The first estimates for a predesign of the BERC re-refining process are contained in this report. Although many process equipment variables are yet to be resolved, this first estimate indicates the probable viability of the process. Based upon a plant which could process 10 million gallons of waste lube oil a year, the following preliminary conclusions were made: Captial costs would approximate $2 million. Waste oil purchased at 15 cents/gal could be re-refined into blendable lube oils for 39 cents/gal. Considering a selling price of 47 cents/gal in bulk, the return on investment before taxes would approach 45 percent. The operation is very sensitive to the cost of the used oil. The plant capacity could be doubled or tripled with only a modest increase in cost. These findings and the predesign analysis show areas where more intensive R and D is required. More effort is also apparent to demonstrate the feasibility of economically gathering the waste oil. A larger plant would be more economical, but this must be balanced with the cost of collecting the used oil. In general, the project offers promise as a means of economically and profitably conserving millions of gallons of valuable lube oils. (ERA citation 02:050903)
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