Waste Oil Recycling Plant – A Practical Solution for Sustainability and Efficiency

Industries worldwide—particularly in automotive, manufacturing, shipping, and heavy engineering—generate substantial volumes of used oil as a byproduct of their operations. Improper disposal of this waste oil can lead to severe environmental damage, regulatory violations, and increased operational costs. Recognizing these challenges, Hering VPT developed the Waste Oil Recycling Plant (WORP), an engineered solution designed to convert used oil into high-quality base oils through a clean and efficient process.

The Urgent Need for Waste Oil Solutions

Used oil contains a mix of contaminants, including heavy metals, water, degraded additives, and particulates. If improperly treated or recycled, it can pollute soil, groundwater, and waterways. Regulatory bodies worldwide, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mandate proper handling and disposal of waste oil. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties and damage to corporate reputation.

Traditional disposal methods like incineration or landfill dumping are no longer viable due to strict environmental regulations and sustainability targets. Businesses now require responsible and economically feasible alternatives.

WORP Technology: A Structured Approach to Waste Oil Recycling

Hering VPT’s WORP system employs a multi-stage process to recycle used oil into reusable base oil. The core technologies include:

1. Non-Cracking Evaporator (NCE) Technology

The WORP system utilizes Non-Cracking Evaporator (NCE) technology to separate oil from contaminants at lower temperatures under vacuum conditions. This method efficiently removes water, fuel residues, and volatile compounds while preserving the quality of the base oil and minimizing energy consumption.

2. Advanced Filtration & Polishing

After distillation, the recovered oil undergoes high-efficiency filtration. Two optional polishing technologies are available:

• Reactivation Clay Polishing System (RCPS): This system uses specially manufactured HERING PHÖNIX clay as an adsorbent, which can be reactivated and reused up to 500 times. It improves color, reduces sulfur content, and enhances the odor and oxidation resistance of recycled base oils.
• Adsorbent Mineral Polishing System (AMPS): Designed for customers seeking a high-performance lube oil polishing treatment without using chemicals or chemically activated substances. It employs HERING PHÖNIX GREEN, a highly adsorbent mineral, to enhance color, odor, and chemical properties of recycled base oils.

3. Modular, Scalable Design

WORP units are modular and customizable based on a business’s oil production volume. This design makes them suitable for small workshops as well as large industrial plants, allowing phased upgrades without complete system overhauls.

Business Benefits

• Cost Savings: Recycling with WORP eliminates the need for hazardous waste disposal services, providing significant financial relief to businesses.
• Product Recovery: Recycled base oils can be reused in-house or sold, offering an additional revenue stream and enhancing the business’s financial outlook.
• Operational Efficiency: Low energy requirements reduce overhead costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: WORP helps organizations meet international environmental and safety standards.

Environmental Impact

Implementing WORP significantly reduces ecological risks:

• Prevents waste oil from polluting ecosystems.
• Conserves natural resources by reducing dependency on virgin crude.
• Cuts greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional oil refining, contributing to sustainability goals.

Industry Adoption and Impact

One Asian transportation company reduced oil waste disposal costs by over 60%. Within the first year of installation, it began generating income from recovered oil, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and financial benefits of the WORP system.

Hering VPT’s WORP provides a clear path for industries to handle waste oil responsibly while gaining economic and operational advantages. As environmental regulations tighten and public scrutiny increases, sustainable waste management technologies like WORP are no longer optional—they are a competitive necessity. Moreover, the long-term benefits of reduced environmental impact and improved corporate reputation make WORP a strategic investment for any business.

To learn how WORP can support your business’s environmental and operational goals, contact Hering VPT for more information and a customized consultation. Their team will assess your specific needs, provide detailed information about the WORP system, and offer recommendations for its implementation.