The ECOLO (Ecological Conditioning of Lubricating Oils) Process

Oil is a valuable, necessary natural resource without which an industrial plant cannot be operated. Lubrication is essential to keep the moving parts of equipment operating. Recent events have made it necessary for us to remember that oil is a finite resource - the supply is not endless - there will come a time when there is no more. Obviously, effective conservation measures are necessary.

One logical approach is to use, and reuse, lubricants. Recycling can extend the life of this valuable commodity. Oil does not "wear out" in use, it becomes contaminated. In use, it comes in contact with:

• Water
• Dirt
• Solvents
• Inadvertent Mixing
• Spills

The Benz ECOLO process effectively reclaims most industrial lubricants for reuse, and saves money besides. The process includes:

• Centrifugation
• Vacuum Distillation
• Activated Clay Contact
• Filtration

In addition, oil viscosity and additive levels are returned to original specification.

There are some restrictions on lubricants which can be recycled. Motor oils, heavy gear oils, and oils with a viscosity greater than ISO VIS grade 220 (1000 SSU @ 100 F) cannot be mixed with used oils to be recycled. Strict segregation of used oils is desirable, but not essential. Used oils, which can be co-mingled, are:

• Hydraulic Oils
• Circulating Oils
• Way Oils
• And other lubricating oils, since these oils originate from a common base oil.

Restrictions, which apply to oils recycled by Benz Oil, are: 5% maximums water sediment normal and acceptable, oils may not be mixed with any hazardous substances such as:

• PCB's
• Chlorinated or Flammable Solvents
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Water Soluble Coolants

Recycling of lubricants makes sense. It conserves a valuable natural resource, affects significant cost savings and eliminates disposal problems. Talk to your Benz Oil representative and find out how the Benz Oil ECOLO process can be of benefit to your company.

WHO RECYCLES?

Paper Mills
Paper mills use large quantities of various industrial lubricants. All of these products can be successfully and economically recycled. The environment in a paper mill (heat, steam, water, chemicals etc.) is highly conducive to contamination and deterioration of lube oils. As an example, a large paper mill in Wisconsin saved over $40,000 in one year by having ECOLO recycle their used oils. ECOLO products meet all the quality standards for applications at the mill, where all unscheduled downtime can result in losses of more than $5,000 an hour.

Metal Working Industry
Covering the gamut for small screw machine shops to large plants manufacturing gears 25 feet in diameter, the metalworking industry is diverse in nature. From plants producing tractors and farm equipment to construction machinery, they all possess a common denominator, the utilization of large quantities of lubrication oils. A significant number of businesses within the various trade categories are now served by ECOLO Recycling Program. For example:

Heat Treating Industry
ECOLO recycles a wide range of Quenching Oils. Typically, waste oil products are generated by commercial heat treating shops and quenching departments of large industrial concerns. Quench Oils become heavily contaminated during use due to the development of byproducts from oxidation, plus carbon formation and scale. Many industrial facilities prolong the life of their Quenching Oils through ECOLO Recycling and realize important economic benefits.

Plastic Molding
Plastic molding machinery is extremely difficult to lubricate because the heat used to process plastics must be carried away by the hydraulic fluid. High fluid bypass rates produce high oil levels, causing oxidation. The oxidation produces corrosive acids, varnish and sludge. Molding machinery has high-pressure hydraulic systems that cannot stand contaminated oil, and unfortunately, the best fluid filters are unable to remove oxidation byproducts. We test samples from hundreds of molding machines to detect oil problems before they get out of control. When oil becomes contaminated, ECOLO technology provides a solution.

Engine Builders
Manufacturing internal combustion engines incorporate a broad range of industrial operations and lubrication requirements. Casting, stamping, machining, and assembly all necessitate many types of lube oils. In these processes leakage, contamination, excessive heat, and other factors contribute to loss or degradation of these expensive lubricating oils. Wisconsin produces more engines than any other state in the U.S., and it is important to note that almost all of these engine manufacturerers have established oil-recycling programs with our ECOLO division. Hydraulic oils, cutting oils and way lubricants are examples of the types of products ECOLO recycles at appreciable annual savings

Steam Turbine Power Plants
Steam turbine power plants run continuously. Consequently, outages must be planned carefully and carried out quickly. Contaminated oil is a major threat. ECOLO does routine testing of in-service turbine oils to allow scheduled oil-drain, recycling and start-up. We have operated our laboratory on weekends and holidays to diagnose emergency turbine oil problems. Recycled turbine oil is successfully employed at several power plants. Particle contamination is much lower than virgin oil, and the cost is competitive. Ask about turbine oil testing and recycled turbine oil. ECOLO can tailor a program to your needs.

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