Introduction  Every year, millions of gallons of used motor oil are disposed of, and cause harm the earth. Luckily, there is now a way to reuse this used motor oil and reduce its damage to the earth. Automotive businesses are now using waste oil furnaces to burn old motor oil and heat their businesses. I explored a local business’ application of this idea.

Background  A local shop reuses over 2,000 quarts of oil each year to heat their garage bays and offices.  In 3 years they have not had to purchase heating oil because they have enough used oil.  All the used motor oil comes from performing oil changes.

 Waste oil furnaces were originally used to dispose of used oil, but now are used to heat.  They can be used for homes or commercial businesses.  Money is saved because normally shops have to pay to dispose of used oil. References  Anastas, P. T.; Warner, J. C. Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press: New York, 1998, p.30. By permission of Oxford University Press.   

Materials & Methods  An “oil drain” is used to collect the used oil from the car. This is no different than in routine oil changes, regardless of reuse intentions.  The oil is then brought to the waste oil furnace to be burned for heat.  There are several brands of waste oil furnaces.

 This garage uses a Reznor furnace.  It is a 75,000 BTU furnace.  It takes up relatively small space.  The initially cost for the reconditioned furnace was $4,000.  The owner installed the furnace himself.  In three years this shop has not spent any money on repairs for the furnace

This is the device used to collect oil from the vehicles. It is placed under the car during an oil change. The used oil drips into the top part, and flows down into the bottom canister. It is very similar to an oil pan. It is meant for use with cars on lifts.

This is the Reznor brand furnace this particular shop uses. It is hanging from the ceiling. Used oil is brought up the ladder and put into the furnace to be heated.

Green Chemistry Connections  “Prevention: It is better to prevent waste than to treat or clean up waste after it has been created.” The reuse of the oil prevents it from becoming waste. Also, if the recycling of the oil filters becomes successful, this will also reduce waste.  “Use of Renewable Feedstocks: A raw material or feedstock should be renewable rather than depleting whenever technically and economically practicable.” The reuse of the oil makes it a renewable feedstock.

 “Design for Energy Efficiency: Energy requirements of chemical processes should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be minimized. If possible, synthetic methods should be conducted at ambient temperature and pressure.” The reuse of the oil would make less of an impact on the environment and could economically be a more sound method, since it would save spending money on additional oil for heating.  “Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention: Analytical methodologies need to be further developed to allow for real-time, in-process monitoring and control prior to the formation of hazardous substances.” The reuse of oil prevents more pollution. Anastas and Warner, 1998

Organic Chemistry Connections  An understanding of the chemical makeup of things like motor oil helps one understand the way it reacts inside vehicles as well as in the environment.  The impact of motor oil on the environment is related to organic chemistry.  Being able to understand things like combustion reactions helps one understand the process of using oil for heat

Damage to the Environment Used motor oil is responsible for the biggest oil pollution in water in the USA. Used motor oil contains toxic chemicals that damage the environment when not recycled. One quart of used oil pollutes 250,000 gallons of water. When used oil is not recycled, we are losing a fossil fuel resource from the earth. Waste oil that isn’t recycles seeps into the earth. This damages land, water, and potentially animals and humans.