Reclaimed fuel oil, often referred to as Recycled Fuel Oil (RFO) or Burner Fuel, is a petroleum product derived from used lubricating oils (like motor oil or hydraulic fluid) that has been treated to be used as a source of energy.
Unlike “re-refined oil,” which is processed back into high-quality engine lubricants, reclaimed fuel oil is generally processed just enough to be safely burned in industrial settings.
How It Is Produced
The process focuses on removing physical contaminants rather than chemical ones. Key steps include:
• Collection: Gathering used oil from automotive shops, factories, and industrial sites.
• Filtration: Running the oil through screens to remove metal shavings, dirt, and grit.
• Demulsification: Separating water from the oil so it burns efficiently.
• Sedimentation: Letting the oil sit so heavier particles sink to the bottom.
Common Uses
Because it is not as pure as “virgin” (new) fuel, reclaimed fuel oil is used in robust industrial systems designed for heavy-duty combustion:
• Industrial Boilers: Large-scale steam and hot water production.
• Cement Kilns: The high temperatures required for cement production effectively destroy most impurities.
• Asphalt Plants: Used to heat the aggregates for road paving.
• Space Heaters: Specially designed “waste oil heaters” used in garages or workshops.
Benefits vs. Virgin Fuel
Feature Reclaimed Fuel Oil Virgin Fuel Oil
Cost Significantly cheaper (often 30–50% less). Subject to global market volatility.
Energy Requires less energy to process than refining crude. High energy cost for extraction and refining.
Environment Keeps hazardous waste out of landfills and water. Requires new drilling and resource extraction.
Purity Contains more trace metals and chemical residues. Highly pure and consistent.
Regulations and Safety
The EPA and similar global bodies strictly regulate the burning of reclaimed oil.
• Off-Specification Oil: If the oil contains high levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, or lead, it is classified as “off-spec” and can only be burned in specific industrial furnaces or utility boilers that can handle the emissions.
• EPA Standards: In the U.S., 40 CFR Part 279 sets the standards for managing used oil to prevent soil and water contamination.
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