Refined motor oil, specifically in the context of reprocessing used lubricants, refers to rerefined oil, which is used motor oil processed to remove contaminants, producing a like-new base oil.
When we talk about motor oil that has been refined, especially regarding recycling and sustainability, we often mean rerefined motor oil. This type of oil is created through a significant process that takes used engine oil and transforms it back into a valuable resource.
Understanding Rerefined Oil
The core idea behind rerefined oil is giving used motor oil a second life. Instead of disposing of used oil, which can be environmentally harmful, it is collected and sent through a sophisticated process.
The Rerefining Process
According to the provided reference:
- Used motor oil is processed to remove contaminants, producing a like-new base oil. This is the fundamental step where dirt, water, fuel residues, metals, and other impurities accumulated during engine use are stripped away.
- Once the clean base oil is obtained, substances are added to make lubricants like motor oil, transmission fluid, and grease. These additives restore the necessary properties – such as viscosity, anti-wear capabilities, and detergent action – that were present in the original virgin oil but were lost or degraded during use.
This results in a base oil that meets the same stringent standards as base oil produced from crude oil.
Rerefined vs. Virgin Oil
The primary difference often highlighted is the environmental impact.
| Feature | Rerefined Oil Products | Virgin Oil Products |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Used motor oil | Crude oil |
| Process | Rerefining (removes contaminants from used oil) | Refining (extracts base oils from crude oil) |
| Environmental | Cause less environmental harm compared to virgin oil products | Higher environmental impact (extraction, processing crude) |
| Performance | Like-new base oil quality; performs comparably to virgin-based oils with proper additives | High quality with appropriate refining and additives |
The reference explicitly states, "The main difference is rerefined products cause less environmental harm than virgin oil products." This is due to factors like reduced need for crude oil extraction and lower energy consumption in the rerefining process compared to initial crude refining.
Why Choose Rerefined Oil?
- Environmental Responsibility: It's a sustainable choice that reduces waste and conserves natural resources (crude oil).
- Quality: Modern rerefining processes produce high-quality base oils that meet or exceed industry specifications when properly formulated with additives.
- Resource Efficiency: Reusing oil extends the life cycle of a valuable non-renewable resource.
In essence, refined motor oil, when derived from the rerefining process, represents a commitment to sustainability while providing the necessary lubrication performance for vehicles and machinery.
