO-P
Acids R-COOH
Partial Combustion
Peroxides ROOH, ROOR Partial Combustion
Lead Salts Lead oxide, PbO
Lead chloride, PbCl2
Lead Bromide, PbBr2
Lead Sulfate, PbSO4
Lead nitrate, Pb (NO3)2
Decomposition of ethyl
fluid used as anti-knock for
gasoline.
Soot Carbon C Partial Combustion
Carbon Carbon monoxide CO
Carbon dioxide CO2
Combustion
Source: Herrera, R. 1999. Recycling of lubricant oils in Ecuador. Individual Project, OLADE/University
of Calgary – Master Program. Quito, Ecuador: 21.
According to Byrne (1989), Mueller Associates (1989) and the EPA (1984b),27
the
quality of motor oil can be affected by the following processes:
26
Concawe, 1996),17.
27
1994).

25
1. The engine heat may break the additives and other constituents into the oil.
This process can produce some acids or other contaminating substances.
2. Dirt, dust and rust may be inside the crankcase and in the oil. Metal particles
from engines can also directly contaminate the oil. The exhaust gases from
the combustion can leak through “crank rings” to the oil.
3. Fluids such as water and antifreeze may leak into the oil during the engine
operation.
Therefore, after motor oil is used, its properties are very different from virgin motor oil
(Mueller Associates, 1989). The most important differences are:
1. High content of water and sediment levels.
2. High quantity of polynuclear aromatics such as benzo(a)pyrene.
3. High quantity of metals such as aluminum and lead.
Table 2.7 compares the components present in used oil with virgin motor oil.
Table 2.7 POTENTIALLY HARMFUL CONSTITUENTS IN USED OIL VER-
SUS VIRGIN MOTOR OIL
Constituent Used Oil from
Automobile
Crankcases (ppm)
Used Oil from Diesel
Truck Crankcase
(ppm)
Virgin Lubricating
Oils (ppm)
Cadmium 0.5-3.4 0.7-3 0
Chromium 0.8-23 1.8-7.1 0
Lead 5.5-150 2.9-19 0-3
Benzo(a)pyrene 25-86 2.0 0.03-0.28
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1994. Environmental Regulations and
Technology: Managing Used Motor Oil. EPA/625/R-94/010. Cincinnati, Ohio: Center for Environmental
Research: 3.
According to Concawe (1996) in Table 2.5, the most dangerous component in
contaminated used motor oil is chlorine and if this oil is used in a burning option during
incomplete combustion, some toxic substances such as polychlorinated dibenzodioxins
(PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) may be produced. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the product of

26
incomplete combustion, which is frequently associated with particle emissions.28
The
compounds mentioned previously are bio-accumulative and are suspected to produce
cancer.
According to Table 2.8, there are different chemical compounds that can be added to
the fuel to improve its quality. Some gasolines use anti-knock in order to improve
combustion such as benzol, tolmol, cumene, tetraethyl lead, ethylic bromide, dibromo
ethane and naphthalene monochlorite Comp. P-9.29
Around 1960, tetraethyl lead and
other alkyl lead products began to be used for that purpose. Lead compounds are added
as fluids that also contain ethene/ethylene dibromide and ethene/ethylene dichloride as
depurators, producing lead compound volatizations.30
On the other hand, the cetane
number of diesel is improved with amyl nitrates.31
Therefore, leaded gasoline has the highest probability of containing Cl or Br due to the
additives used. According to Patricio Pazmiño,32
Head of Production of Petroindustrial,
PetroEcuador does not put additives in the fuel, neither do they put gasoline or diesel,
and they do not use tetraethyl lead as an anti-knock, but high octane naphtha instead.
Finally, he mentions that additives generally do not have Cl.
According to Mauro González (2002), Interim Director of the National Department of
Hydrocarbons, the elimination of tetraethyl of lead (TEL) was carried out gradually
between 1996 and 1997 in the Esmeraldas refinery, between 1997 and 1998 in the
Libertad refinery and between 1998 and 1999 in the Amazon refinery in the gasoline
sold on the Ecuadorian market as Extra, because the gasoline sold as Super, was totally
eliminated in 1990. This methodology helped terminals, pipelines and all systems
eliminate TEL completely at the national level in November 1999. In order to eliminate
28
Waterland, L., Bruce, K.R., and Merril, R.G., Risk Burn Guidance for Hazardous Waste Combustion
Facilities, document EPA530-R-01-001 (Atlanta, Georgia: ARCADI Geraghty&Miller, Inc. and Eastern
Research Group, Inc., 2001), 16,17,46.
29
Cevallos, F., Folleto de Motores de Combustión Interna (Guayaquil, Ecuador: ESPOL, 1999), 78.
30
Avallone, E.A. and BaumeisterIII, T. ed. Manual del Ingeniero Mecánico. Vol. I. Chapter 7
(Colombia: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana de México, S.A. , 1995), 16-17.
31
Avallone, E.A. and BaumeisterIII, T. ed. Manual del Ingeniero Mecánico. Vol. I. Chapter 7
(Colombia: McGraw-Hill/Interamericana de México, S.A. , 1995), 19.
32
Patricio Pazmiño, Head of Production of Petroindustrial, Personal communication, February 2002.

27
the total use of TEL, a reformed plant was constructed, which began working at the end
of 1998. Unfortunately, Petroecuador approved the enlarging of the plant with the
objective of avoiding the use of TEL, but aromatic hydrocarbons were not considered in
the design since this reformed plant produced high octane gasoline with 70% aromatics.
Now the reformed plant operates at 60% of its capacity in order to have enough space in
the pool to mix the gasoline and produce the quality Ecuadorian norms stipulate. It is
estimated that 4,000,000 of barrels of high octane naphtha with 25% aromatic
hydrocarbons will be imported this year. Some tests have been made in the Amazon
region with other additives such as alcohol anhydride or with a magnesium base.
Petroecuador is now searching for solutions with an additive very similar to TEL.
Another fact is that sales points and service stations recommend using additives in the
gasoline in order to protect the engines. Unfortunately, these types of additives are not
controlled by the National Department of Hydrocarbons.

28
Table 2.8 THE MOST COMMON COMPOUNDS USED IN GASOLINE
AND DIESEL USED FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
TYPE OF FUEL TYPE OF ADDITIVE COMPOUND OF THE ADDITIVES
Antiknock agents.
1. Hydrocarbons of natural high octane
number
2. Aromatic amines
3. Organometallic compounds.
Normally, it is:
Tetraethyl lead (In addtion, it uses ethylene
dibromide and ethylene dichloride to
prevent ash deposits.)
Commercial benzol (for non-leaded
gasoline)
Methyl cyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl
Antioxidants and
sweetening inhibitors.
1. 2,6-di-tertiary-butyl-4-methyl phenol, or,
2,6-di-tertiary-butyl-para-cresol. (aviation)
2. NN’di-secondary-butyl-para-phenylene
diamine. (aviation)
3. N-normal butyl-para aminophenol.
4. 2,4-dimethyl-6-tertiary-butylphenol.
(aviation)
5. Phenylene diamine and phenolic type
Metal deactivators N,N’-disalicylidene-1,2-diaminopropane, or
N,N’-disalicylidene-1,2-diamino ethane type
(copper deactivators)
Antirust 1. Organic amines or ammonium mahogany
sulfonates
2. Organic phosphates.
De-icing and anti-stall
agents
1. Isopropanol
2. Dimethyl formamide
3. Methyl alcohol (aviation)
4. Isopropyl alcohol (aviation)
5. Ammonium dimonylnaphthalene
Preignition additives
Phosphorus-type
For leaded gasoline use:
Alkyl-aryl phosphates
Tricresyl phosphate (TCP)
Phosphine
Chloro-thiono-phoosphate compounds
Tri-n-butyl
Upper cylinder lubricants
(motor and aviation
gasoline)
1. High solvency, non-volatile, oxygenated
organic compounds.
2. Light solvent lubricating oils or low-
viscosity naphthenic distillates Some are
blended with detergents, halogenated
aromatic compounds, acid tars and oiliness
additives.
Gasoline
Gasoline dyes N,N’-dibutyl-p- (p-nitro phenylazo aniline)
Cetane number improver Organic Oxides
Peroxides (Amyl nitrate)Diesel*
Diesel fuel starter fluids Hydrocarbon blends with ether and heptane
* Some of the additives used in gasoline are used in diesel fuel too.
6-12.

29
In Ecuador, three different physical/chemical tests have been made of used oil in
different cities. The next table shows the results of an analysis made by the United
Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) between August and
September 1991.
Table 2.9 TEST MADE BY UNIDO
Properties/Contents Riobamba
Motor Car
Oil
(Gasoline)
Quito
Motor Car
Oil
(Gasoline)
Quito
Diesel
Motor
Oil
Guayaquil
Diesel
Motor Boat
Oil
Guayaqu
il
Motor
Car Oil
(Gasoline
)
Color, visual Black Dark Brown Black Black Black
Density @ 15°C, ASTM
D4052, Kg/m3
911 899 905 887 898
Water % v/v, ASTM D95 0.2 <0.1 <0.1 0.2 0.3
Flash point °C, ASTM D93 83 103 230 132 96
TAN, mg NaOH/g, ASTM
D664
7.1 4.5 8.0 5.9 7.8
Pentane insol, % m/m, ASTM
D893(b)
2.25 (1) 0.78 1.78 (2) 0.09 1.52
Chlorine, mg/kg (neutron
activation)
82* 85* 360 260 80*
Org. bound chlorine mg/kg
(extraction&neutron
activation)
56* 45* 140 240 46*
Sulphur, % m/m ASTM
D4239
0.8 0.22 0.72 0.6 0.47
PCB’s (ppm) N.A. 6 2 9 N.A.
(1) Toluene insolubles, % m/m, 1.87
(2) Toluene insolubles, % m/m, 1.60
*Inorganic and organically bound bromide compounds also detected at similar levels.
Source: Organización de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Industrial (O.N.U.D.I.). 1992.
Tecnologías no contaminantes para la regeneración de aceites lubricantes usados. Acta final del
seminario regional. Project US/INT/88/227. Quito, Ecuador: 163, 170.
Of all the studies made in Ecuador known at this time, the UNIDO study is the most
complete, because it considered PCB as well as PAH tests. The information used for the
present study is based on information derived from the conclusions of the UNIDO study
of non-contaminant technologies used in re-refining used lubricating oil in different
Latin America countries. Unfortunately, the study used (Project US/INT/88/227) does
not contain the results of PAHs made by the NAFTY Technological Institute (Warsaw).
This is the only reference found where used oil from Guayaquil is analyzed. Also,
according to Table 2.9, the PCB content in used oil from gasoline motors differs much

30
from used oil from diesel motors in Quito. This is because when the samples were made
in Ecuador (1991), gasoline had lead compound additives. We have analyzed this
situation previously, showing that some additives used for leaded gasoline contain Cl y
Br, and for this reason, samples from gasoline motors show the presence of Br at the
same level as that of chlorine (neutron activation) and organic compounds with
chlorine. Therefore, it can be presumed that at present the PCB content is
approximately 2 ppm, but more tests need to be carried out. Other tests have been made
in the Swisscontact and ETAPA studies. The next Table shows the results of these tests.
Table 2.10 TESTS MADE IN CUENCA AND QUITO
Quito (Swisscontact) Cuenca (ETAPA)
Properties and Content
Minimum Maximum Used Oil
1
Used Oil
2
Used Oil
3
°API 27.3 22
Color, ASTM D-1500 >8 >8 >8
Specific Gravity 0.891 0.922 0.8871
20/4°C
0.9062
20/4°C
0.9074
20/4°C
Viscosity at 100°F
268.0 SSU
58.3 CST
549.0 SSU
120.5 CST
152.7
CST
@ 40°C
148.6
CST
@ 40°C
117.4
CST
@ 40°C
Viscosity at 200°F 56.4 SSU
9.2 CST
71.2 SSU
13.1 CST
15.5 CST
@ 100°C
16.2 CST
@ 100°C
15.9 CST
@ 100°C
Viscosity Index 127 196 102.7 111.2 127.9
Flash Point (°C) 145 88 166
Conradson Carbon 3.86 5.2 0.6 1.6 1.2
Pentane insol. % weight 0.42 0.24 0.97
Toluene insol. % weight 0.13 1.4 0.22
Neutralization No. mg KOH/g 0.912 0.896 0.995
Water % 0.05 4.0 0 0 0
Ash % 1.02 2.41 0 0.006 0.006
Color N. detectable
S content (%) 0.21 0.34 0.71 0.38 0.92
Ba (ppm) 100 100
Ca (ppm) 1,000 1,700 592 670 780
P (ppm) 550 1,100
Pb (ppm) 700 22,000 240 320 870
Zn (ppm) 350 980
Fe (ppm) 280 282 310
Cl (ppm) - - -
Si (ppm) 22 12 10
Cu (ppm) 43 70 68
Source: Fundación Suiza de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Técnico (Swisscontact). 2000. Estudo de
viabilidad de la eliminación adecuada del aceite automotor usado generado en la ciudad de Quito.
Quito, Ecuador: 52; Corporación Oikos. 1998. Estudio de factibilidad para el re-refinamiento de aceites
usados en Cuenca. Final Report. Cuenca, Ecuador: 90.

31
The Table above shows the components of used oil in Quito according to the
Swisscontact study. The contaminants and levels found in used oil are in the range
given by Concawe, except for lead, which has a higher range. On the other hand, the
analysis made by Petroindustrial in the ETAPA study used three different types of used
oil that were from crankcase engines such as Used Oil 1 from a vulcanizer, Used Oil 2
from the ETAPA mechanic shop from diesel and gasoline motors, and Used Oil 3 from
mechanic shops in the city from diesel and gasoline motors. The limits in the
composition are in the Concawe range except for the S content, perhaps due to the
inefficient combustion of the engine. Other components such as Si are below the
Concawe range. Generally speaking, it is noted that the components of used oil from
crankcase engines in these two cities are Ba, Ca, P, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cl, Si and Cu.
Unfortunately, these studies do not mention the date the tests were made. However, it
can be presumed that the same components found in used oil from crankcase engines
would be present in used oil from automobiles in Guayaquil, because the same types of
gasoline, diesel and automotive oil are used in the three cities since the producers are
the same.
Tests carried out in Ecuador show the same components in sampled used oil as those
given by Concawe (1996) in Table 2.5, except for the test made by ETAPA. Table 2.11
shows the toxic effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and
polychlorionated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) produced in the combustion process of used
oil when technical requirements are not considered. The effects of the elements and
components generally found in used oil that are most toxic for the environment and
human health (Cd, Pb, Cr, PAHs (Benzo(a)pyreno) and the polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) are shown in Table 2.11. The same Table also shows the toxic effects of
polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorionated dibenzofurans
(PCDFs) that are produced in the used oil combustion process when technical
requirements are not taken into consideration.

32
Table 2.11 TOXIC EFFECTS OF THE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL CONSTI-
TUENTS IN USED OIL
Contaminant Toxic manifestation
Arsenic Hyperpigmentation, keratosis and possible vascular
complications.(RfD: 3E-4 mg/kg-day)
Human Chronic oral exposure
Lung Cancer mortality and this could increase
mortality for internal organ cancer (liver, kidney,
lung, and bladder)
Cadmium Significant proteinuria (RfD: 5E-4 mg/kg/day water)
Lung cancer
High level can produce damage to lungs and death.
Irritate stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, affect kidneys
Chromium Cholestasis
Cancer after long-term exposure.
CrO3 can produce irritation to the nose, such as runny
nose, sneezing, itching, nosebleeds, ulcers and holes
in the nasal septum.
Asthma attacks in persons who are allergic to
chromium
Cr (VI) can produce ulcers, convulsions, kidney and
liver damage, and death.
Lead High level can produce damage to the brain and
kidneys in adults or children; in pregnant women may
cause miscarriage; in men can damage organs
responsible for sperm production, anemia,
stomachache, muscle weakness.
Benzo(a)pyreno Increase renal enzyme activities
Tumor type: fore stomach, squamous cell papillomas
and carcinomas
Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins Increase renal enzyme activities
Cancer
Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans Cancer
Polychlorinated Biphenyls Acute or subacute hepatic necrosis
Hypertrophy of endoplasmic reticulum
Increase renal enzyme activities
Source: Benavides, L., Cantanhede, A., and Koning, H. 1994. Hazardous Waste and Health in Latin
America and the Caribbean. With the support of the Pan American Center for Sanitary Engineering and
Environmental Sciences (CEPIS). Washington D.C., United States: 8 ; Hettiaratchi, P. 2001. ENEV611:
Land Pollution&Waste Management in the Energy Sector. University of Calgary. July. ; U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2002. Risk Information of Chemical Compounds. Available at
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/toxvals.shtml. February.
Based on the foregoing information, crankcase oils do not present any chlorine as a
contaminant after its use during engine operation, unless it contains leaded gasoline
with some type of additive with Cl. Also, because of the mild climate of Ecuador and
the hot weather in Guayaquil, engines do not use antifreeze.

33
As shown in Table 2.5, the presence of chlorine (300 ppm – 1500 ppm) in used oil can
produce a potential problem in the combustion process through the possible formation
of dioxins (carcinogenic) mentioned previously. Due to this, it is important to know the
other sources in which used oil is contaminated by chlorine. Chlorine present in used oil
may be due to the following reasons:
1. The contamination of accidental or deliberate use of chlorine solvents and
transformer oils, or both.33
2. The additives in lubricating oils.
3. The additives of lead adhered to gasoline.
Usually, used oils can be contaminated when they are mixed with other materials such
as brake fluids, antifreeze, paints, vegetable oils and other materials at the collection
points.34
The following sections of this Chapter will analyze different disposal methods
for used oil and will deal once again with the problem that arises when used oil is
contaminated with halogens and the implications this has for the technical requirements
for the combustion process.
2.1.3 DISPOSAL METHODS FOR USED OILS AND THEIR PROBLEMS
According to Concawe (1996), there are six main disposal methods for used oil which
are dumping, reclaim industrial lubricant, direct burning option, re-processing, re-
refining, and gasification process. The next Figure shows the same disposal methods
without dumping given by the European Commission based on the same Concawe
study, but including the type of used oil for each method and the type of obtained
products after the utilized method. Figure 2.0 shows that crankcase oils can be used for
different methods such as thermal cracking, re-refining, gasification, reprocessing or
direct burning. Note that in the re-refining method of the acid/clay process, the
obtained lubricating bases are low quality. This process has been recommended by
33
1994), 14.
34
Concawe, 1996), 18.

34
some projects carried out in Ecuador such as UNIDO and ETAPA with some
modifications in the process. Appendix A shows in more detail the disposal method of
used oil discussed here along the lines of the original Concawe study.
Figure 2.0 DIFFERENT WASTE OIL DISPOSAL METHODS
Source: European Comission. 2001. Critical Review of Existing Studies and Life Cycle Analysis on the
Regeneration and Incineration of Waste Oils. Final Report VMR/OPA/MSI 20 AW 83-5. Europe: Tylor
Nelson Sofres S.A.: 21.

35
This Figure uses a general classification for disposal methods of used oil, but that does
not mean that all of them are correct disposal. Table 2.12 presents a summary of the
disposal methods of used oil and their favorable and unfavorable impact on the
environment and human health. It shows that the most favorable methods of used oil
disposal are a cement plant, reprocessing (several), modern re-refining with
hydrotreatment, pretreatment and refinery recycling, and gasification.
Table 2.12 USED OIL DISPOSAL OPTIONS – COMPARISON SUMMARY OF
MAJOR EFFECTS
POSSIBLE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AND/OR
HUMAN HEALTH
DISPOSAL OPTION
Favorable Unfavorable
Dumping Very high risks to ground and
surface water systems
Road oiling Very high risks to ground and
surface water systems
Cement kiln Contaminants trapped in the
cement
Fuel oil blending Contaminants discharged to
atmosphere
Space heater
(at point of collection)
No transport related effects All contaminants sent into the
local atmosphere in the flue gas
Chemical waste incineration Contaminants trapped in flue
gas treatment system
Loss of value unless used as
support fuel.
Stone coating plant Metals trapped in the stone
coatings
Possible emissions of chlorinated
compounds
Reprocessing
(severe)
Provides clean fuel
comparable to industrial gas
oil
Acid clay re-refining Disposal of residues PAH
content of re-refined oil
Modern re-refining with
hydrotreatment
Re-refined base oils free of
contaminants
Pretreatment and refinery
recycling
Use of existing plant
Refinery recycling Use of existing plant Unproven technology
Gasification Produces clean fuel gas
All contaminants
retained
Source: Concawe. 1996. Collection and Disposal of Used Lubricating Oil. Report No. 5/96. Brussels:
Concawe: 55
The advantage of a cement plant is that the contaminants are trapped in the cement. The
next Section will analyze the methods for treatment and management applicable for

36
used oil in developing countries such as Ecuador and it will analyze in more detail any
that are more applicable for the case of Guayaquil.
2.1.3 ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
According to the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the United Nations
Environment Programme, for developing countries “the selection of appropriate
treatment and disposal facilities will depend on the types and quantities of hazardous
waste which are generated and on specific local factors. In practice, choices will
depend on the degree of pre-treatment carried out by the waste generator and/or the
availability of suitable facilities for treatment or disposal.”35
According to Dr. Patrick Hettiarachi (2002), integrated waste management is the
selection and application of suitable techniques, technologies and management
programs to achieve specific waste management objectives and goals. The preferable
principal options range from the reduce-reuse option to residual management as shown
in the next Figure. The reduce-reuse option is when it is possible to use the waste for
the same or different applications: for example, reclaiming industrial lubricants by
centrifuging the used oil and using it again in old machines. The recycle option is when
the waste is used again to manufacture the same thing: for example, re-refining used oil
in order to get base oil to produce lubricating oil for engines. The recovery option uses
the waste to generate energy; for example, used oil for industrial processing, and it is
comparable with reprocessing and the direct burning option given by Concawe. Finally,
residual management means sending the waste to landfills or to be incinerated.
35
Bank, 1989), 98.

37
RESIDUAL
MANAGEMENT
RECOVERY
RECYCLE
REDUCE - REUSE
OPTIONS
Figure 2.1 OPTIONS OF INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
Source: Hettiaratchi, P. 2001. ENEV611: Land Pollution&Waste Management in the Energy Sector.
University of Calgary. July.
The Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria, Australia (1985), recommends
general recovery and incineration disposal methods for oil. In more detail, they mention
the flammability property for hydrocarbon lubricating oil and recovery, recycling and
incineration as recommended disposal.36
The objectives of any plan for hazardous waste management are to ensure the safe,
efficient and economical collection, treatment and disposal of wastes. In order to reflect
specific local conditions, the plan needs to consider a number of criteria such as health
effects, environmental impact, technical reliability, political acceptability, resource
recovery, economic viability and resource conservation. According to the international
organizations mentioned at the beginning of this Section,37
the description of these
criteria are:
Health Effects: To reduce health risks and the nuisance associated with the
storage, collection, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
36
Disposal of Hazardous Wastes: The Special Needs and Problems of Developing Countries. Vol.I. Table
3-4 (Washington, United States: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World
Bank, 1989), 102-105.
37
Bank, 1989), 68.

38
Environmental impact: To reduce environmental pollution risks associated
with hazardous waste treatment and disposal.
Technical Reliability: To ensure that any hazardous waste technologies
used are proven, safe, flexible, and maintainable under local conditions.
Political Acceptability: Depending on local conditions (maximizing the
number of jobs created and public acceptability of the facilities).
Resource Recovery: To maximize the utilization of both the material and
fuel value of wastes. There may also be a requirement to minimize land
usage or to restore poor quality land.
Economic Viability: To minimize costs, subject to other (often conflicting)
objectives and constraints.
Resource Conservation: To minimize the amount of hazardous wastes
generated and ensure that all such wastes are collected, treated and disposed
of properly.
Table 2.13 summarizes these criteria with the methods recommended methods
mentioned previously and identifies factors affecting them in a local context. The
information in Table 2.13 provides an overview of the recovery, recycling and
incineration methods available for Guayaquil. Based on criteria applied mainly to
political acceptability, economic viability, resource recovery and resource conservation,
the most feasible for Guayaquil are the recovery and incineration options because
impacts on the environment and human health depend greatly on available technology
and the manner in which plants or industries function. In addition, in the next section
the ETAPA case will show that the re-refining method is not a feasible method for the
disposal of used oil in Ecuador. This project will focus on these two options and it will
analyze each furnace that can be used to burn used oil in Guayaquil. The recovery
option is applicable only in some manufacturing industry processes because of the high
temperature needed, such as Brick & Tile, Carbon Black, Cooper Smelting, Glass, Iron
& Steel, Lead Smelter, Lightweight Aggregate, Lime Process, Zinc and Boilers. Other

39
processes have the potential for waste incineration, but generally speaking, they have
not yet served this function on a large scale.38
Table 2.13 COMPARISON OF AVAILABLE METHODS FOR GUAYAQUIL
Recovery Recycling Incineration
Health Effects Minimum if it
considers the limit of
compound emissions
for a specific device.
Depends on the
technology used. It can
affect the acid sludge
produced in some re-
refining processes.
Minimum if it considers
the limit of compound
emissions for a specific
device.
Environmental Impact Depends on operations
of the devices and air
control devices.
It can produce some
environmental impacts,
depending on the
technology used.
Depends on operation
of the devices and the
air control devices.
Technical Reliability Depends on the design
of the equipment.
Specialized personnel
are necessary.
It is safe.
Political Acceptability Currently, it has
acceptability from local
government and from
other stakeholders.
There are some studies
that have not been
applied and the
ETAPA case shows
that there has not been
political acceptability
from some stakeholders
(mainly the producers).
Currently, it has
acceptability from local
government and from
other stakeholders.
R. Recovery Yes No Yes, it is possible.
Economic Viability Depending on the
equipment, it is
normally cheaper than
the re-refining option.
Depends on the
technology;
unfortunately it is the
most expensive option.
It is the cheapest option.
Resource
Conservation
It is high, because there
are some industrial
places where it is
possible to burn for
recovery.
There is no re-refining
plant. The quantity for
used oil is low for a re-
refining plant.
There are incinerators
that can be used.
38
Brunner, C.R., Handbook of Hazardous Waste Incineration, 1st
ed. Chapter 7 (United States: Tab

40
It is also important to mention that there has been a steep reduction of oil regenerating
in developed countries such as Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom as
shown in the next Figure. The tendency of regeneration in Europe is uncertain because
investors are at risk since it is not known if the latest regeneration technology will be
flexible in proportion to the composition of used oil during the next 10 years or how the
tendency will relate to the possible use of bio-lubricants.39
In 1960, the United States of
America had 150 companies that produced 300 millions of gallons of re-refined oil per
year. At present, there are fewer than 10 plants working.40
Figure 2.2 MANAGEMENT OF WASTE OILS IN THE EU IN 1999
Source: European Comission. 2001. Critical Review of Existing Studies and Life Cycle Analysis on the
Regeneration and Incineration of Waste Oils. Final Report VMR/OPA/MSI 20 AW 83-5. Europe: Tylor
Nelson Sofres S.A.: 8
Recovery and incineration methods are directly related to the combustion process.
There are specific parameters that need to be considered in the combustion process to
limit the formation of air contaminants which have the potential to damage human
Books Inc., 1989), 143-179.
39
European Comission, Critical Review of Existing Studies and Life Cycle Analysis on the Regeneration
and Incineration of Waste Oils, Final Report VMR/OPA/MSI 20 AW 83-5 (Europe: Tylor Nelson Sofres
S.A., 2001), 8.
40
Nolan, J.J., Harris, C., and Cavanaugh, P.O., Used Oil: Disposal Options, Management Practices and
Potential Liability (United States: Government Institutes Inc., 1989), 35.

41
health and environmental quality. The details of the combustion process are provided in
Appendix B.
In the combustion process it is important to follow several steps to identify
contaminants and prevent impacts. The United States follows the next provisional steps
when issuing requirements for burners.41
1. Identification, by the generator from which the principal organic hazardous
constituent (POHC) will be selected.
2. Operation of incineration equipment to achieve the destruction and removal
efficiency (DRE) of at least 99.99%. The DRE is defined as Win the POHC
mass flow into the system and Wout the POHC mass flow rate leaving the
combustion device for the atmosphere.
DRE = 100% (win –wout)/win
3. If hydrogen chloride exits in the stack at less than four pounds per hour, no
HCl removal is necessary. If the chloride emissions are greater than four
pounds per hour, then 99% of the hydrogen chloride must be removed from
the exhaust gas stream.
4. Particle emissions into the atmosphere must not exceed 0.08 grains/dry
standard cubic foot when corrected to 50 % excess air.
5. Continuous monitoring of combustion temperature, waste feed rate,
combustion gas flow rate and carbon monoxide is required.
The technical requirements or factors that affect the combustion process when
destroying a waste as completely as possible consider the minimization of the formation
of new products (solids and gases) that are noxious for both the environment and human
health to be temperature, time and turbulence. Classically, these factors are known as
the Three Ts of combustion. There is also another parameter that can be added like the
oxygen that is available. Availability of oxygen has an influence on the degree of
destruction of the waste and byproduct formation due to incomplete combustion. And
41
Brunner, C.R., Handbook of Hazardous Waste Incineration, 1st
ed. (United States: Tab Books Inc.,
1989), 32,33.

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