Electrochemical regeneration of oxygen­containing compounds in the extracts of used oils

Growth in the volumes of oils applied for various purposes, including motor oils, results in the formation of large quantities of toxic waste – used oils. At the same time, they are a valuable raw material for the production of fresh oils by their regeneration though existing techniques have a number of shortcomings, the main of which is the formation of new waste that is difficult to dispose of. It is shown that the extraction of used oils by an alkaline aqueous-alcohol solution enables an almost complete removal of oxygen-containing compounds, as evidenced by the reduced acid number, from 1.76 mg KOH/g of oil to 0 mg KOH/g of oil. This results in a significant decrease in corrosion aggressiveness of the medium. The results of research into electrochemical processes in model solutions of ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids revealed the possibility to transform their products on electrodes into non-toxic useful products – carbohydrate products. The results of research into electrochemical processes in model solutions of oxygen-containing compounds and extracts of used oils at anodic potentials of 2.4 V demonstrated the possibility of their transformation on electrodes into useful carbohydrate products. This would contribute to an increase in the output of regenerated oil, prevents the formation of toxic waste.