Fuels from Used Lubricating Oils

There are two ASTM Specifications related to the use of used or reprocessed lubricating oils (lube oils), hydraulic fluids, or other hydrocarbon-based oils. Federal, state, and local regulations may dictate more restrictive requirements than are outlined in the ASTM documents.

ASTM D 6448 covers four grades of fuel oil that are made partly or entirely from used oils and are intended for use in industrial equipment (not residential heaters or in combustion engines). The four grades, RFO4, RFO5L, RFO5H, and RFO6 primarily differ in viscosity range.

ASTM D 6823 covers four similar grades of fuel oil made with at least 25% used lube oils, blended with middle distillates or residual fuel or both. This specification is for application where ASTM D 6488 does not meet performance or other requirements for a given burner or boiler. The four grades, RFC4, RFC5L, RFC5H, and RFC6 have the same viscosity ranges as the RFO-series in ASTM D 6448 and they share many other common specifications. However, ASTM D 6823 is very specific and has tighter specifications in regard to Trace Metals, Total Halogens, and PCBs.

For both specifications, U.S. Federal laws dictate certain requirements for used oil generators, transporters, transfer facilities, reprocessors, marketers, and end users as defined in U.S. Federal Code 40 CFR 249. Also, it should be noted that in some state and local jurisdictions, used oil is considered to be a hazardous waste product and fuels derived from waste oil are required to meet more restrictive regulations.

You should consult local authorities for any deviations from these ASTM Specifications when dealing with products based on used lube oils. Texas OilTech Laboratories is prepared to recommend specific test packages to meet these regional requirements.