What can waste transformer oil do?

Although the performance of waste transformer oil (also known as waste insulating oil) has deteriorated due to long-term use, it can still be recycled through purification, regeneration, or rational utilization to avoid environmental pollution. The following are its main uses and treatment methods:

1. Recycling after regeneration

(1) Physical purification

- Method: Remove moisture, particulate matter and impurities through an oil filter (such as a vacuum oil filter, centrifugal oil filter).

- Use: After the insulation and cooling performance are restored, it can be reused in low-voltage transformers or distribution equipment.

- Requirements: Dielectric strength, acid value, moisture and other indicators need to be tested (in accordance with GB/T 7595 standard).

(2) Chemical regeneration

- Method: Use white clay adsorption, acid-base refining, or solvent extraction to remove oxidation products and acidic substances.

- Use: Recycled oil can ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ new oil and be used in non-critical power equipment.

2. Industrial fuel

- Treatment method: After dehydration and filtration, waste oil can be used as fuel for industrial boilers or kilns (must meet environmental emission standards).

- Advantages: High calorific value (about 40-45 MJ/kg), but attention should be paid to the treatment of combustion exhaust gas (may contain trace sulfur and heavy metals).

- Restrictions: Direct combustion of waste mineral oil is prohibited in some areas, and a hazardous waste management license must be obtained.

3. Lubricant base oil recovery

- Method: Refine base oil through the distillation-hydrogenation process for blending low-end lubricants (such as gear oil and hydraulic oil).

- Requirements: Need to be processed by a professional refinery to avoid secondary pollution.

4. Chemical raw materials

- Cracking asphalt: After high-temperature cracking, asphalt modifier is generated for paving or waterproofing materials.

- Production of release agent: Mixed with other additives for metal casting or concrete demoulding.

5. Environmental protection and resource utilization

(1) Hazardous waste disposal

- Incineration: High-temperature incineration in a compliant hazardous waste treatment plant to recover heat energy.

- Solidification and landfill: For seriously polluted waste oil, it is safely landfilled after solidification.

(2) Emerging technologies

- Biodegradation: using microorganisms to decompose pollutants in oil (still in the experimental stage).

- Plasma treatment: high temperature decomposition of toxic substances to achieve harmlessness.

Notes

1. Regulatory compliance:

- Waste transformer oil is a hazardous waste (HW08 category) and must be handled by qualified units. It is prohibited to dump or burn it at will.

- It is necessary to fill in the "Hazardous Waste Transfer Form" and comply with the "Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes".

2. Safety risks:

- Waste oil may contain toxic substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, old transformers) and heavy metals, which need to be tested first.

- Wear protective equipment during operation to avoid contact with skin or inhalation of volatile substances.

3. Economic evaluation:

- The cost of regeneration may be higher than the price of new oil, which needs to be weighed according to oil quality and market demand.

Recommended treatment process

A[waste transformer oil] --> B{detection of pollution degree}

B -->|mild pollution| C[oil filter purification→reuse]

B -->|moderate pollution| D[chemical regeneration→industrial fuel/lubricant]

B -->|heavy pollution| E[professional hazardous waste disposal]

Through reasonable treatment, waste transformer oil can reduce environmental damage and achieve resource recycling. It is recommended to contact the designated recycling unit of the power system or the enterprise certified by the environmental protection department for treatment.