Fuel recovery from waste oily sludge using solvent extraction

Solvent extraction was used to recover oil from waste sludge generated from the storage of crude petroleum. Different solvent-to-sludge mass ratios were used for two solvents, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and LPG condensate (LPGC). Several parameters were compared, such as oil recovery as a percent of the original sludge mass, and reduction in carbon residue, ash content, and asphaltene content. A 4:1 solvent-to-sludge ratio was found to be optimum for both solvents. The MEK extraction recovered 39% by mass of the sludge as recovered oil. The LPGC recovered 32%. The amount of asphaltenes in the fuel oil was related to the concentration of fuel oil in the solvent phase during the extraction, suggesting that asphaltenes are extracted mainly by the fuel oil components, not the solvent. The physical properties and metal content of the recovered oil were measured. The recovered oil was distilled to provide diesel fuel. This diesel fuel contained high levels of sulfur and carbon residue, as well as a high diesel index, indicating the fuel requires further treatment prior to use as a fuel.