SIMULATION AND TECHNO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF BIO-LUBRICANTS PRODUCTION PROCESS FROM WASTE COOKING OIL

Abstract

The present work aims to study the production of bio-lubricants from waste cooking oil. In addition, economic feasibility of bio-lubricants production process in Egypt is presented. The bio-lubricant produced in the present work is a potential biodegradable lubricant that could be used in industrial applications. Its properties were compared to different ISO viscosity grade lubricants and it was found that it complies with ISO VG68 specifications with better low temperature applicability. An economic assessment for the process application in Egypt was also performed based on the results of process simulations and design calculations. The process showed positive after tax rate of return (ROI %) and a very low payback period (0.24 year) with bio-lubricant selling price equal to the petroleum lubricant. In addition, it was found that the bio-lubricant could be sold with a challenging price and the process would still be profitable from the payback period point of view.