8
Chapter 3 deals with virgin and used oil processing where virgin production
steps are discussed briefly as an entrance to the main processing of used oils.
Various processes are discussed in details to demonstrate their relevance to the
modern requirements of lubricants. Processes to treat used oil for fuel purposes
are also discussed.
Chapter 4 deals with burning used oil for fuel and energy recovery, a great
competitor to used oil re-refining. The quantities are discussed on regional basis
to discover the trends and the potential for further re-refining of used oil.
Chapter 5 deals with the economics of re-refining in discussing what affects
this important aspect including supply and demand for lubricants, the impact of
oil prices and the process selection and so on. An important economic model is
also presented which can be used by others in further studies.
Chapter 6 deals with the lubricating oil industry in the Arab countries
including the production and consumption of lubricants. The re-refining plants
and plans in the Arab countries are also discussed. It was difficult to obtain
accurate data here as is the case in other world regions.
Examples of countries experience are imbedded in the relevant chapters
where the experience of Italy is included in chapter 5 and the experience of
Saudi Arabia and the UAE is included in chapter 6.
Conclusions and recommendations are cited in chapter 7 with special
emphasis on what is to be done in Arab countries.
Upfront, the executive summary is a condensation of the most important
aspects of the report which also shows the direction followed in the research.
Needless to say that the lack of expensive consultant’s reports made reliance
on the Internet and public sources paramount. This is sometimes followed by
discussion with private sources in the industry.
I hope this research serves the purpose of OAPEC and that the Organization
would go ahead to promote the collection, controlled utilization and processing
of used oils for the benefit of the economy, environment and the wellbeing of
the Arab people in their different countries.
Volume 43 - 2017 -
Issue 161