Q1 : What are the performances of basic recycled oils as compared to basic virgin oils?

A1: Because of their physicochemical characteristics, recycled oils produced through the SOTULUB process are as performing as the new basic oils obtained from crude. Recycling specialists rightly think that recycled oils are even more performing than new oils, because their passages at the level of the lubricated component submit them to a 5th refining process, which is not the case for new oils.

Q2: What happens to your effluents from an environmental point of view?

A2: The SOTULUB process does not generate any harmful effluents   The distilling residue can be used in bitumen   The process water is treated before dumping and the recovered hydrocarbon is incinerated in the furnace, thus providing part of the calories required for the plant’s operation.

Q3: Do you have the capacity to produce special greases?

A3: Apart from the existing qualities, SOTULUB has at its disposal 4 special grease formulas, which it has the possibility to produce if market demand is economically profitable.   HT 4043 grease, used for equipment functioning in extreme conditions, such as bearings of hot-air blowers, press columns, furnace doors, …   PYRAGRAISSE 3547 grease, used for the lubrication of all movements in hot conditions: furnace char tunnels, bed plate rollers, high-temperature riddles …   MOLYSTABIL 1430 grease for bearings, slides, guiding rims for joint cranes …   TRACTA 1391 grease, intended on the one hand for the impregnation of the textile core of big suspension cables (telpher type) and on the other hand for wire rope maintenance.

Q4: What is the influence of colour on grease quality?

A4: The performance of a specific grease is expressed through its physicochemical characteristics, such as penetration, drop point, oxidation resistance, wheel hearing test, rustproof test, corrosion on copper strip, … The colour is for marketing reasons only, rendering the product more attractive. It is in no way linked to performance level, contrary to what certain people think

Q5: Should there be segregation in waste oil collecting?

A5: In the Tunisian market, there exist various qualities of lubricating oils (motor oil, hydraulic oil, industrial oil, etc. …). These oils should be ready for collecting, free of any contaminating material liable to make their recycling impossible (examples: fuel oil, cut oil, brake fluid, and any other fluids used in mechanic’s workshops). Segregation should be done at recovery level (oil change areas). To conclude, the segregation of waste oil is highly recommended for reasons of treatment cost reduction. Nevertheless, the SOTULUB process has the advantage of treating all waste oils.