HK Makine manufactures fully integrated used mineral oil re-refining plants that convert waste motor oil, industrial oil, and transformer oil into API Group I base oil (SN150, SN300, SN500) via vacuum distillation technology. Neutralization unit, hydrofinishing, filter press, and PLC automation included. Turnkey delivery worldwide from our Gaziantep factory.
A used mineral oil recycling plant (also called a re-refinery or lube oil regeneration plant) processes spent motor oil, transmission oil, hydraulic oil, transformer oil, and other mineral-based industrial oils through pre-treatment, vacuum distillation, and finishing stages to produce re-refined base oil meeting API Group I specifications (SN150, SN300, SN500).
HK Makine re-refining plants employ multi-stage purification technology that raises the flash point to standard levels, eliminates color and odor defects, reduces acid number to near zero, and restores viscosity index to commercial base oil levels. The process prevents environmental pollution while generating high-value products from waste materials.
Environmental Impact: Re-refining 1 liter of waste oil requires only 1 liter of waste feedstock. Producing equivalent virgin base oil from crude oil requires 44 liters of crude. Re-refining is the most energy-efficient and environmentally sound option for used oil management.
Regulatory Note: In most countries, unlicensed disposal of used oil is subject to heavy environmental fines. A licensed recycling plant converts this legal obligation into a profitable business model with strong raw material supply.
Per 100 tons of used mineral oil processed, the following average product distribution is achieved. Actual yields vary with feedstock quality, process configuration, and finishing method.
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| Parameter | SN 150 | SN 300 | SN 500 | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity (40°C, cSt) | 28–35 | 55–65 | 95–110 | ASTM D445 |
| Viscosity Index | >90 | >90 | >90 | ASTM D2270 |
| Flash Point (°C, COC) | >180 | >210 | >230 | ASTM D92 |
| Pour Point (°C) | <-12 | <-9 | <-6 | ASTM D97 |
| Color (ASTM) | <1.5 | <2.0 | <2.5 | ASTM D1500 |
| Total Acid Number (mgKOH/g) | <0.05 | <0.05 | <0.05 | ASTM D664 |
| Sulfur Content (ppm) | <1500 | <1500 | <1500 | ASTM D4294 |
| Metal Residue (Fe, ppm) | <5 | <5 | <5 | ICP-OES |
| Density (15°C, g/cm³) | 0.862–0.870 | 0.868–0.876 | 0.872–0.882 | ASTM D4052 |
| Values are typical product specifications. A quality certificate is issued for each production batch. | ||||
Used oils are received from collectors or industrial facilities and stored in stainless steel or polymer-lined tanks. Portable analyzers perform rapid quality checks for water content, metal contamination, and viscosity.
The feedstock is heated to 80–100°C. Free water, emulsions, and coarse solids are removed by centrifugal or gravity separators. This step significantly extends the service life of downstream equipment and prevents efficiency losses.
Heated to 150–220°C under atmospheric or mild vacuum conditions, residual water, gasoline, and diesel fractions are stripped from the oil. This step reduces the load on the vacuum column and optimizes energy consumption throughout the plant.
The heart of the process. Under high vacuum (1–10 mbar) at 280–360°C, different viscosity fractions (SN150, SN300, SN500, and heavy residue) are separated in a short-path or packed vacuum column with sharp cut points. High vacuum prevents thermal cracking and maximizes color and odor quality of the base oil fractions.
Distillate fractions are treated with NaOH or Na₂CO₃ solution to eliminate organic acids and reduce Total Acid Number (TAN) to below 0.05 mgKOH/g. This critical step corrects color, removes acidic compounds, and ensures final product stability. Base oil produced without neutralization is not commercially accepted by lube blenders.
Final color and odor polishing is performed by either activated clay (fuller's earth) treatment or catalytic hydrofinishing under hydrogen pressure. Hydrofinishing is cleaner and more environmentally friendly; acid-clay treatment offers lower capital investment while still delivering marketable product quality.
The product passes through a clay filter press or membrane filter to remove residual suspended solids, clay particles, and traces of treating agents. 1–5 micron filtration achieves the bright, clear appearance expected by base oil buyers.
Each production batch is tested for viscosity, flash point, color, acid number, and metals before release. Certified products are transferred to stainless steel storage tanks ready for customer delivery.
Important: Chlorinated solvents, PCB-containing oils, biological contaminants, and synthetic ester-based lubricants are NOT suitable for this process. Feedstock analysis is mandatory before commissioning.
The flash point is the minimum temperature at which oil vapors form an ignitable mixture with air. In used oils, a low flash point indicates contamination by gasoline, diesel, or solvents — creating a fire hazard and making the oil unsuitable for base oil buyers. HK Makine plants raise the flash point of SN150 to above 180°C and SN500 to above 230°C through pre-distillation. A high flash point signals quality, safe handling, and long service life.
Oxidative degradation of engine and industrial oils produces organic acids (naphthenic acids, fatty acids). These acids cause metal corrosion, viscosity increase, and shortened oil service life. The neutralization unit reacts the distillate with NaOH or Na₂CO₃ to bring the Total Acid Number (TAN) to below 0.05 mgKOH/g — an absolute requirement for acceptance by lube blenders. Base oil produced without neutralization fails API Group I specification and cannot be sold to commercial buyers.
Viscosity Index measures a lubricant's resistance to viscosity change with temperature. A high VI (>90) means the oil maintains consistent performance in both cold and hot conditions. Base oil fractions from vacuum distillation naturally carry high VI, making them preferred by motor oil and hydraulic oil manufacturers as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to virgin base oil.
Used motor oils contain iron, copper, aluminum, and lead from engine wear, plus degraded additive by-products. Vacuum distillation concentrates these metals in the heavy residue fraction, keeping base oil fractions clean. The subsequent filter press stage reduces metal content to below 5 ppm — meeting API Group I purity requirements.
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| Capacity (Ton/Day) | Process Type | Included Units | Approx. Price (USD) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 Ton/Day | Vacuum Distillation + Clay | Boiler + Column + Filter | $25,000 – $50,000 | 35–45 days |
| 3 – 10 Ton/Day | Vacuum + Neutralization | Full Set + Pump + Panel | $45,000 – $115,000 | 45–60 days |
| 10 – 30 Ton/Day | Vacuum + Neutralization + HF | Turnkey + Automation | $105,000 – $250,000 | 60–90 days |
| 30 – 100 Ton/Day | Full Re-Refining Line | Turnkey + SCADA + Lab | $230,000 – $500,000 | 90–150 days |
| Prices vary with feedstock quality, automation level, and accessory options. Contact us for a firm quotation. | ||||
HK Makine undertakes special engineering projects for:
80–85% base oil recovery with optimized vacuum conditions
Marketable SN150–SN500 grade meeting international standards
Integrated neutralization unit reduces TAN to near zero
Heat recovery exchangers minimize energy consumption
Touchscreen HMI, PLC control, and remote monitoring system
Exhaust gas treatment, wastewater neutralization, clay disposal included
Installation, commissioning, and operator training included
Operating plants in Turkey, Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa
Base Oil Production Plant | Vacuum Distillation | Neutralization | Worldwide Delivery from Gaziantep, Turkey
+90 536 037 3281Copyright 2026 HK Makine — Nizip / Gaziantep, Turkey. All Rights Reserved.
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