1. Collection

A batch of dirty used oil is collected and segregated for treatment.

2. Testing/Sample Cataloguing

Samples of the oil are taken and analyzed to measure remaining additives; any missing additives are replaced during the purification process. Samples of the oil, taken both before and after purification, are kept by CHEM-ECOL for a minimum of five years.

3. Batch Storage/Warming

The batch is pumped into a clean tank and warmed to about 120°F, to allow for initial separation of free water and sludge.

4. Settling/Sediment Collection

Waters and sludges are measured, then drained off and sent for further treatment.

5. Drying

The oil is passed through our high-efficiency vacuum dehydrator for removal of ALL water. Residual levels are usually below 100 ppm and can be as low as 4 ppm.

6. INITIAL FILTRATION

The oil is brought into our equipment through one-micron strainers and is passed through a series of filters during the process. Our microfiltration system uses three sequential filtration stages to remove particles as small as half a micron from the oil. The filters are designed to our specifications and will remove broken-down additives as well as sub-micron particles.

7. CARTRIDGE Micro-Filtering

Oil that requires more extensive processing is scrubbed through cartridge filters to remove small amounts of oxidized by-products. If additional cleaning is required, it may be necessary to process the oil through our plant operations.

8. Testing/Analysis

The clean, dry, finished oil is accumulated in segregated storage tanks or containers. Samples are taken and sent to an independent analytical laboratory to verify cleanliness (ISO ratings), viscosity, TAN and other relevant criteria (All our mobile trucks are equipped with ISO particle counters and our mobile operators monitor cleanliness constantly).

9. Reprocess

Following our quality control checks, the batch will be reprocessed if necessary. Cleaning of operating systems will typically require the system volume be processed as many as five times to ensure the entire system (including all piping) is cleaned. The mobile operator monitors the cleanliness of the “incoming” oil until the oil coming from the dirtiest point in the system meets specifications.

10. Additive Blending

As determined by our chemists, additives are blended into the finished product to meet specifications. Many of our competitors do not replace oil additives, as they lack the technical knowledge to do this properly. As we also manufacture these additives, this specific blending technology is part of our normal business.

11. “As Good As New”

Once the purified batch has been approved by our technicians and a certified independent laboratory, the product is released for re-use by the client.