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Studies samples of different used lubricating oils. Details how their physico‐chemical characteristics were determined by the use of modern instrumental analytical techniques; and how different standard separation techniques were used to separate the unused base oil and other components from the collected samples for characterization. Discusses the different re‐refining procedures available in the literature and highlights the merits and demerits of different re‐refining techniques. Concludes that re‐refining of used oil will conserve resources and help to preserve the environment.

THE re‐refining of used lubricating oil became established in Great Britain during the second world war and is now carried out by six main companies. The UK consumption of lubricating oils is about 1,150,000 tons per annum and only about 5 per cent of this is being recovered for further use. The remainder is either burned as fuel or disposed of as a waste material by tipping—causing a most serious pollution problem.

Defines the four main routes for reclaiming used oils ‐ recovery as fuel; reconditioning on site; oil laundering and re‐refining. Places used oil re‐refining in its historical context and presents profiles of the (only) two used‐oil re‐refiners in the UK.

A NEW high‐technology oil re‐refining plant recently opened by Midland Oil Refineries, Halesowen — once Black Country, now West Midlands — represents an investment of nearly £1,000,000. It is the first production plant of its type in the UK, and has been built with a grant from the Department of Industry, and encouragement from the Department of the Environment.

THE ECONOMIC benefits of reclaiming used lubricating and industrial oil have long been of interest. Unlike many petroleum products, lubricating and industrial oils are not destroyed by use. Once the accumulated impurities are removed, the reclaimed oils are again fully usable.

THE re‐refining of lubricating oils has twice been the subject of papers given by the author at Leeds University Tribo‐International events, and the likely dwindling availability of hydrocarbon products now makes his point of view all the more interesting.

Describes the three main methods of used oil recycling. Details the laundering process carried out by Smallman Lubricants and the subsequent quality tests. Refers to environmental and health aspects. Mentions three other reprocessing technologies.

Acid sludge produced from regeneration of used lubricating oil was chemically treated in order to convert it in to a saleable product. Investigates treatment with different inorganic formulations. Determines and discusses the optimum formulation composition. Characterizes the spectroscopic analysis, thermogravimetric and rheology behaviours, and hydrocarbon type analysis (asphaltene, oil and resin) of the extracted multicomponent resin (MCR‐1). Uses the MCR‐1 for the preparation of gilsonite varnish. The physico‐chemical properties of the latter were determined and compared with those of a standard gilsonite varnish. Concludes that treatment of acid sludge with different salt formulations provides a potentially lowest cost source of gilsonite varnish for news ink and also helps reduce an environmental problem created by re‐refining used oil.

The OILS used in transformers and immersed switchgear fulfil two distinct functions. They are both fluid dielectric and heat transfer medium, and although in some of the larger transformers circulation of the oil is helped by pumps and water coolers, a very large proportion of these units rely on convection alone.