Waste Oil to Base Oil Re-Refining Plant
Convert waste lubricating oil into high-quality base oil through an integrated refining system combining feedstock pretreatment, vacuum dehydration, fractional distillation, high-vacuum thin-film distillation, and selective refining.
Base Oil Output
SN150–SN300 /Group I & II
80–85% Recovery
Reference Base Oil recovery rate
PLC / SCADA
Centralized process automation
EPCM Services
Engineering to commissioning
Waste Oil to Base Oil Plant
A flexible industrial system engineered to recover high-value base oil from used lubricating oil through pretreatment, vacuum dehydration, precision distillation, and advanced refining.
STANDARD REFINING ROUTE
Adsorptive refining configuration
DESULFURIZATION ROUTE
Selective solvent extraction refining process
Flexible Distillation Technology
Choose vacuum distillation or thin film distillation based on feedstock characteristics, plant capacity and targeted base oil specifications.
Multiple Refining Routes
Adsorbent refining is available for Group I base oil production, while selective solvent extraction can produce base oil with quality approaching Group II.
Advanced Hydrorefining for ≥50 TPD Plants
Plants with capacities of 50 TPD or above can integrate an optional hydrorefining section to produce Group II and higher-grade base oils with improved color, sulfur content, oxidation stability and overall performance.
Base Oil RECOVERY RATE
PROCESSING CAPACITY
CONTROL SYSTEM
PROJECT SERVICES
———— Plant Film · Actual Project
WATCH THE PLANT IN OPERATION
04:05 MIN ·Full Project Film
VBOLT Project Film
Real Equipment · Real Process · Real Operation
———— Plant Film
Waste Oil to Base Oil Plant in Operation
Explore a real VBOLT waste oil to base oil project in operation. See how used lubricating oil is converted into valuable base oil through feedstock pretreatment, high vacuum thin-film distillation, fractionation and purification. Discover VBOLT’s engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities and integrated plant solutions.
Feedstock
Waste Lubricating Oil
Process
High Vacuum Thin-Film Distillation
Output
Group I / Group II Base Oils
Configuration
Continuous / Batch Options
———— BASE OIL RE-REFINING PROCESS
Waste Oil Base Oil Plant Process
Follow the used lubricating oil through each processing stage—from pretreatment and vacuum distillation to base oil refining and final product storage.
01
STAGE 01 · MATERIAL IN
Feed Preparation
Used lubricating oil is received, passed through a coarse filter, and transferred to the feed tank. Sedimentation and draining remove free water and heavy solids, creating a stable feed for the dehydration stage.
Coarse Filtration
Sedimentation & Draining
Feed Transfer & Buffering
PROCESS RESULT
Stable feed ready for dehydration
02
STAGE 02 · PRETREATMENT
Dehydration
Water and unstable light components are removed before the waste oil enters the high-temperature section.
Controlled Heating
Water Removal
Stable Feed
PROCESS RESULT
Prepared waste oil ready for dehydration
03
STAGE 03 · LIGHT ENDS REMOVAL
Light Ends Removal
Select the tubular heating furnace or the optional thin-film distillation configuration. The tubular furnace heats waste oil directly; thin-film distillation uses indirect thermal-
Controlled Vacuum
180–260°C Operating Range
Light Fraction Collection
PROCESS RESULT
De-lighted oil ready for vacuum thin-film distillation
04
STAGE 04 · CORE DISTILLATION
Vacuum Thin-Film Distillation
De-lighted oil enters the thin-film evaporator under deep vacuum. A continuously renewed thin film enables valuable base oil fractions to evaporate at a lower temperature, reducing thermal cracking and protecting product quality.
Deep Vacuum <20–30 mbar
260–360°C Distillation Range
Short Residence Time
PROCESS RESULT
Base oil vapor separated from heavy residue
05
STAGE 05 · FRACTION SEPARATION
Base Oil Fractionation
Base oil vapor from the vacuum thin-film distillation stage is condensed in controlled fractions. Different boiling ranges are collected separately to produce base oil cuts with different viscosity ranges.
SN75–SN150 Base Oil
SN150–SN200 Base Oil
SN250–SN350 Base Oil
PROCESS RESULT
Separated base oil fractions routed to refining
06
STAGE 06 · BASE OIL REFINING
Base Oil Refining
Separated base oil fractions are refined to reduce color, odor, oxidation products and polar impurities. The refining route is selected according to feedstock quality and target product requirements.
Adsorbent Refining
Selective Solvent Extraction
Hydrofinishing for ≥50 TPD Plants
PROCESS RESULT
Refined base oil ready for final filtration and storage
07
STAGE 07 · FINAL PRODUCT
Base Oil Filtration & Storage
Refined base oil undergoes final polishing filtration and quality inspection before being transferred to dedicated finished-product tanks. Different base oil grades are stored separately to maintain product consistency and prevent cross-contamination.
Final Polishing Filtration
Product Quality Inspection
Grade-Separated Storage
PROCESS RESULT
Finished regenerated base oil ready for sale or lubricant blending
MATERIAL IN
→
CONTROLLED CONVERSION
→
MAIN PRODUCT
→
ENERGY LOOP
QUALITY ROUTES
———— EPCM PROJECT SERVICES
Base Oil Plant EPCM Services
VBOLT coordinates engineering, procurement, construction management and commissioning as one managed project—from the design basis to stable plant operation.
01 · PROJECT DEFINITION
Define the Right Base Oil Plant
VBOLT evaluates the feedstock, processing capacity, target base oil quality, site conditions and available utilities to establish a clear technical and commercial basis for the project.
Customer outcome
A clearly defined project scope, process route and investment basis.
02 · ENGINEERING
Engineer the Complete Re-Refining System
VBOLT develops the process design, material balance, equipment specifications, plant layout and control philosophy for the complete waste oil re-refining base oil plant
Customer outcome
A coordinated engineering package ready for equipment manufacturing and site implementation.
03 · PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT
Control Equipment and Supplier Quality
VBOLT coordinates core equipment manufacturing, supplier qualification, inspection, documentation, packing and delivery to ensure compliance with the approved engineering design.
Customer outcome
A controlled equipment supply package aligned with the approved design.
04 · CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Coordinate Site Installation and Construction
VBOLT coordinates equipment installation, piping interfaces, electrical connections and construction progress with the customer’s local civil and installation teams.
Customer outcome
An organized installation process with clearly controlled technical interfaces and construction responsibilities.
05 · COMMISSIONING & SUPPORT
Bring the Plant into Stable Operation
VBOLT supports pre-commissioning checks, control-system testing, equipment start-up, process adjustment and operator training until the base oil re-refining plant reaches stable operating conditions.
Customer outcome
A commissioned base oil plant with trained operators and stable production capability.
Project Scale
Control Integration
Future Plant Development
Integrated Project Services
———— Core Technologies
Core Technologies for Base Oil Re-Refining
Explore the technologies that control heating, conversion, separation and diesel quality—starting with VBOLT’s patented maintenance-focused furnace design.
01 Direct Waste-Oil Heating
02 Detachable Heating Section
03 Internal Coil Access
CORE TECHNOLOGY 01 · PATENTED DESIGN
Patented Detachable Tubular Heating Furnace
Waste oil is heated directly inside the tubular furnace. Unlike conventional fixed furnace structures, VBOLT's patented heating section can be removed for inspection, decoking and internal cleaning.
01
Precision Manufacturing
Your equipment is built with industrial-grade materials and strict quality control to ensure long.
02
Detachable Structure
The heating section is engineered for removal and reinstallation.
03
Decoking & Cleaning
Internal deposits can be accessed and cleaned during maintenance.
04
Long-Term Maintainability
Simplified inspection and servicing for industrial operation.
REMOVE→DECOKE→INSPECT→REINSTALL
Built for Cleaning. Engineered for Long-Term Operation.
CORE TECHNOLOGY 02 · OPTIONAL CONFIGURATION
Thin-Film Distillation
Thermal oil indirectly heats the waste oil. Under vacuum, the oil forms a thin and continuously renewed film with short thermal residence time.
01
Indirect Heating
Thermal oil transfers heat without direct furnace contact.
02
Uniform Liquid Film
A thin film supports controlled and efficient heat transfer.
03
Short Residence Time
Reduces prolonged thermal exposure of the feedstock.
04
Reduced Local Overheating
Helps limit localized thermal stress and coking.
CORE TECHNOLOGY 03 · VACUUM CONTROL
Deep Vacuum System
VBOLT’s multi-stage vacuum system maintains deep and stable vacuum during base oil distillation. By lowering the boiling temperature of high-boiling oil fractions, the system reduces excessive heat exposure and helps protect the quality of the recovered base oil.
01
Multi-Stage Vacuum Generation
Roots vacuum boosters and the backing pump work together to achieve the required operating vacuum.
02
Stable Vacuum Control
Vacuum pressure is continuously monitored to maintain stable distillation conditions.
03
Lower Boiling Temperature
Deep vacuum allows base oil fractions to evaporate at lower temperatures with reduced thermal stress.
04
Vacuum System Protection
Buffering and gas-liquid separation help prevent liquid carryover into the vacuum pumps.
CORE TECHNOLOGY 04 · PRODUCT QUALITY
Base Oil Fractionation & Refining
Vacuum-distilled base oil vapor is separated into controlled viscosity fractions and then upgraded through a refining route selected according to feedstock quality and target product requirements. VBOLT offers adsorbent refining, selective solvent extraction and optional hydrofinishing
01
Controlled Base Oil Fractions
Fractional condensation separates the recovered vapor into different base oil viscosity ranges.
02
Adsorbent Refining
Clay, silica gel or other adsorbents remove color bodies, oxidation products and polar impurities for conventional base oil finishing.
03
Selective Solvent Extraction
Selective solvent extraction provides deeper refining and can produce base oil quality approaching Group II, depending on the feedstock and operating conditions.
04
Hydrofinishing for ≥50 TPD
eper refining and can produce base oil quality approaching Group II, depending on the feedstock and operating conditions.
———— VBT-DB BASE OIL PLANT CONFIGURATIONS
Select the Right Base Oil Plant Capacity
Compare VBT-DB models by processing capacity, footprint, installed power, heating load, staffing and delivery format to select the right waste oil re-refining base oil plant for your project..
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-05
Compact waste oil re-refining base oil plant designed for small commercial projects, flexible installation and reliable daily operation.
Processing Capacity
5 TPD*
Reference Footprint
180–260 m²*
Heating Load
200,000–250,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Small commercial plant*
Installed Power
45–65 kW*
Operators Required
2–3 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Modular skid package*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-10
Standard commercial waste oil re-refining base oil plant designed for regional used-oil collection and stable regenerated base oil production.
Processing Capacity
10 TPD*
Reference Footprint
260–380 m²*
Heating Load
350,000–450,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Small commercial plant*
Installed Power
80–120 kW*
Operators Required
3 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Modular skid + site connection*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-20
Medium industrial plant for centralized waste-oil collection and continuous production.
Processing Capacity
20 TPD*
Reference Footprint
450–650 m²*
Heating Load
600,000–800,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Medium industrial plant*
Installed Power
150–220 kW*
Operators Required
3–4 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Modular sections + site installation*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-30
Industrial waste oil re-refining base oil plant designed for higher yield, modular expansion, and stable base oil production
Processing Capacity
30 TPD*
Reference Footprint
650–900 m²*
Heating Load
900,000–1,200,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Large industrial plant*
Installed Power
220–320 kW*
Operators Required
4–5 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Factory modules + site-built systems*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-50
Large industrial configuration with expanded utilities and storage integration.
Processing Capacity
50 TPD*
Reference Footprint
950–1,300 m²*
Heating Load
1,500,000–2,000,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Regional processing center*
Installed Power
350–500 kW*
Operators Required
5–6 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Modular plant + EPCM services*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB-100
High-capacity processing plant engineered for continuous industrial operation.
Processing Capacity
100 TPD*
Reference Footprint
1,600–2,300 m²*
Heating Load
3,000,000–4,000,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Large processing complex*
Installed Power
650–900 kW*
Operators Required
7–9 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Project-engineered EPCM configuration*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED PLANT MODE
VBT-DB-200
Large-scale waste oil to diesel project with site-specific plant integration.
Processing Capacity
200 TPD*
Reference Footprint
2,800–4,000 m²*
Heating Load
6,000,000–8,000,000 kcal/h*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Industrial processing complex*
Installed Power
1,200–1,700 kW*
Operators Required
10–14 persons/shift*
Delivery Format
Complete EPCM project services*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
SELECTED CONFIGURATION
VBT-DB CUSTOM EPCM
Project-specific plant for processing capacities above 200 TPD or complex site requirements.
Processing Capacity
200+ TPD*
Reference Footprint
Project-specific*
Heating Load
Engineering calculation*
Control System
PLC / SCADA*
Recommended Project
Custom EPCM project*
Installed Power
Engineering calculation*
Operators Required
Project-specific*
Delivery Format
Complete EPCM project services*
* Preliminary selection data for layout and comparison. Final footprint, power, heating load and staffing are confirmed during EPCM engineering.
———— TECHNICAL DATA
Base Oil Plant Technical Data
| Parameter | Reference Value* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Plant series | VBT-DB Series | Standard models and custom EPCM projects |
| Processing capacity | 5–200+ TPD | Model and project dependent |
| Base oil recovery rate | 80–85 wt% | Typical range for qualified used-oil feedstock |
| Distillation temperature | 180–360°C | Up to 380°C for final residue discharge |
| Distillation technology | Dual-reactor / tubular furnace / thin-film distillation | Selected according to capacity, feedstock and project requirements |
| Operating pressure | <20–30 mbar | Vacuum distillation section |
| Main product | Regenerated base oil | Product quality depends on feedstock and selected refining route |
* Preliminary reference data for model comparison and engineering discussion. Final values are determined according to feedstock properties, selected process route, product quality targets and site conditions.
| Utility | Reference Requirement* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical power | Model-specific | See VBT-DB configuration selector |
| Heating load | Model-specific | Depends on the selected heating and distillation route |
| Heating fuel | Natural gas / fuel oil / recovered plant gas | Selected according to local availability and burner design |
| Cooling water circulation | 6–12 m³/t of feed | Closed-loop circulation |
| Instrument air | 0.6–0.8 MPa | Automation and scale dependent |
* Preliminary utility requirements for engineering comparison. Final power, heating fuel, cooling-water circulation and instrument-air demand depend on plant capacity, process route, feedstock properties and site conditions..
| EPCM Service | Typical Status* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Available | Process design, PFD / P&ID, equipment specifications, plant layout, utilities and control philosophy |
| Procurement management | Available | Supplier coordination, manufacturing follow-up, quality inspection and technical documentation |
| Construction management | Project-defined | Site coordination, installation sequence, schedule, quality and safety supervision |
| PLC / SCADA integration | Included | Centralized control, field instruments, alarms, interlocks and operating data |
| Commissioning & operator training | Available | Pre-commissioning checks, plant start-up, process adjustment and operator training |
After-sales technical support Included, Remote troubleshooting, spare-parts support and long-term technical guidance
* Final EPCM scope, responsibility boundaries and site-service requirements are defined in the project contract according to plant capacity, site conditions and local regulations.
———— FEEDSTOCK, CONFIGURATION & BASE OIL OUTPUT
Suitable Feedstocks for Base Oil Re-Refining
Select a representative used-oil feedstock to see how VBOLT connects feedstock evaluation, process configuration and target base oil quality
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Waste Oil Pretreatment + Selected Distillation + Diesel Refining
Reference configuration for used engine-oil feedstock.
Feedstock Evaluation
Confirm water, sludge, sulfur, chlorine, metals and distillation range.
Selected Distillation
Select the tubular heating furnace or optional thin-film distillation at 180–420°C.
Conversion & Fractionation
Apply catalytic carbon-chain conversion and separate light and diesel fractions.
Diesel Refining Route
Select adsorptive refining or diesel desulfurization from the target quality.
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Configurable route from used motor oil to base oil.
Feedstock Evaluation
Remove water, sludge, and unstable contaminants before distillation.
Selected Distillation
Select the tubular heating furnace or optional thin-film distillation.
Conversion & Fractionation
Recover light fraction for plant fuel and separate the diesel fraction.
Base Oil Refining Route
Select adsorptive refining or base oil desulfurization from the target grade.
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Feed Conditioning + Distillation Route + Product Refining
Evaluation route for mixed waste lubricating-oil collections.
Feedstock Evaluation
Characterize water, solids, sulfur, metals and mixed lubricant content.
Selected Distillation
Choose the distillation technology from the confirmed feed assay.
Conversion & Fractionation
Control catalytic conversion and fraction cut points for diesel recovery.
Diesel Refining Route
Configure the refining route from the required diesel target.
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Enhanced Pretreatment + Project-Specific Distillation
Project-specific route for variable industrial waste-oil streams.
Feedstock Evaluation
Review the source and apply enhanced settling, filtration and dehydration.
Selected Distillation
Select the appropriate distillation route after laboratory screening.
Conversion & Fractionation
Control conversion and fractionation around the confirmed oil composition.
Diesel Refining Route
Use the required diesel-refining route only after product-target confirmation.
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Stabilization + Distillation + Fractionation + Refining
Special PP/PE pyrolysis oil distillation configuration.
Feedstock Evaluation
Remove solids, water, unstable light components and wax-related contaminants.
Selected Distillation
Configure the distillation route for the broad pyrolysis-oil boiling range.
Conversion & Fractionation
Separate the recoverable light fraction and target diesel fraction.
Diesel Refining Route
Define final refining and stability improvement from full product testing.
02 · RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
Pretreatment + Vacuum Distillation + Base Oil Refining
Special tire pyrolysis oil to diesel configuration.
Feedstock Evaluation
Analyze water, viscosity, metals, ash, sulfur, chlorine, flash point and distillation characteristics
Pretreatment & Dehydration
Remove free water, sediment and suspended contaminants before high-temperature processing.
Vacuum Distillation & Fractionation
Separate light ends, recover valuable base oil fractions and discharge heavy residue.
Base Oil Refining Route
Select adsorbent refining, solvent extraction or hydrofinishing according to the target product quality
03 · TARGET PRODUCT
The plant configuration and refining route are selected according to the feedstock properties and required base oil quality.
80–85%
BASE OIL RECOVERY RATE
STANDARD REFINING
Group I Base Oil Target
ADVANCED REFINING
Higher-Grade Base Oil Options
01 Regenerated Base Oil as the Main Commercial Product
02Refining Route Selected According to the Product Target
03Light Fractions and Non-Condensable Gas Recovered for Plant Heating
FEEDSTOCK EVALUATION BASIS
———— BASE OIL PROJECT DELIVERY
Complete Plant Delivery Experience
VBOLT provides integrated engineering, equipment manufacturing, automation, installation guidance and commissioning support for waste oil re-refining base oil projects.
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT CONFIGURATION
60 TPD Waste Oil Re-Refining Base Oil Plant
| Location | Southeast Asia* |
| Capacity | 60 tonnes/day* |
| Feedstock | Used engine and lubricating oil* |
| VBOLT Scope | Process engineering, equipment supply, PLC / SCADA and commissioning* |
| Project Status | Commercial operation* |
* REPRESENTATIVE PLANT VISUALIZATION.
———— TECHNICAL RESOURCES
Technical Documents for Base Oil Plant Evaluation
Each document supports a specific project decision—from understanding the VBT-DB plant and process routes to reviewing technical requirements and preparing a project-specific configuration
VBOLT · VBT-DB SERIES
TECHNICAL PRODUCT BROCHURE
A customer-facing overview of VBT-DB process routes, plant configurations, equipment modules, model capacities, utility requirements and EPCM project services.
DATA
TECHNICAL SELECTION
Reference operating conditions, capacities, equipment configuration and utility requirements.
PDF · 6 PAGES*
REQUEST PDF →
PFD
PROCESS UNDERSTANDING
Shows feed preparation, dehydration, selected distillation, catalytic conversion, fractionation, base oil refining and product routing.
PDF · A3*
REQUEST PFD →
FORM
PROJECT EVALUATION
Collects feed analysis, required capacity, target product, project country and available utilities.
PDF / DOCX*
START EVALUATION→
Submit your feedstock analysis and project requirements to receive a preliminary VBT-DB plant configuration prepared for your application.
———— Technical FAQ
Base Oil Re-Refining Plant FAQs
Answers to common questions about feedstock suitability, base oil quality, recovery rate, process selection, utility requirements and EPCM project delivery
———— 11 · Contact an Engineer
Start With the Project Basis
The final conversion point should ask for engineering information rather than presenting a generic contact form.
01 Feedstock type and available analysis
02 Required processing capacity
03 Target product and intended use
04 Project country and site conditions