Used Motor Oil Refinery & Recycling
Carbon-Negative Soil Systems for Resilient, Productive Agriculture
Closing the Loop on Waste Oils
Used motor oil represents both a significant environmental liability and a strategic industrial resource when processed using modern re-refining technologies. This service is centered on the deployment of advanced Solvent Extraction Methods (SEM)—specifically N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent extraction—to recover high-quality base oils and valuable fuel byproducts from waste lubricating oils. Compared to legacy acid-based and conventional recycling technologies, NMP solvent extraction delivers superior product quality, higher yields, and markedly improved environmental performance.By converting hazardous waste into high-value industrial products, this solution delivers environmental protection, economic value, and industrial resilience while aligning with circular economy objectives, industrial waste reduction goals, and energy security strategies in a single integrated system.
The proposed solution reflects the current global best practice in used oil re-refining and is already deployed successfully at commercial scale in Europe and other advanced markets.
Why Carbon Balance?
Carbon Balance Global Consulting serves as both technology integrator and strategic advisory partner, bringing together cutting-edge American technology, international project experience, and rigorous financial and environmental analysis.
Key advantages include:
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Access to advanced U.S. re-refining technology partners
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Structuring projects for strong financial returns and rapid payback
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Scalable, future-ready refinery configurations
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Lower cost base oil production relative to conventional petroleum refining
Advisory and Project Support
CBG provides end-to-end advisory support, including:
- Initial technical and economic feasibility studies
- Feedstock analysis covering supply sustainability and cost dynamics
- Full project documentation and project management from concept through implementation
- Technical, financial, and regulatory due diligence
Product Outputs and Revenue Streams
High Quality Base Oils
The NMP process delivers a significant increase in base oil yield, improving production efficiency and profitability. The resulting base oils exhibit:
- High viscosity index, ensuring stable lubrication performance across temperature range.
- Low NOACK evaporation loss, reducing oil losses during use
- High oxidation stability, improving resistance to aging and thermal degradation
Fuel and Byproduct Streams
In addition to base oils, the process generates commercially viable byproducts, including:
- Diesel and clean-burning fuel fractions
- Asphalt and road oil products
These secondary outputs provide additional revenue streams and enhance overall project economics.
Technology Overview: Solvent Extraction with NMP
Modern Re-Refining Approach
Solvent extraction has replaced acid treatment as the preferred method for re-refining waste lubricating oils due to its effectiveness, safety, and product quality. The NMP process selectively dissolves desirable base oil fractions while removing contaminants, oxidation products, and sludge without introducing corrosive or hazardous byproducts.
Technical Advantage
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone offers high selectivity, thermal stability, and reusability, enabling efficient separation and consistent base oil quality. When combined with downstream adsorption processes, the technology delivers superior oxidative stability and viscosity-temperature performance relative to traditional methods.
Environmental and Operational Performance
Environmental Benefits
The NMP solvent extraction process eliminates the use of corrosive acids and minimizes hazardous waste generation. It significantly improves emissions performance and reduces the environmental footprint associated with waste oil recycling.
Operational Efficiency
Solvent extraction with NMP is recognized as one of the most cost-effective and efficient processes for used oil recycling. High sludge removal efficiency and improved oil property recovery translate directly into lower operating costs and higher product value