Removal of carcinogenic hydrocarbons from used lubricating oil using activated carbon
AssigneeExxon Chemical Patents Inc.
InventorsDarrell W. Brownawell, Donald J. Norris, Harold Shaub
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Abstract
A system for the substantial removal of polynuclear aromatic compounds from lubricating oil used to lubricate the engine of a motor vehicle comprising a sorbent located within the lubricating system and through which the lubricating oil circulates which is capable of removing substantially all of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from the lubricating oil. The sorbent is preferably activated carbon which may be impregnated with additives typically found in lubricating oils especially antioxidants, to prolong the useful life of the oil.
Claims27
A system for the selective removal of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons containing 3 or more aromatic rings from lubricating oil used to lubricate the engine of a motor vehicle which comprises activated carbon positioned within the lubricating system and through which the lubricating oil circulates, said activated carbon being selective to removing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons containing 3 or more aromatic rings from the lubricating oil.
A method for the selective removal of polynuclear caromatic hydrocarbons having 3 or more aromatic rings from a lubricating oil used to lubricate an engine which comprises
- (a) positioning activated carbon within the lubrication system of the engine, and
- (b) contacting the lubricating oil with the activated carbon for a period of time sufficient to selectively remove polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons having 3 or more aromatic rings from the oil.
The method of claim 13 wherein the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons removed have 4, 5, and 6 aromatic rings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.