Behiwot Tilahun Thesis PDF

JIMMA UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
ENGINEERING STREAM
Recycling of Used Engine Oil for Cooking Fuel Using Solar Thermal Pyrolysis
Thesis, submitted to school of graduate studies of Jimma University, for partial fulfillment of
the requirement for the degree of Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering
By: Behiwot Tilahun
Advisor: Prof. Dr. A. Venkata Ramayya (PhD)
Co-Advisor: Ephrem Tilahun, Assit. Professor, Department of Chemistry
June 2019 .
Jimma Ethiopia
Recycling of Used Engine Oil for Cooking By Behiwot Tilahun
Fuel using Solar Thermal Pyrolysis May, 2019
SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES JIMMA UNIVERSITY
As members of the examining board of the final MSc open defense, we certify that we have
read and evaluated the thesis prepared by Behiwot Tilahun entitled: ‘Recycling of Used Engine
Oil for Cooking Fuel using Solar Thermal Pyrolysis’ and recommended that, it is accepted as
fulfilling the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Sustainable Energy
Engineering.
Name of Main advisor signature Date
Prof. Prof. Dr. A. Venkata Ramayya (PhD) ------------------------- 04/July/2019
Name of Co-Advisor signature Date
Ephrem Tilahun, Assit. Professor, ------------------------- 21/06/2019
Name of External Examiner signature Date
Dr. Wondwossen Bogale (PHD) ---------------------- 21/06/2019
Name of Internal Examiner signature Date
Balewgize Amare (MSc) ---------------------- 04/July/2019
Name of Chairperson (Moderator) signature Date
Abdulhak Alemu (MSc) ---------------------- 21/06/2019
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Declaration
I, the undersigned, declare that the thesis entitled by “Recycling of Used Engine Oil for
Cooking Fuel Using Solar Thermal Pyrolysis” is my own original work, and has not been
presented by any other person for an award of a degree in this or any other University, and all
sources of materials used for the thesis have been properly acknowledged.
Name: Behiwot Tilahun
Signature: ___________________
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Abstract
Engine oil is lubricating oil that has been used to reduce friction between moving parts, and
as a result of such use, physical contamination and chemical impurities of it are occurred.
Waste lubricant oil is one of the most serious pollutants that are generated in most areas of
our world. Likewise, in Jimma town, used lubricating oils that are disposed from private
garages and other government institutions are source of suffering for the surrounding societies.
This is mainly because of waste lubricating oils are one of the major contributing factor for
environmental pollution. Many scientific studies have also indicated that because of ineffective
disposal mechanisms, waste lubricating oils have been causing serious environmental
challenge and harmful health issue. Cognizant to these fact, this thesis attempts to make
analysis on the processes of converting waste oil in to more valuable products such as fuel.
Among others, the main way that the researcher had practiced for recycling of used lubricating
oils is treating by pyrolysis process, which consists of recovering the original base oil to be
reused in the formulation of new products or generate different product from its original base
like fuels. To achieve the required result, multivariate experimental practices were adopted for
this study. The system adopted in the experiment was covering conversion of the waste engine
oil in to fuel product by pyrolysis with pre or post-chemical treatment. Besides, the energy
source used for conducting the process was solar thermal energy using parabolic dish
collector. Following experimental analysis in different procedures, the fuels which had
different calorific value (characterization was performed by Geological Survey of Ethiopia,
Geochemical Laboratory Directorates) were generated. The result of this experimental study
indicated that from the sampled eight experiment, the best fuel which can be used for cooking
stove that has 44,678.88 KJ/Kg calorific value, 840 Kg/m3 density, 3.65 mm2/s kinematic
viscosity and 52oC flash point was found. It has been concluded that, production of fuel from
waste engine oil using solar thermal pyrolysis is a profitable business by replacing kerosene
which is currently imported from abroad and solving environmental defects which have been
caused due o improper handling of WEO.
Key Words:
Waste engine oil; Pyrolysis; Distillation, Solar Radiation
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I express my deep sense of gratitude to my advisor prof. Venkata Ramayya (PhD) and my co-
advisor Assit. Professor Ephrem Tilahun, for their respected and learned guidance. I am
thankful to them for the encouragement that they have given me in completing the project.
It is my pleasure to thanks Ethiotelecom, Jimma office for the permission that they gave me to
use the plasma satellite dish which is found in Molle Mendera preparatory school to my
experiment.
It is my pleasure to express my appreciation to Taddele Asefa who edits the written document
and guide me while preparing this thesis report.
I am also thankful to all the other faculty & staff members of our department for their kind co-
operation and support.
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Table of Contents
Contents Page
Declaration .................................................................................................................................ii
Abstract .................................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgment ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... v
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................... viii
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... ix
Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. x
Chemistry Symbols .................................................................................................................... x
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General Background ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Base Oil Lubricants ................................................................................................... 2
1.1.2 Composition used lube oil ......................................................................................... 4
1.1.3 Use of additives in recycling of used lube oil to fuel ................................................ 4
1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Justification for the project ............................................................................................. 10
1.4 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 10
1.4.1 General Objective .................................................................................................... 10
1.4.2 Specific Objectives .................................................................................................. 11
1.5 Significance of the study ................................................................................................ 11
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study ................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER TWO ..................................................................................................................... 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ............................................................................... 13
2.1 Lubricating Oil ............................................................................................................... 13
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2.2 Used Oil Engine Defined ............................................................................................... 15
2.3 Recycling of Used Engine Oil ........................................................................................ 15
2.4 Environmental impact of Used Engine Oil .................................................................... 18
2.5 Parabolic Dish Solar Collector ....................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................. 21
Methodology (Experimental) ................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Description of the Study Area ........................................................................................ 21
3.2 System description ......................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Experimental Setup ........................................................................................................ 23
3.4 Processing the Experiment ............................................................................................. 24
3.4.1 Experimental work on Sample 1 ............................................................................. 25
3.4.2 Experimental Work on Sample 2............................................................................. 27
3.5 Materials ......................................................................................................................... 31
3.5.1 Materials for Experimental Setup in laboratory ...................................................... 31
3.5.2 Materials for Experimental Setup on the field......................................................... 31
3.5.3 Chemicals ................................................................................................................ 32
CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................... 34
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................................................. 34
4.1 Assessment of solar potential and experimental Setups of waste engine oil pyrolysis.. 34
4.1.1 Solar Energy Potential ............................................................................................. 34
4.2 Experimental Determination of Beam Radiation ........................................................... 39
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4.3 Parabolic Dish and Heat Collector ................................................................................. 42
4.3.1 Theoretical underpinnings of parabolic dish and heat collector .............................. 42
4.3.2 Estimation of solar insolation .................................................................................. 44
4.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .................................................................................. 45
4.4.1 Calorific Value ........................................................................................................ 47
4.4.2 Density ..................................................................................................................... 50
4.4.3 Viscosity .................................................................................................................. 50
4.4.4 Solar Energy potential ............................................................................................. 56
4.4.5 Economic Analysis .................................................................................................. 59
CHAPTER FIVE ..................................................................................................................... 63
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................... 63
5.1 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................ 63
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................... 64
References ................................................................................................................................ 65
vii
List of Tables
Table 1.1: Physical and Chemical properties of hydrocarbons in base oils ............................................ 3
Table 3.2: Temperature and Solar Radiation Data for January 9 and 11 . Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 4. 1: Recommended Average Days for Months and Values of n by Months .............................. 34
Table 4. 2: Temperature and Solar Radiation Data for January 9 and 11 ............................................. 40
Table 4. 3: Temperature and Solar Radiation Data for January 12 and 19 ........................................... 41
Table 4. 4: Results from different process steps of experiment ............................................................ 49
Table 4. 5: Comparing of Parameters of results with Standard of kerosene characters ........................ 52
Table 4. 6: Internal temperature range in five min interval .................................................................. 54
Table 4. 7: Economic Analysis of the project ....................................................................................... 62
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List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Waste engine oil drained on the ground in Jimma town local garages ................................ 8
Figure 2.1: Distillation Tower of petroleum refinery [3] ...................................................................... 14
Figure 3. 1: Map of Study area ............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 3. 2: Schematic diagram of whole process system .................................................................... 22
Figure 3. 3: Schematic diagram of simple distillation setup ................................................................. 23
Figure 3. 4: Distillation setup in Laboratory ......................................................................................... 23
Figure 3. 5: Practical setup of the whole system in Molle Mendera Preparatory school ...................... 24
Figure 3. 6: Chemicals and Samples picture ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 3. 7: Practical work in chemistry laboratory.............................................................................. 26
Figure 3. 8: Condensed oil in flux and 500 ml of ethanol with mom volatility 0.001%....................... 27
Figure 3. 9: The treatment of the oil with SiO2 ..................................................................................... 29
Figure 3. 10: Thermal Blanket Sheet .................................................................................................... 31
Figure 3. 11: Infrared Thermometer ..................................................................................................... 32
Figure 3. 12: Flow Diagram of process system .................................................................................... 33
Figure 4. 1: Temperature readings on receiver's surface ...................................................................... 43
Figure 4. 2: Calorific Value data from Ethiopian Geological Laboratory ............................................ 46
Figure 4. 3: Flash Point Measurement .................................................................................................. 48
Figure 4. 4: Capillary Viscometer and viscosity measurement in lab ................................................... 51
Figure 4. 5: Value of Density and Calorific Value ............................................................................... 54
Figure 4. 6: Rate of increment of internal temperature Vs time during distillation .............................. 55
Figure 4. 7: Comparison of Measured IB vs IB from data of Metrodata .............................................. 55
Figure 4. 8: Average Daily Solar Irradiance of Jimma for January Month from database of metrodata
.............................................................................................................................................................. 57
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Abbreviations
UEO Used Engine Oil

PCB polychlorinated biphenyls
PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
LPG Light Petroleum Gas
FCC Fluid catalytic cracking
GDP Gross Domestic Product
UN United Nations
AAIT Addis Ababa Institute of Technology
GHG Green House Gas -
M Microalgae
AFO Alternative fuel
DFO Distilled Fuel Oil
HHV Higher Heat Value
LHV Lower Heat Value
PSDC Parabolic Solar Dish Collector
WEO Waste Engine Oil
Chemistry Symbols
CO Carbon Monoxide
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
NaOH Sodium hydroxide
Na2CO3 Sodium Carbonate
CeO2 Ceric Oxide
SiO2 Silicon Dioxide
x
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background
Lubricating oil is viscous liquid product of petroleum composed of a long chain hydrocarbon
(based oil) and additives that are used for lubricating moving parts of engines and machines. It
is usually produced by vacuum distillation of crude oil. It aids the reduction of frictional forces
between contacting metal surfaces of the engines by creating a separating film between the
metal surfaces of adjacent moving parts [1].
Lubricant after fulfilling its life needs to be changed. However, waste oils can be re-refined by
moisture and contaminants removal. As a result of this process, superior quality base oils can
be obtained. Re-refining cycle resembles crude oil refining process, first water is removed in
distillation tower, second distillation is applied to remove volatile components like fuel and
other organics, final step is used to extract base oils by using conventional solvents, and in the
same way particles are removed. Thus, re-refining is becoming more important due to oil spills
around the world [2].
Lubricating oils consist of base oils and additives. Different lubricating oils are classified as
paraffinic, naphthenic, or aromatic. Lubricating oils are used between two surfaces to reduce
friction and wear. The most commonly-known lubricating oil is motor oil, which protects
moving parts inside an internal combustion engine [3].
With regards to used engine oil, it is the oil that has been used for lubricating moving parts of
engines and machines, and as a consequence of such use, it become contaminated by physical
or chemical impurities. As Zandi et.al. [4] state, ‘Nowadays, reaching the value of 24 million
metric tons of used lubricating oil is disposed in each year, throughout the world and made
significant disposal problem for modern society’.
Unless the disposal of used lubricating oils is in the right technical way, it will affect the
environment by releasing CO2 to the atmosphere and contaminating the soil and ground water.
Juan et.al. , [5] remarked that used lubricant oils are classified as hazardous wastes, since it
constitute a serious pollution problems not only for the environment, but also for human health
due to the presence of harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic substances and perpetual
1
organic pollutants. Engine oil is one of lubricant oils which has biggest amount of daily
production volume from other lubricants such as transmission and hydraulic oils. Therefore,
the production of alternative fuels from waste oils is not only decreases the consumption of
petroleum based fuels, but also protects the environment from toxic and hazardous chemicals
and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Several studies have been done on the removal and
recycling of used oils in other continent of the world. Those studies used electricity or fuel
energy as input energy for its thermal treatment to convert engine oil to diesel. In Ethiopia there
was very few attempts have been done so far, which indicates this issue were ignored.
Moreover, as per the researcher knowledge there is no any project that focused on recycling of
used engine oil to diesel and used renewable energy as input energy for its thermal treatment
in Ethiopia and other country too. Therefore, this project aimed to recycling of used engine oil
for cooking fuel using solar thermal pyrolysis
1.1.1 Base Oil Lubricants
Base oils, sometimes referred as base fluids are crude oils that become usable after the addition
of additives. Base oils consist of hydrocarbons and there are variety of base oils. Hydrocarbons
according to their type of bonds can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated hydrocarbons obey
to formula of CnH2n+2 and they are hydrogen saturated unlike unsaturated hydrocarbons
which contain double or triple bonds in their structures. General hydrocarbons found in base
oils are naphthenes, paraffins and aromatics. These hydrocarbons can be straight, chained,
cyclic or unsaturated. Base oil properties depend on type of these hydrocarbons found in. Type
and chemistry of hydrocarbons found in base oils also determine the lubricating properties.
General test that base oils are subjected: viscosity index and viscosity, polarity, volatility,
oxidation stability etc.
 Viscosity and viscosity index: they are determined by length of hydrocarbon chain. Long
chains result in high viscosity and short chains result in low viscosity base oils.
Viscosity index of base oils, depend on thermal properties of hydrocarbons in. Viscosity
of long chain hydrocarbons do not alter much with respect to temperature, and due to
this they can be used in many high temperature applications. Presence of rings and
branching in hydrocarbon structure enhances cold flow characteristics and at the same
time prevent wax formation.
 Polarity: it is determined by ability to dissolve additives and interaction with surfaces.
Generally, base oils are nonpolar due to long and branched hydrocarbon chains.
2
Polarity, effects base oil properties like: air release, adsorption to surface,
demulsification and foaming.
 Volatility: it is determined by amount of low molecular weight hydrocarbons in base
oil. These low hydrocarbons evaporate at high temperatures and leave behind viscous
base fluid. Engine or machinery oil operates at high temperatures, that is why volatility
should be maintained before formulating final lubricating machinery oil. Because, these
evaporated hydrocarbons can form deposits on moving parts.
 Oxidation stability is factor that shows resistance to chemical oxidation. Base oils that
are operated at high temperatures and subjected to oxidation process i.e. molecular
oxygen starts to react with hydrocarbons. Unsaturated hydrocarbons are more reactive
towards oxygen, in other words, base oils containing unsaturated hydrocarbons can be
oxidized easier. Oxidation stability shows at what temperature base fluid starts to be
oxidized.
The above mentioned parameters are key parameters to select base oil during production
and to select engine lubrication oil from other lubricants. Base fluid containing suitable
ratio of paraffinic, aromatic and naphthenic hydrocarbons should be chosen. The following
table summarizes some physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbons found in base
oils [6].
Table 1.1: Physical and Chemical properties of hydrocarbons in base oils
Properties Paraffinic Naphthenic Aromatic

Viscosity index High Low Low
Density Low Low High
Pour point High Low Low
Volatility Low Medium Low
Flash point High Low Low/medium
Oxidation stability High High Low
Thermal stability Low Low/medium High
Toxicity Low Low Medium
Elastomer compatibility Shrink Swell Swell
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1.1.2 Composition used lube oil
Composition of new motor oils and new oil additives is changing because of continuous engine
modification. Mineral oil components continue to form the quantitatively most important
foundation of lubricants and represent mixtures of different types of hydrocarbons mainly with
aliphatic ones and chemical additives. Besides, significant growth in synthetic and semi-
synthetic oils markets has also been observed. In contrast to mineral oils, synthetic base oils
usually are prepared from a few well-defined chemical compounds such as alkylated aromatic
compounds, polybutenes, dibasic acid esters, polyalphaolefins, poly (alkylene glycol),
neopentyl polyol esters, silicones, perfluoralkyl polyethers and several others. In many other
cases, synthetic oils can be also based on petroleum. Similar to mineral base oil, synthetic base
oils generally cannot satisfy the requirements of high performance lubricants without modern
additives. Novel oil compositions are certainly known to oil manufacturers, while this
information is unavailable to re-refineries processing used oil. Therefore, for optimal re-
refining, data on the used oil chemical structure is needed. Thus, in order to get an overview of
the chemical composition of the used engine oil, which is a current feedstock for re-refineries,
comparative analysis of commercially available fresh synthetic motor oil, the same type of
synthetic motor oil after use, and the used oil from a re-refinery were performed [7].
With regard to the higher boiling fractions falling in the lubricating oil range, practically
nothing is known beyond the fact that they consist of a mixture of aliphatic, naphthenic, and
aromatic hydrocarbons in various proportions; contaminated perhaps with small amounts of
sulfur and nitrogen derivatives and products of hydrocarbon oxidation. Whereby the relative
proportion of aromatic, naphthenic, and isoparaffinic (branched chain paraffin) constituents in
a lubricating oil can be determine with some degree of accuracy [8].
1.1.3 Use of additives in recycling of used lube oil to fuel
The main purpose of additives in the recycling of used oil is to convert higher molecular weight
hydrocarbons to lighter, more valuable products through contact with a base catalyst at
appropriate conditions.
To assist in the burning of CO, small quantities of noble metal additives are extremely effective
when blended with the catalyst. This promoted catalyst, as it was called, was widely used in
existing units and as an alternative to a complete mechanical modification of regenerator to a
4
combustor-style configuration. New units were designed with combustor configuration, which
could operate in complete combustion without the more expensive promoted catalyst [9].
Additives were added to the used engine oil to improve viscosity, pour point and other relevant
properties which can improve the quality of re-refined products; besides to compare with the
commercial virgin lubricating oil.
Catalytic cracking is used to convert heavy hydrocarbon fractions obtained by vacuum

distillation into a mixture of more useful products such as petrol and light fuel oil. In this
process, the feedstock undergoes a chemical breakdown, under controlled high heat and
pressure, in the presence of a catalyst. A substance which promotes the reaction without itself
being chemically changed. Small pellets of silica - alumina or silica - magnesia have proved to
be the most effective catalysts.
Thus individual solid catalytic additives used to promote the combustion of carbon monoxide
in the regenerator; to assist in cracking portions of the gasoline, thereby making more light
olefins and increasing octane; to enhance bottoms cracking; to reduce the concentration of
sulfur oxides in the flue gas; and to lower the sulfur content of the gasoline product[9].
The cracking reaction yields petrol, light petroleum gas (LPG), unsaturated olefin compounds,
cracked gas oils, a liquid residue called cycle oil, light gases and a solid coke residue. Cycle
oil is recycled to cause further breakdown and the coke, which forms a layer on the catalyst, is
removed by burning. The other products are passed through a fractionator to be separated and
separately processed.
All forms of catalytic cracking break down complex compounds into simpler structures to
increase the quality and quantity of the desirable products and decrease the amount of residuals.
A similar process that is not as common as “catalytic cracking,” is called “hydrocracking.” It
is a two-step process that uses a different catalyst: a substance that helps cause a reaction but
that does not take part in it; than catalytic cracking, as well as lower temperatures; it also
involves high pressure and introduction of hydrogen (hydrogenation). It is used for feedstock
that is difficult to process by either catalytic cracking or reforming because they contain
substances that are considered “poisons” for the catalyst [10].
Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) technology is a technology with more than 60 years of
commercial operating experience. The process is used to convert higher-molecular-weight
hydrocarbons to lighter, more valuable products through contact with a powdered catalyst at
5
appropriate conditions. Historically, the primary purpose of the FCC process has been to
produce gasoline, distillate, and C3/C4 olefins from low-value excess refinery gas oils and
heavier refinery streams. FCC is often the heart of a modern refinery because of its adaptability
to changing feedstock and product demands and because of high margins that exist between
the FCC feedstock and converted FCC products. As oil refining has evolved over the last 60
years, the FCC process has evolved with it, meeting the challenges of cracking heavier, more
contaminated feedstock, increasing operating flexibility, accommodating environmental
legislation, and maximizing reliability. The FCC unit continuously circulates a fluidized zeolite
catalyst that allows rapid cracking reactions to occur in the vapor phase [9].
The cracking reactions are carried out in an up-flowing vertical reactor-riser in which a liquid
oil stream contacts hot powdered catalyst. The oil vaporizes and cracks to lighter products as
it moves up the riser and carries the catalyst along with it. The reactions are rapid, requiring
only a few seconds of contact time. Simultaneously with the desired reactions, coke, a material
having a low ratio of hydrogen to carbon, deposits on the catalyst and renders it less
catalytically active. Catalyst and product vapors separate in a disengaging vessel with the
catalyst continuing first through a stripping stage and second through a regeneration stage
where coke is combusted to rejuvenate the catalyst and provide heat for operation of the
process. The regenerated catalyst then passes to the bottom of the reactor-riser, where the cycle
starts again. Hydrocarbon product vapors flow downstream for separation into individual
products.
There are a lot of experiment which have been done on recycling waste engine oil to use as a
lubricant like base oil and there are others which use additives to change its property to use it
in other forms.
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical change of organic matter in a heated enclosure, usually in an

absence of oxygen or very low oxygen level situation. In this experiment, the process to get the
fuel product was through pyrolytic distillation or thermochemical treatment. Solar thermal
pyrolysis is a type of pyrolysis which uses solar thermal energy for its input temperature
requirement. The solar beam radiation is an energy which can be concentrated to the required
place as per the design.
The used engine oil had been treated by chemical enzymes in order to break its structure to get
less viscosity and minimal oiling point. The product is produced using homogenous basic
catalysts such as potassium hydroxide because the transesterification reaction is generally
6
faster, less expensive, and more complete with these materials than with acid catalyst. Base-
catalyzed reactions are performed at generally lower temperatures, pressures, and reaction
times and are less corrosive to metallic equipment than acid-catalyzed methods.
The source of energy of the thermal treatment of such process is higher range of temperature
from solar radiation. Parabolic dish collector was used to collect the heat from the sun shine
incident. A black painted metal receiver was placed at a focal point of the dish. When the
parabola is pointed towards the sun, parallel ray incidence on the reflector are reflected on to
the receiver. The concentrated radiation which are reaching the receiver heats the oil that
circulates through it and boils.
Among other mechanisms, energy recovery has been the preferred option for collecting used
lubricant oils in order to abolish mishandling of waste oils. However, collecting used oil and
waste management is poor in Ethiopia (specifically in Jimma town). The effect associated with
such poor waste oil handling, creates environmental hazard and other ecological disasters.
Nevertheless, through recycling process, this experiment can contribute for reducing the
importing of kerosene for domestic purpose and it plays a significant role to increase our
country’s GDP.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It is not uncommon to witness the fact that huge amount of used engine oil is simply drained
to the ground in Ethiopian towns and cities. In Jimma too, the experiences of the researcher
indicate that used engine oils are drained on road which results in environmental pollution and
loss of benefit. Draining of used lubrication oil to the environment is threatens ground soil and
surface waters with oil contamination there by endangering drinking water supply and aquatic
organisms.
The following figure shows the mismanagement of waste engine oil in garages which are
working in Jimma town. All garages have no collecting mechanisms and they drain waste
engine oil on the ground.
7
Figure 1.1: Waste engine oil drained on the ground in Jimma town local garages
As Madanhire and Mbohwa reference, the used lubricant oil is contaminated with wear debris;
the lubricating base oil has deteriorated and degraded to acids; the additives have decomposed
into other chemical species; and process fluids such as degreasers and solvents have mixed into
the used oil. It was also noted that used oil contains wear metals such as iron, tin and copper as
well as lead from leaded petrol used by motorists. Zinc arises from the additive packages in
lubricating oils. Many organic molecules arise from the breakdown of additives and base oils.
The molecule potentially the most harmful is the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) [11].
Mismanagement of used oil is the cause to damage the environment in several different ways
such as:
 Dripped oil tends to accumulate in the environment, causing soil and water pollution.
 Toxic gases and harmful metallic dust particles are created by the ordinary burning of
used oil.
 As stated in the above, certain compounds in used lubricant oil like poly-aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be very dangerous to health. Some are cancer-causing. The
PAH content of engine oil increases with operating time, because the PAH formed
during combustion in petrol engines accumulates in the oil.
8
 Other contaminants also accumulate in used lubricant oil during use such as fuel,
antifreeze/coolant, water, wear metals, metal oxides and combustion products. All these
cause countless danger to the human resources like water supply. The environmental
effects of used oil can be classified as human health effects, wetlands and wildlife
effects, burning waste effects, marine and fresh water organisms effects, and effects of
using waste oil as dust control [11].
Lubricating oils from petroleum consists essentially of complex mixtures of hydrocarbon

molecules. They are mostly composed of iso-alkanes having slightly longer branches and the
mono-cycloalkanes and mono-aromatics which have several short branches on the ring[12].
These hydrocarbons are cause health problems and in long term, it causes to release methane
and CO2 which have higher contribution for global warming.
The irresponsible disposal of used lubricant oil is very serious problem in Ethiopia and the
amount of used engine oil which is drained annual is calculated as follows.
As per the report of Federal Transport Authority on November 2017, the number of cars in
Ethiopia has exceeded 831,000. Public Relations and Communications Director with the
Authority, Yigzaw Dagnew, commented the number of cars imported had increased as the
nations and its citizen’s economy grew. According to Yigzaw, the number of cars in Ethiopia
last year was 708,410, however, it has now reached 831,265. From the entire number of cars,
the majority 62 % of them are found in the nation’s capital, Addis Ababa, [13].
From this number of existing vehicles, estimation was taken by considering the following
factors and the amount of engine oil which is disposed from cars engine is 19, 950,360 liters
annually.
60% of vehicles are light automobiles which take averagely 4 liters of oil per service
The next are middle size 25%, which consumes 7 liters of oil on average.
The others are trucks, machines, and gensets which takes 15 liters of oil on average.
From those data average oil consumption is 6 liters per service per vehicles.
On average, each are serviced once in three months.
Therefore, annual oil consumption is: 831,265 X 6 X 4 = 19,950,360 Liters
9
Off course there is no any project that could found which is done on recycling of used lubricant
oils in Ethiopia. Even though, Total Ethiopia and AAIT signed a partnership agreement to
develop low-cost used oil treatment plant in Ethiopia on November 23, 2015. They are pleased
to announce the successful completion of the first phase of the study and the completed
document was handed over on October 27, 2016. [14].
1.3 Justification for the project
In Jimma town, the way that most garages handling their waste engine oil, violates the wastes
disposal standards and environmental regulations. Most of the garages drain the used oil on the
ground and pass through drainage pipes that pass to villages where many people are living.
Studies have been carried on recycling of engine oil to diesel and all of the studies have not
used renewable energy as input energy for its thermal treatment. Also it can be observed that,
no such work has been reported in Ethiopian context. Hence this thesis intends to investigate
recycling of used engine oil for cooking fuel, using solar thermal pyrolysis. Clean energy for
input of any process is best solution to protect the universe from global warming and climate
change.
When this project will be actualised, vast amounts of wood fuel, oil, gas, and electricity that
are consumed would be saved annually. The system can significantly reduce the cost of
domestic fuels at the same time mitigating CO2 emission for sustainable environment.
Even though, there is regulation to waste management from environmental protection sector in
Ethiopia, there is no specific standard for used oil handling mechanism. That is there is poor
monitoring of overall waste management process from environmental protection bureau why
in Jimma town.
1.4 Objectives
1.4.1 General Objective
The general objective of this study is recycling of used engine oil for cooking fuel using solar
thermal pyrolysis.
10
1.4.2 Specific Objectives
 To convert waste engine oil into cooking fuel using solar thermal pyrolysis.
 To find the optimum conversion condition using various parameters such as using of
catalysts before or after distillation
 To analyze the product after applying different chemical treatments on the process, like
different types of additives and solvents to get best fuel.
 To conduct the cost benefit analysis in order to implement mass production.
1.5 Significance of the study
The findings of this study have the following significances:
 The product fuel from the recycled used engine oil would replace, if not fully, but partly
for the use of kerosene which in turn will enhance the Ethiopian GDP through the
substitution of importing kerosene.
 Besides, the findings of this study gives insight for policy implications especially for
the law enforcement agencies to enact mandatory directives to regulate the irresponsible
acts of individuals, private companies and governmental institutions for disposing
waste engine oil to the surrounding community areas in towns and cities in Ethiopia.
 It may also contribute in the comprehensive strategies designed to minimize

environmental risks and related health issues in proposing particular intervention
mechanisms for waste engine oil disposal.
 This experiment can also contribute for economic growth by reducing the importing of
kerosene for domestic purpose and it plays a significant role to increase our country’s
GDP.
 There are several benefits from recycling of used oil, like reduce carbon footprint; save
money; increase number of entrepreneurs; reduce emission of greenhouse gases; avoid
heavy metal emission; contribute to reduce health issue which resulted by disposal of
oil on the ground. One of the products of recycling used oil is fuel.
 In addition, the finding of this study may be used as a baseline for other researchers to
further investigations on the possible mechanisms in addressing waste engine oils
discharged irresponsibly from garages and institutions to the surrounding communities.
11
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study was proposed to find out whether innovative fuel which may replaces kerosene can
be produced if recycling of engine oil for cooking fuel using solar thermal pyrolysis was
conducted by increasing the efficiency of each product after the other. Besides, the study was
conducted on disposed waste engine oils from garages in Jimma town in 2018/19. However,
the researcher encountered few challenges which may be taken as limitations while conducting
the study. Among others were lack of availability of all required chemicals and absence of
standardized laboratories which had the material and human resource to characterize the results
of the study.
12
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Lubricating Oil
Lubricating oil is the very stable, non-volatile and smallest fraction of crude petroleum. As
petroleum products are essentially composed of hydrocarbons, lubricating oils have
hydrocarbon structures, containing from 20 to 70 carbon atoms per molecule.
The lubricating oil molecules can be divided into three broad groupings i.e. paraffinic
naphthenic and aromatic. Paraffinic molecules are predominantly straight chains, tend to be
waxy, have a high pour point, good viscosity and better temperature stability. Naphthenic
molecules are straight chains with a high proportion of five and to a lesser extent six membered
ring structures. They tend to have a low pour point. For this reason, they are used as
refrigeration oils. They are highly carcinogenic and are little used in engine oil. Aromatics are
straight chains with six membered ring benzene structures. In practice, no sharp distinction
exists between these various groupings as many lubricating oil molecules are a combination,
to varying degrees, of the different types of hydrocarbons [15].
Lubricating oils are fluids such as engine oils, gear, hydraulic oils, turbine oils, etc., used to
reduce friction between moving surfaces. They also serve to remove heat from working parts
in machinery created by moving surfaces and provide a protective layer on the metal surfaces
to avoid corrosion. They also act as a sealant to fill the microscopic ridges and valleys in any
metal surfaces to increase the machinery efficiency. In addition, they serve as a cleaning agent
to carry away dirt or other debris that may damage the bearings or other parts that are operated
in tight tolerance. Debris is removed through the engine oil filter or the transmission filter.
Lubricating oils are usually blended with a number of chemical additives to provide products
that last longer and allow the machinery to work better under severe operating conditions.
However, performance of the lubricants deteriorates over time as the additives are chemically
changed and the oil becomes contaminated with various unwanted pollutants as a result of
many physical and chemical interactions.
The following picture describes distillation tower that have liquid outlets at intervals up the
column which allow for the withdrawal of different fractions or products having different
13
boiling points or boiling ranges. By increasing the temperature of the product inside the
columns, the different hydrocarbons are separated. The "lightest" products (those with the
lowest boiling point) exit from the top of the columns and the "heaviest" products (those with
the highest boiling point) exit from the bottom of the column [3]. As shown in the picture, the
boiling point of lubricating oils is between 300 to 370 oC.
Figure 2.1: Distillation Tower of petroleum refinery [3]
14
2.2 Used Oil Engine Defined
Used lubricating motor oil which is one of the most pollutant substances requires responsible
management. Prominent scholars such as Syarifah & et al [16] argued that unless used
lubricating motor oil be managed carefully, it is inevitable to bring about damage to the
environment when dumped into the ground or into water streams including sewers. Due to such
irresponsible conduct, the damage will certainly incur on groundwater and soil contamination.
Used lubricating motor oil as an oil which had been used to protect the engine of the car from
breakdown and maintain its performance Similarly, Venkata R. and Lakshim briefly defined
waste oils as one of the most abundant pollutant residues that are generated nowadays, reaching
the value of 24 million metric tonnes per year [17].
Another explanation given by Lateef B. Salam, waste engine oil is a brown to black oil removed
from automobiles when oil is changed. According to him, waste engine oil is markedly
different from fresh engine oil in which the former incorporates quantities of additives and
metallic salts [18]. Besides, waste engine oil is known in containing higher concentrations of
heavy metal contaminants that are dangerous to living organisms such as lead, zinc, calcium,
barium and magnesium as well as lower concentrations of iron, sodium, copper, aluminium,
chromium, manganese, potassium, nickel, and molybdenum resulting from engine [19].
On top of these, Vazquez-Duhalt suggest the significances of recycling of such contaminated

used motor oil materials in terms of reducing lubricating motor oil costs and minimizing its
negative impact on environment. More importantly, with regards to its environmental
significances since the composition of the additives used in engine oil including zinc diaryl or
diakyl dithiophosphates, molyb-denum disulphide, heavy metal soaps and organometallic
compounds contain heavy metals which are dangerous environmental contaminants [20].
2.3 Recycling of Used Engine Oil
There are many researches which are carried out on recycling of used engine oil to use it as
lubrication oil or/and to use as automotive diesel. According to a study on recycle of waste
engine oil, until converting it into reusable product, such as diesel fuel; the waste oil was treated
using pyrolytic distillation by using no solar thermal energy as input energy.
As the research of R. Maceiras, V. Alfonsín, and F.J. Morales indicates that, the effect of two
additives (sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate) in the purification of the produced fuel
was studied. Moreover, the influences of the number of distillations were analyzed. The
15
pyrolysis can be conducted in a distillation apparatus to obtain volatile compounds. This

process breaks up large molecules of waste engine oil and tolerates to acquire diesel. Some
experiences were done directly with the waste engine oil and others carried out in presence of
additives with the aim of purifying the result. In all cases, the properties of the obtained diesel
were determined to analyze the possibility of using it in a diesel engine [21].
Other experiment which is done co-hydrotreating of algae and used engine oil for the direct
production of gasoline and diesel fuels or blending components. As Bing Wang and et al [22]
expresses co-hydrotreating of microalgae and UEO (used engine oil) was examined for the
direct production of gasoline and diesel fuels or blending components. The addition of the
noble metal catalysts promoted the cracking and in situ hydrogenation of liquid products (oils)
and was beneficial for the production of liquid products. A synergistic effect existed during the
co-hydrotreating of the UEO and microalgae, which not only favored the production of liquid
products but also promoted in situation of denitrogenation and deoxygenation. co-
hydrotreating produced upgraded oil with fuel properties (e.g. density, calorific value)
comparable to traditional liquid transportation fuels derived from fossil fuel.
Besides, as Navid Zandi-Atashbar, Ali Asghar Ensafi, and Amir Hooshmand Ahoo experiment
express, the produced fuel that they found was effectively modeled against the international
parameters by the corresponded correlation coefficients more than 90%. Also, the maximum
fuel, 60.7 wt%, was resulted in the conditions of the pyrolysis temperature of 553.9 oC, Ar flow
rate of 128.3 mL min-1 and the nano-CeO2/SiO2 amount of 8.8 wt%. This prepared fuel was
comparable with the commercial ones since the cetane number, density, viscosity, and flash
point were 42, 872 kg m-3, 3.1 mm2 s-1 and 49 oC, respectively. As a result of this work, it can
say that presentation of the nano-catalyst was also efficient to remove sulfur content from 0.9
to 0.02 wt% with too low inorganic deposit as ash. Accordingly, this pyrolytic fuel can be
proposed as a replacement for the available diesel fuels, [4].
The research of Sadeek and et al [23] indicates that, Hydrotreating of waste lube oil by
rejuvenated spent hydrotreating catalyst can be one of the way to recycle waste lubricating oil.
Hydrotreating catalysts consist of critical metals such as Mo, Co, and Ni, as active metals and
are generally supported by alumina or silica alumina and are usually used in hydrotreating of
petroleum. These catalysts deactivate with time, and partial or complete regeneration can be
carried out depending on the severity of the processes due to carbon or sulfide deposition. In
the long term, the regeneration of these catalysts will become impossible due to irreversible
16
deactivation, and spent catalysts would discard as solid wastes. Catalysts gradually lose activity
through deactivation with time and the spent catalysts were usually discarded as solid waste.
On the other hand, waste lube oil contains heavy metals coming from undergirded base oil and
additives, these metals have carcinogenic effect and cause serious environmental problems.
Studies are conducted on the reclamation of metals, rejuvenation and reuse of the spent
hydrotreating catalyst (Mo–Ni/Al) which has been used in re-refining of waste lube oil at
Alexandria Petroleum Company. Three leaching solvents were used: oxidized oxalic acid,
benzoic acid and boric acid at different concentrations (4%, 8% and 16%), different oxidizing
agents (H2O2 and Fe(NO3)3) and different modes of addition of oxidizing agents (batch and
continuous). The results indicated that 4% oxalic acid + 5% Fe(NO3)3 at continuous addition
of oxidizing agents was the most efficient leaching solvent to facilitate metal removal and
rejuvenate catalyst. The fresh catalyst was applied for re-refining of waste lube oil under
different reaction temperatures (320–410)0C in order to compare the hydrodesulphurization
(HDS) activity with both the fresh, treated and spent catalysts. The results indicated that the
rejuvenation techniques introduce a catalyst have HDS activity nearly approach to that the fresh
of the same type.
Alternative fuel oil (AFO) required preheating up to 70 °C owing to its higher viscosity value,
which is considerably higher than the allowed by the ISO 8217 standard for distillate fuels.
Therefore, a heating module was installed on board the vessel to ensure optimal performance
with the AFO. The fuel consumption was slightly lower for the AFO; however, owing to its
higher low-heating value, the engine efficiency was higher when using distilled fuel oil (DFO).
The AFO presented lower combustion pressure than the DFO and a longer combustion period;
however, its ignition process occurred earlier. The results suggested that the AFO contained
light components which caused the early ignition of the fuel, as well as heavy components,
which delayed the end of the combustion. The NOX emissions were considerably reduced with
the AFO by 15%; the CO2 emissions were slightly reduced as well; however, CO emissions
were higher for the AFO by 15%. By operating under the usual conditions while burning the
AFO throughout a year, the vessel would consume 8 t of fuel less, and would emit 21 t of
greenhouse gases less. The vessel burnt a total of 40,000 L of AFO, for approximately 300 h,
without any operational issue. The results demonstrate that the distillate fuel obtained from
lubricating oil is suitable for marine medium-speed engines and enables satisfactory
performance, [24].
17
Utilizing a novel blend of solvent extraction and activated alumina adsorbent can be used refine
lubricating oils from waste lubricating oil. The activity of these solvent extraction blends
{toluene, butanol and methanol (A)}, {toluene, butanol and ethanol (B)} and {toluene, butanol
and isopropanol (C)} was evaluated experimentally, oil to solvent proportions from 1:1 to 1:3
were analyzed for mixture blend (C). The results confirm solvent mixture (A) gave good
efficiency with the highest percent sludge removal. The maximum percent of sludge removal
improves with the increase of solvent to oil ratios. The physical properties of the recycle oil
were measured. The results show the change in the properties of recycling oil and have good
efficient fuel, [25].
2.4 Environmental impact of Used Engine Oil
Several impact assessment of poor used engine oil disposal system has been done. Some of
them are referred as follows.
Used lubricating oils (ULOs) represent a serious problem for environment and human health
due to the presence of highly harmful contaminants, being mandatory an adequate management
based on efficient collection systems and treatment processes. Within this work, the
environmental and energy performance of a re-refining process for ULOs upgrading is
evaluated. The proposed regeneration process is based on the extraction of organic
contaminants with liquid propane followed by a cascade of three consecutive distillation stages
(two under atmospheric conditions and an additional one under vacuum). This process operates
at plan scale in Spain recovering base oil for reuse. All the operations were simulated using
Aspen Plus 8.6 and environmental issues and performance was determined by LCA,
considering global warming potential, cumulative energy demand, acidification and toxicity as
impacts categories. Results show that the whole upgrading process generates up to 363 kg CO2
per ton base oil (mainly associated with distillations heating requirements) and it consumes
6144 MJ per ton base oil. Vacuum distillation is the most important contributor to acidification
and toxicity, due to heating and electricity requirements of the column. These parameters were
compared for upgraded base oil and refinery lubricant oil, and results suggested that great
environmental impacts can be reduced by recycling oil. Finally, different LCA scenarios were
considered by partitioning impacts among base oil and plant by-products, using mass flow
and economic criteria. Regardless the impacts allocation method, results clearly indicate that
manufacturing base oil by ULOs recycling is a more environmental friendly option than the
conventional refinery [26].
18
The impact assessment reflects potential, rather than actual, impacts and takes no account of
the local receiving environment. As a result, the actual impacts could be very different from
the values presented and there remains significant uncertainty associated with these. LCIA
results are relative expressions and do not predict impacts on category endpoints, the exceeding
of thresholds, safety margins or risks [5].
Original equipment manufacturers specifications for lubricant performance will continue to

drive changes in formulations, with particular focus on lubricants’ contribution to meeting fuel
economy and emissions regulations leading to increased demands placed on related lubricant
characteristics. Environmental concerns will continue to play a major role in lubricant
formulation and use. Reduction of elements such as chlorine, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals
has proceeded at a rapid pace over the past decade, particularly in automotive lubricants. Use
of more environmentally friendly fuels, including renewable fuels, in both automotive and
industrial engines will also drive changes in lubricant formulation and additive demand. For
example, expanding use of biodiesel in the motor vehicle fuel pool will require better oxidation
and corrosion protection from lubricants. In contrast, falling sulfur content in marine fuel oil
may reduce the need for deter- gents in marine engine lubricants, [11].
Supporting used oil recycling industry has been an important issue in the industrialized
countries for the world's energy strategy, German enacted special law for used oils management
in 2002 and the used oil must be treated by professional recycling companies and had the
priority for the treatment and classification. They also had the detailed requirements for
sampling, inspection and custody for the used oil. The producer responsibility, taxation and
environmental protection methods were utilized to guide and encourage the used oil recycling
industry [27]. But in Ethiopia there is no policies and action which encourage recycling the
used oil.
There are several benefits from recycling of used oil, like reduce carbon footprint; save money;
increase GDP; increase number of entrepreneurs; reduce emission of greenhouse gases; avoid
heavy metal emission; contribute to reduce health issue which resulted by disposal of oil on
the ground. One of the products of recycling used oil is fuel.
2.5 Parabolic Dish Solar Collector
Parabolic Dish; This is also known as a point focus type collector; a practical application of a
parabolic dish is a flashlight lens, which is used to transform a point source of light into a
parallel beam. Since sunlight radiation is essentially parallel it may be concentrated at the focal
19
point of the lens. As a matter of fact, a tiny flashlight lens may be used as a cigarette lighter by
substituting a cigarette for the bulb and by pointing the lens in the direction of the sun. A type
of solar reflector dish concentrator may also be made by lining the inside of a cardboard box
with aluminum foil. Higher temperatures can be achieved with a parabolic dish as they focus
the entire solar capture area to a point i.e. 1500C. Microwave radio antennas also use a
parabolic dish to concentrate the incoming radio beam to a point to recover the diffused signal.
The dish itself is not frequency selective but the "pick-up" at the focus is. Parabolic dishes
develop solar concentrating factor of around 600 – 2000, depending on its size and The solar
dish is a point-focusing concentrator with a very high focus [28].
concentration ratio extending from hundreds to thousands. Experimental assessment and

optimization methods are necessary to assemble solar dishes with satisfying concentration
ratios and flux density distributions, which is very important for the overall solar thermal
systems to achieve high efficiency. A solar dish usually consists of many mirror facets installed
on a supporting structure with a dual-axis tracking system. Small mirror facets are easy to
manufacture, but the alignment of many mirror facets is very challenging [29].
The outcome of solar dish design features and factors such as material of the reflector
concentrators, the shape of the reflector concentrators and the receiver, solar radiation at the
concentrator, diameter of the parabolic dish concentrator, sizing the aperture area of
concentrator, focal Length of the parabolic dish, the focal point diameter, sizing the aperture
area of receiver, geometric concentration ratio, and rim angle have been studied. The study
provides a theoretical guidance for designing and operating solar parabolic dish Stirling
engines system. We can conclude that where the best time for heating the fluid and fasting the
processing, the time required to heat the receiver to reach the minimum temperature for
operating the Solar-powered Stirling engine for different heat transfer fluids; this will lead to
more economic solar dish systems The parabolic dish systems consists of a parabolic reflector
in the form of a dish with a supporting structure, Stirling engine mounted in the focus of the
parabolic dish to receive solar radiation [30].
20
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology (Experimental)
3.1 Description of the Study Area
The study was conducted at Jimma town, southwest Oromia region which is located 355km
away from Addis Ababa. The geographical coordinates of the Jimma town is found between
7.667°N /36.83°′E latitude/longitude and in an area of average altitude of 1780m above mean
sea level. It lies in the climatic zone locally known as Woyna-Dega. More specifically, the
study was conducted in Jimma University which is located in the town.
Figure 3. 1: Map of Study area
21
3.2 System description
This paper gives a brief review about using waste engine oil as a fuel for cooking stove with
various solar thermal pyrolysis applications in waste to energy engineering. It can also be
established that the pyrolysis process offers an exciting way to recover both the energy and
chemical value of the waste materials by generating potentially useful pyrolysis products
suitable for future reuse. Furthermore, this review has revealed good performance of the solar
thermal pyrolysis process when compared to other more conventional methods of operation,
indicating that it shows exceptional promise as a means for energy recovery from waste
materials.
The following is the schematic diagram which shows the steps and Procedures of pyrolytic
distillation of used engine oil using solar thermal energy by solar dish.
Figure 3. 2: Schematic diagram of whole process system
The solar thermal energy which are collected from the reflecting dish coated with aluminum
foil is going to be concentrated on the surface of the black painted heat receiver is connected
with the distilling container that contained the sampled waste engine oil. When the distilling
container gets heat up to 3800 C, the vapor that will be created in the distilling container passes
to the cooler due to pressure difference. Then, the cooler will convert the steam into liquid state
which will be accumulated in the collector.
22
3.3 Experimental Setup
The sample of waste engine oil was collected from private garages found in Jimma town and
garage of Jimma University. To do chemical experiment and its analyses, simple distillation
process has been used. The distillations are carried out in Jimma University, organic chemistry
lab using simple distillation apparatus.
Figure 3. 3: Schematic diagram of simple distillation setup
Figure 3. 4: Distillation setup in Laboratory
23
At Molle Mendera Preparatory school site, the full distillation apparatuses which are produced
in the university’s machine-shop having containing capacity of 2 liters was installed. Setup of
parabolic dish collector, by using installed satellite dish of Mole Mendera preparatory school
was performed by placing its focal point exactly on the receiver to get maximum heat.
Figure 3. 5: Practical setup of the whole system in Molle Mendera Preparatory school
3.4 Processing the Experiment
The used engine oil was filtered before thermochemical treatment was started to be done. This
was done using a funnel with a wire mesh filter placed in it, and then it was connected to the
filtering flask to which the funnel was fixed with the aid of a rubber stopper. The waste engine
oil samples were then dried by pre-heating at 150o C to vaporize the water parts from the oil.
100 mL of waste engine oil was processed for each samples and for the thermal process of the
paralysis, the temperature was monitored by an infrared thermometer. A water-cooled shell and
tube type of heat exchanger has been used to condense the fuel vapor. To improve the purity
and quality of the result, chemicals such as NaOH, Na2CO3 as additives and solvents like
ethanol butanol were employed [21]. The chemical treatments were carried on pretreatment of
the waste engine oil or post treatment of the results. At each practice, the distillation was carried
on and completed while the temperature raised to 380oC. All reactions that are occurred in the
solution of oil and additives and oil vs ethanol are endothermic reaction that means work must
be done in order to get these reactions to be done.
24
Eight sample bottles which each has containing capacity of 1 L was labeled and arranged as
sample1, sample 2, sample 3, sample 4 and etc as shown in the following picture.
Figure 3. 6: Chemicals and Samples picture
Pyrolysis is probably the most attractive process to convert used engine oil to useful fuel.
However, it requires extra energy inputs classically derived from a non-renewable source,
which reduces the energy conversion efficiency and causes some environmental problem.
Cognizant to this, drawbacks such as this one restricted solar energy utilization to certain
extent.
3.4.1 Experimental work on Sample 1
In order to conduct experimental work for sample 1, 100 mL of used engine oil was collected
by measuring cylinder and transferred to sample bottle and mixed with (2% vl) of NaOH. The
mixing process is done by magnetic stirrer with 200 rpm for 2 hrs. After completion of 2 hrs,
the researcher found a result which had less viscosity compared with the base waste engine oil
which have high viscosity. The following picture show the practical laboratory work to achieve
a less viscosity waste engine oil.
25
Figure 3. 7: Practical work in chemistry laboratory
Due the string process to get less viscosity modified oil, the researcher decided to keep for 48
hrs and then distillation was carried out. After the prepared sample was heated and a fuel vapor
was obtained, the top drain hole was closed in-oreder to minimize oxygen content. The
temperature of the fuel vapor was monitored with a thermometer. Finally, a water-cooled
condenser was used to condense the fuel vapor that had been condensed and stored in the
product container flask. Followed the above procedure, blending of the product with ethanol
by 20% vol was achieved. During the blending process was carried out, magnetic stirrer was
used to blend the ethanol. The following picture shows results in flux during process and the
500 ml of ethanol with mom volatility 0.001%.
26
Figure 3. 8: Condensed oil in flux and 500 ml of ethanol with mom volatility 0.001%.
Measurement of both volume and weight is carried on in the laboratory with precise instrument
like measuring cylinder and electronic weigh meter. Waste engine oil, both additive, and
ethanol are measured during each processes that are described in detail in bellows.
3.4.2 Experimental Work on Sample 2
The procedures followed with sample 2 was conduct in similar fashion with sample 1 except
the additive which blended in the waste engine oil was (2% vl) of Na2CO3. A 100 mL of used
engine oil was collected using measuring cylinder and transferred it to sample bottle to mix
with (2% vl) of Na2CO3. The mixing process is done by magnetic stirrer with 200 rpm for 2
hrs which resulted in less viscose oil after it had been observed for 2 hrs which again was
different from the base waste engine oil.
100 mL of used engine oil was measured by measuring cylinder and directly distilled. After
the product oil was cooled and its temperature reached 30oc, mixing with NaOH and agitated
by magnetic stirrer with 200 rpm for 2 hrs was done. Again, distillation was followed since the
27
product had different character than the base used engine oil. Finally, the researcher blended
the condensed product with 10% vl of ethanol following the same mixing procedure with the
above to mix the oil with the chemicals.
Under this experimental work, the same procedures with sample 3 was followed except for the
additive which blended in the waste engine oil was (2% vl) Na2CO3.
After 100 mL of used engine oil was measured by measuring cylinder, the researcher
transferred sample bottle and mixed it with (2% vl) of NaOH. Following that, mixing with 200
rpm for 2 hrs was conducted and then the sample had been kept for 48 hrs and distilled. After
the product oil was cooled and its temperature reached 30oc, mixing with (2% vl) of NaOH
with 200 rpm steering for 2 hrs was done. After waiting for two days, the product was
redistilled. When the product become cool to 30oC, blending with ethanol (15% vl) was
followed.
The same procedure followed with sample 5 was also used for sample 6 except for the additive
which blended in the waste engine oil was (2% vl) Na2CO3.
With regards to Sample 7, the first process stage focused on mix of 2% NaOH with 100ml of
the filtered used engine oil. On the second stage of the process, distillation was conducted.
Thirdly, the process followed after securing distillation was the mix of 2% NaOH again. On
the fourth stage of the process, the researcher conducted the treatment of the oil with SiO2 at
100%. This was done mainly for the following reasons: to easily break the hydrocarbons, and
to purify the carbon that come from the combustion smock of the diesel in the engine. On the
fifth stage, the product was redistilled. Lastly, the researcher performed the process of blending
15% of ethanol with the refined oil. The following picture shows the treatment of the oil with
SiO2.
28
Figure 3. 9: The treatment of the oil with SiO2
The same procedures with sample 7 was followed also used to pyrolytic analyses of sample 8
except the additive which mixed in the waste engine oil was (2% vl) Na2CO3 the volume of
ethanol which had been blended at the final stage was 10%.
29
Table 3 1: Different process steps of experiment
Samples Process 1 Process 2 Process 3 Process 4 Process 5 Process 6

Samples 1 Mix with 2% vol NaOH Distillation Mix with 20% vol Ethanol
Samples 2 Mix with 2% vol Na2CO3 Distillation Mix with 20% vol Ethanol
Samples 3 Distillation Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 10%
vol NaOH vol Ethanol
Samples 4 Distillation Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 10%
vol Na2CO3 vol Ethanol
Samples 5 Mix with 2% vol NaOH Distillation Mix with 2% vol NaOH Distillation Mix with 15%
vol Ethanol
Samples 6 Mix with 2% vol Na2CO3 Distillation Mix with 2% vol Na2CO3 Distillation Mix with 15%
vol Ethanol
Samples 7 Mix with 2% vol NaOH Distillation Mix with 2% vol NaOH Treating by SiO2 Distillation Mix with 15%
vol Ethanol
Samples 8 Mix with 2% vol Na2CO3 Distillation Mix with 2% vol Na2CO3 Treating by SiO2 Distillation Mix with 10%
vol Ethanol
30
3.5 Materials
3.5.1 Materials for Experimental Setup in laboratory
The following laboratories materials were used in conducting the proposed procedure, the
following lab materials:
 250 mL boiling flask

 heating mantle (LabHEAT Instruments, KM MPE series) that reaches a maximum
temperature of 450o C at the surface
 Water-cooled condenser
 Thermometer
 Different types of fitter to control leakages
 Product collector flask bottle
 Funnel with a wire mesh filter
3.5.2 Materials for Experimental Setup on the field
Materials that has been used to construct the PDC and to control the temperature are:
 Plasma Satellite Dish which has 2400 mm; that has been allowed by Ethiotelecom.
 Emergency Thermal Blanket Sheet.
Figure 3. 10: Thermal Blanket Sheet
 Steel rodeos for frame structures and support structures

 Black color painted thermal receiver (2 Lit capacity)
 High thermal resistant hose
 Cooling water in jar
31
 Oil container bottle for condensed oil

 Helect Infrared Thermometer which has measuring capacity of -50 to 550oc
Figure 3. 11: Infrared Thermometer
3.5.3 Chemicals
The following chemicals were used as inputs for the experiment in both lab and site.
 Used engine oil

 NaOH
 Na2CO3
 SiO2
 Ethanol
The purpose of additives in the recycling of used oil is to convert higher molecular weight
hydrocarbons to lighter, more valuable products through contact with a base catalyst at
appropriate conditions. Additives like sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate is more reactive
than potassium hydroxide because of number of electrons in their nucleus.
32
3.5 Flow Diagram of process system
The following diagram describes the steps and sequences of the process.
Used Engine oil
Transport UEO
UEO Storage
Filtration
Storage Mixing with Additives
Boiling
Condensation
Treating by SiO2
Blending of Ethanol
Product Storage
Figure 3. 12: Flow Diagram of process system
33
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter focuses on major results obtained after thorough assessment of solar potentials
and experimental setups of waste engine oil pyrolysis had been conducted. Each of the
procedures were discussed under separate sub topics as follows:
4.1 Assessment of solar potential and experimental Setups of waste engine

oil pyrolysis
4.1.1 Solar Energy Potential
In order to estimate the energy requirement of the specified site, it is important to calculate the
solar energy potential of the site. The first step to calculate this energy potential is to obtain the
meteorological and geographical coordinate data. As to the current study, metrological and
geographical coordinates were collected as can be attested from the methodology part.
Secondly, calculating and graphing of the results of the solar energy in terms of solar irradiation
are the continuing steps. Lastly, selecting the appropriate energy collector and sizing as well as
simulating of the selected energy collector are conducted at the last step. The following table
briefly describe the details of activities performed following each procedure.
Table 4. 1: Recommended Average Days for Months and Values of n by Months

Month n for ith Day of For the average day of Month
Month Date n 
January I 17 17 -20.9
February 31+ i 16 47 -13.0
March 59+ i 16 75 -2.4
April 90+ i 15 105 904
May 120+ i 15 135 18.8
June 151+ i 11 162 23.1
July 181+ i 17 198 21.2
August 212+ i 16 228 13.5
September 243+ i 16 258 2.2
October 273+ i 15 288 -9.6
November 304+ i 15 318 -18.9
December 334+ i 11 344 -23.0
34
In order to estimate the beam radiation potential of the specified site where this study was
conducted, the researcher implemented empirical and derived formulas matching with the
above reference. The following are brief illustrations of activities performed to estimate the
beam radiation potential of the specified site:
Declination angle () is the angular position of the sun at solar noon (i.e., when the sun is on
the local meridian) with respect to the plane of the equator, north positive; − 23.45◦ ≤ δ≤
23.45◦.
This declination (δ) can be calculated as

(284+𝑛)
𝛿 = 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠 = 23.45 sin [360 ] ……. (4.1)
365
Where n is the number of days of the date starting from January 1.
4.1.1.1 Incidence angle of beam radiation
The relation between the angle of incidence of beam radiation on a surface, θ, and the other
angles are given by the following empirical formula by Duffie and Beckman.
𝑐𝑜𝑠  = sin  sin  cos  − sin  cos  sin  cos  + cos  cos  cos  cos  +
cos  sin  sin  cos  cos  + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ……. (4.2)
In this equation δ is declination angle, β is the slope i.e. angle between the plane of the surface
in question and the horizontal, ∅ is latitude angle i.e. the angular position of the site whether
north or south, w is the hour angle to solar time in degrees. w=15(𝑡𝑠 − 12) , g is Surface azimuth
angle, the deviation of the projection on a horizontal plane of the normal to the surface from
the local meridian, with zero due south, east negative, and west positive; − 180◦ ≤ γ ≤ 180◦.
𝑐𝑜𝑠  = cos 𝜃𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛽 + sin 𝜃𝑧 sin 𝛽 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝛾𝑠 − 𝛾) ……. (4.3)
Where θz is Zenith angle, the angle between the vertical and the line to the sun, that is, the angle
of incidence of beam radiation on a horizontal surface, gs is Solar azimuth angle i.e.
35
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜙−𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝛿

𝛾𝑠 = sin(𝜔) |𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( )|, ……. (4.4)
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃𝑧 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜙
the angular displacement from south of the projection of beam radiation on the horizontal plane.
For vertical surfaces, 𝛽 = 900 and the equation becomes
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛾 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛾 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛾 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔 ……. (4.5)
For horizontal surfaces, the angle of incidence is the zenith angle of the sun (i.e. θ = θz). Its
value must be between 0◦and 90◦ when the sun is above the horizon. For this situation, β is zero.
Hence,
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿 ……. (4.6)
𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒, 𝜶𝒔 = 90 − 𝜃𝑧
ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠. ω = 15(t s − 12) ……. (4.7)
Taking the calculations and estimations of the above parameters in to consideration, the beam
radiation or the direct solar radiation per unit area can be calculated as follow;
The solar constant 𝐼𝑠𝑐 = 1367 𝑊/𝑚2 is the rate at which energy is received from the sun on
a unit area perpendicular to the rays of the sun, at the mean distance of the earth from the sun.
Solar radiation on a surface normal to sun's rays kept at a distance of sun-earth, ( not the mean
distance, but the actual distance as of, on that day, that time) 𝐼′𝑠𝑐 , will essentially be the solar
constant, modified to take into account the varying distance between the sun and the earth.
𝐼′𝑠𝑐 is given by:
360𝑛
𝐼′𝑠𝑐 = 𝐼𝑠𝑐 (1 + 0.033𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) ……. (4.8)
365
The solar constant at any day
For the instantaneous extra-terrestrial solar radiation on a horizontal surface at any time is
given by:
36
Ι0 = 𝐼′𝑠𝑐 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃𝑧 i.e.
360𝑛
Ι0 = 𝐼𝑠𝑐 (1 + 0.033𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃𝑧 ……. (4.9)
365
Since 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿 for horizontal plane
360𝑛
Ι0 = 𝐼𝑠𝑐 (1 + 0.033𝑐𝑜𝑠 ) (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿) ……. (4.10)
365
4.1.1.2 Empirical Equations for Predicting the Availability of Solar Radiation
I, Ib, and Id refer to hourly global, direct and diffuse solar radiation on a horizontal surface. And
H, Hb, and Hd refer to daily global, direct and diffuse solar radiation on a horizontal surface
𝐻 = ∑ℎ𝑟𝑠 Ι, 𝐻𝑏 = ∑ℎ𝑟𝑠 Ι𝑏 , 𝐻𝑑 = ∑ℎ𝑟𝑠 Ι𝑑
Similarly, the monthly average daily and monthly average hourly values are defined by:
1 1
̅=( ) ∑ 𝐻
𝐻 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 ̅ = ( ) ∑ Ι (hour)
𝑁 𝑁
𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
1 1
̅̅̅̅𝑏 = ( ) ∑ 𝐻𝑏
𝐻 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼̅𝑏 = ( ) ∑ 𝐼𝑏 (ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟)
𝑁 𝑁
1 1
̅̅̅̅
𝐻𝑑 = ( ) ∑ 𝐻𝑑 𝐼̅𝑑 = ( ) ∑ 𝐼𝑑 (ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟)
𝑁 𝑁
Where N is the number of daylight hours
4.1.1.3 Monthly Average Daily Global Radiation
The first attempt at estimating solar radiation was by [31] who suggested that it could be
related to the amount of sunshine by a simple linear relation of the form:
̅
𝐻 𝑛̅
̅̅̅̅
= 𝑎 + 𝑏 ̅̅̅̅𝑠 …….(4.11)
𝐻0 𝑁𝑠
Where: H=Monthly average daily radiation on horizontal surface (global radiation).

37
̅ 0 =Monthly average radiation outside of the atmosphere (ETR on the horizontal surface) for
𝐻
̅
the 𝐻
𝑎, 𝑏 = 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠, (𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝑛̅𝑠 = 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒
̅̅̅
𝑁𝑠 = 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒
The regression parameters a and b can be determined from:
𝑛̅𝑠
𝑎 = −0.110 + 0.235𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 + 0.323 ( )
̅̅̅
𝑁𝑠
𝑛̅𝑠
𝑏 = 1.449 − 0.533𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 − 0.694 ( )
̅̅̅
𝑁𝑠
̅̅
𝐻̅̅0 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐾𝑙𝑒𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝
24∗3600 360𝑛 𝜋
̅̅̅
𝐻0̅ = [ 𝜋 𝐼𝑠𝑐 ] [(1 + 0.033𝑐𝑜𝑠 )] [𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑠 + 𝜔𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛿]…(4.12)
365 180
̅̅̅
𝐻0̅ = 𝐽/𝑚2 𝑑𝑎𝑦
𝑛 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ
̅̅̅𝑠 ) are computed by Cooper`s formula:

The length of sunshine hours (𝑁
̅̅̅̅𝒔 = ( 𝟐 ) 𝝎𝒔 ……. (4.13)

𝑵
𝟏𝟓
4.1.1.4 Prediction of Monthly Average Daily Diffuse Radiation on a Horizontal

Surface
The monthly average daily diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface can be determined from
the monthly average daily global radiation on a horizontal surface and the number of bright
sunshine hours.
̅̅̅̅
𝐻𝑑 𝑛̅
̅
= 0.931 − 0.814 (̅̅̅̅𝑠 ) ……. (4.14)
𝐻 𝑁𝑠
38
4.1.1.5 Monthly Average Hourly Global Radiation Prediction on a Horizontal Surface
The monthly average hourly global radiation on a horizontal surface can be calculated from
the knowledge of the monthly average daily global radiation on a horizontal surface
𝐼̅ 𝜋 ̅ −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 ̅𝑠
̅
= (𝑎 + 𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔
̅) 𝜋 ……. (4.15)
𝐻 24 ̅ 𝑠−
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔 ̅
𝜔 ̅𝑠
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔
180 𝑠
Where 𝑎 = 0.409 + 0.5016 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔

̅𝑠 − 60)
𝑏 = 0.6609 − 0.4767𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔
̅𝑠 − 60)
4.1.1.6 Monthly Average Hourly Diffuse Radiation Prediction on a Horizontal

Surface
The monthly average hourly diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface can be calculated from
the knowledge of the monthly average daily diffuse radiation on a horizontal surface.
̅
𝐼𝑑 𝜋 ̅ −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔 ̅𝑠
̅𝑑
= 𝜋 ……. (4.16)
𝐻 24 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔
̅ 𝑠− ̅
𝜔 ̅𝑠
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔
180 𝑠
4.2 Experimental Determination of Beam Radiation
The above equations are used to find the amount of irradiations which can be found at specific
place after daily sun shine hours would be registered. For this research, the amount of
irradiations for all months have been taken from meteo database of Photovoltaic System
Software. The following data were collected and analyze to crosscheck the data from the
software would be realistic to use or not.
The amount of solar radiation at Jimma which is calculated from the following energy equation
is used to determine beam radiation that is the difference of Global and diffuse radiation[32].
𝐼 ∗ 𝐴𝑠 ∗ 𝛼 = ℎ ∗ 𝐴𝑠 ∗ (𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇𝑎 ) + 𝜀 ∗ 𝜎 ∗ 𝐴𝑠 ∗ (𝑇𝑠 4 − 𝑇𝑆𝐾𝑌 4 )…….. (4.17)
Where, 𝐼, 𝛼, 𝜎 and 𝜀 are solar radiation, absorptivity, Stefan Boltzmann constant (approx.
5.67 x 10-8 W/m2K4) and emissivity respectively.
Ts is Surface temperature of the plate at sunshine and Ta is ambient temperature
To estimate heat transfer coefficient,
39
ℎ𝐿
𝑁𝑢 = = 𝐶 ∗ (𝐺𝑟 𝑃𝑟 )𝑛 = 𝐶 ∗ 𝑅𝑎 𝑛 ..…. (4.18)
𝑘
The above relation obtained using dimensional analysis at the boundary layer. The values of
𝐶 and n are estimated using experimental data for systems with the same geometrical shapes
and size read from the table.
Where, 𝑅𝑎 is the Rayleigh number, which is the product of the Grashoff number and Prandtl
numbers C is a constant read from table.
𝑔𝛽(𝑇𝑠 −𝑇𝑎 )𝐿3 𝜇𝑐𝑝

𝑅𝑎 = 𝐺𝑟 𝑃𝑟 = ∗ ……. (4.19)
𝑣2 𝑘
For free Convection Horizontal Plates External Flow
ℎ𝐿
𝑁𝑢 = ……. (4.20)
𝑘
Table 4. 2: Temperature and Solar Radiation Data for January 9 and 11

January 11 2019-Friday
January 09-01-2019 -Wednesday
Time Ta Tsh Ts Ib(W/m2) Ta Tsh Ts Ib

9:30 AM 17 20.5 40 500.19 15 18 40 575.68
10:00AM 18 22 43 549.56 18 19 45 613.08
10:30AM 19.5 23.5 47 629.18 20 21.5 48 631.90
11:00 AM 21 25 50 677.90 21 23 53.6 769.48
11:30 AM 21.5 25.5 54.1 797.36 23 25 57 816.66
12:00 PM 23 27.25 56.1 807.29 25 27.5 59.1 806.03
12:30 PM 23 27.5 57.1 834.12 25 27.5 59.5 819.56
13:00 PM 25 29.5 58.5 813.87 25 28 59.7 812.20
13:30 PM 25 29.5 58 797.00 25.5 28.5 59 771.82
14:00 PM 25 30 56.5 732.96 26 28.5 59 769.09
14:30 PM 26 32 56 656.21 27 28.5 59 763.53
15:00 PM 26.5 31.5 54.2 608.99 27 28.5 56 664.51
15:30 PM 27 31 50 487.53 27 28 52 549.74
16:00 PM 27 31 48 426.77 27 28 50 487.53
16:30 PM 26.5 30 45 365.19 27 28 47.5 411.81
40
Table 4. 3: Temperature and Solar Radiation Data for January 12 and 19

January 19 2019-Saturday
January 12-01-2019- Saturday
Ib
Ta Tsh Ts
Time Ta Tsh Ts Ib
9:30 AM 18 21 40 482.20 19 22.5 40 439.19
10:00AM 20 23.5 49 691.43 20 23.5 45 562.68
10:30AM 21 25 52.7 767.15 21 24.5 50 691.45
11:00 AM 22 26 54.6 797.38 23 27 53.6 730.60
11:30 AM 23 27 55.5 794.05 24.5 29 55 713.62
12:00 PM 23 27.5 57 830.73 25 30 57 749.58
12:30 PM 23.5 28.5 58.8 860.87 25 30 57.1 752.91
13:00 PM 25 30 60.5 867.77 25 30.5 58 769.05
13:30 PM 25 30 60 850.69 25.5 31 58.7 775.77
14:00 PM 25.5 31 59.5 802.68 27 32.5 59 735.78
14:30 PM 26 32 59 755.11 27 32 59 749.65
15:00 PM 26 31.5 58 735.74 29 33 57 645.59
15:30 PM 25.5 30.75 54 627.97 27 31 54 613.29
16.00 25.5 30 52 583.97 27.5 30.5 54 497.73
16.30 25 28 50 575.86 26 29 47.5 467.04
41
4.3 Parabolic Dish and Heat Collector
4.3.1 Theoretical underpinnings of parabolic dish and heat collector
A parabolic dish solar collector uses a mirror in the shape of a parabolic dish to reflect and
concentrate sun radiations towards a receiver cylinder located at the focus point of the dish.
The receiver absorbs the incoming radiations and transforms them into thermal energy, the
latter being transported and collected by a fluid medium circulating within the receiver. This
method of concentrated solar collection has the advantage of high efficiency and low cost, and
can be used either for thermal energy collection [33].
Among other things, the researcher considered potential benefits of the following issues in the
course of conducting the project. First, the input energy for the current project was solar thermal
energy, an absolutely sustainable energy that has zero contribution to GHG (Green House Gas)
increase and no contribution for climate change and global warming both of which commonly
resulted from releasing CO2 to the surrounding. Secondly, solar pyrolysis products are not
contaminated with combustion by-products. A very high heat flux density can be quickly
reached with concentrated solar radiation and in very clean conditions. So fast heating rates
and high temperatures can be available with well-controlled heating time in the solar pyrolysis
process.
Besides, estimation of solar thermal energy of the place where the current experiment had been
done (Jimma) was calculated. Additionally, measuring or calculating input heat energy for the
distillation was one of the parameter to confirm the sufficiency of the solar energy potential of
the study site.
During experiment at Molle Mendera preparatory school, the solar temperature at the surface
of the receiver reaches 507 oC. This convince the temperature requirement to boil the engine
oil meets to the standard (3600C). The following pictures shows that the temperature reading
at the surface of the receiver at different time.
42
Figure 4. 13: Temperature readings on receiver's surface
The dish that has been used for the experiment has 2400 mm (2.4 m) diameter.
The area of the dish can be calculated as:
𝐷2
𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 = 𝜋
4
2.42
𝐴=𝜋
4
= 4.5 m2
Several parameters are used to describe solar concentrating collectors. Given below are brief
descriptions of some of these parameters:
The aperture area Aa is the area of the collector that intercepts solar radiation. The Acceptance
angle is defined as the angle through which a source of light can be moved and still converge
at the receiver. A concentrator with small acceptance angle is required to track the sun
continuously while. A concentrator with large acceptance angle needs only seasonal adjustment
[34].
The absorber area Aabs is the total area of the absorber surface that receives the concentrated
solar radiation. It is also the area from where useful energy can be extracted.
The area of the heat receiver that the researcher used has 120 mm diameters and 280 mm
Height.
43
𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟 𝑥 𝐻 = 𝜋 𝑥 0.12𝑚 𝑥 0.28𝑚
𝐴 = 0.106
The Concentration Ratio C is defined as the ratio of the aperture area to the absorber area i.e.
𝐴𝑎
𝐶=
𝐴𝑎𝑏𝑠
The concentration ratio for the researcher is calculated as follows
𝐷2
𝜋 4
𝐶=
𝜋𝑑𝐻
𝐷2
𝐶=
4𝑑𝐻
2.42
𝐶=
4 𝑥 0.12 𝑥 0.28
C = 42.8
The optical efficiency o is defined as the ratio of the energy absorbed by the absorber to the
energy incident on the concentrator aperture. It includes the effect of mirror/lens surface, shape
and reflection/transmission losses, tracking accuracy, shading, receiver-cover transmittance,
absorptance of the absorber and solar beam incidence effects.
4.3.2 Estimation of solar insolation
Design of size of solar thermal collector mainly depends on two factors.
• Availability of solar energy at a user defined location

• Amount of energy required for cooking.
Performance of the proposed solar cooking system is directly affected by the amount of solar
insolation available to the system. Amount of energy received at a particular location is a
function of different parameters like, time of day, day, latitude of the location and atmosphere.
The monthly averages of daily extra-terrestrial global solar radiation for a horizontal surface at
any location can be given by equation. The following equations are empirical formulas taken
from textbook of Thermodynamic Efficiency Evaluation for Distillation of Ethanol [35]
44
24 𝑘𝑊ℎ
̅̅̅
𝐻0̅= 𝜋 𝐼0 [sin(𝜙) sin(𝛿) 𝜔𝑠 + cos(𝜙) cos(𝛿 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝜔𝑠 )] 𝑚2 ……. (4.21)
𝑘𝑊
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐼0 = 𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎 − 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑚2 =
360𝑁
𝐼𝑠𝑐 [1+0.033cos ( 365 )]
𝐼𝑠𝑐 = 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 = 1367 𝑊⁄𝑚2
𝑁 = 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟 (𝑁 = 1 𝑜𝑛 𝐽𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑦 1𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑁 = 365 𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 31𝑠𝑡
𝜙 = 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠
360(𝑁 − 80)
𝛿 = 𝐷𝑒𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠 = 23.45 sin [ ]
365
𝜔_(𝑠 = 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒/𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑡 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (−tan(𝜙)tan(𝛿))
It can be seen from the above expressions that the extra-terrestrial horizontal insolation is a
function of latitude and the day of year only. Hence, it can be calculated for any location for
any given day. A stochastic measure of these atmospheric effects is called as clearness index
KT , which is a periodic function of time of year.
̅ = 𝐾𝑇 ∗ ̅𝐻̅̅̅0
For monthly average daily radiation on horizontal surface is given 𝐻
The day`s radiation on horizontal surface is given 𝐻 = 𝐾𝑇 ∗ 𝐻𝑜
Hourly radiation on horizontal Surface is given by 𝐼 = 𝐾𝑇 ∗ 𝐼𝑜
4.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
After completing the above eight different experiments, the researcher conducted
characterization at Geological Survey of Ethiopia. In the next section, the certificate which was
obtained to show the result of characterization is indicated hereunder (Fig 13). As far as the
researcher knowledge is concerned, the Ethiopian Geological Survey of Ethiopian laboratory
is the only available laboratory to conduct the calorific value of the product. In addition, the
researcher conducted the measurement viscosity of the products using model 501 03 Capillary
Viscometer which is made in Germany. The viscosity measurement was carried at Adama
Science and Technology University, laboratory of chemistry department.
45
Figure 4. 14: Calorific Value data from Ethiopian Geological Laboratory
46
4.4.1 Calorific Value
The heating value or calorific value of a substance, usually a fuel or food, is the amount of heat
released during the combustion of a specified amount of it. The calorific value is a characteristic
for each substance. It is measured in units of energy per unit of the substance, usually mass,
such as kcal/kg, kJ/kg, J/mol, Btu/m³. Heating value is commonly determined by use of a bomb
calorimeter.
The quantity known as higher heating value (HHV) (or gross calorific value or gross energy or
upper heating value) is determined by bringing all the products of combustion back to the
original pre-combustion temperature, and in particular condensing any vapor produced. This is
the same as the thermodynamic heat of combustion since the enthalpy change for the reaction
assumes a common temperature of the compounds before and after combustion, in which case
the water produced by combustion is liquid.
The quantity known as lower heating value (LHV) (or net calorific value) is determined by
subtracting the heat of vaporization of the water vapor from the higher heating value. This
treats any H2O formed as a vapor. The energy required to vaporize the water therefore is not
realized as heat. Gross heating value (see AR) accounts for water in the exhaust leaving as
vapor, and includes liquid water in the fuel prior to combustion.
This value is important for fuels like wood or coal, which will usually contain some amount of
water prior to burning. Most applications which burn fuel produce water vapor which is not
used, and thus wasting its heat content. In such applications, the lower heating value is the
applicable measure. This is particularly relevant for natural gas whose high hydrogen content
produces much water. The gross calorific value is relevant for gas burnt in condensing boilers
which condenses the water vapor produced by combustion, recovering heat which would
otherwise be wasted.
Both HHV and LHV can be expressed in terms of AR (all moisture counted), MF and MAF
(only water from combustion of hydrogen). AR, MF, and MAF are commonly used for
indicating the heating values of coal[36].
The calorific value or heat of combustion or heating value of a sample of fuel is defined as the
amount of heat developed when a unit weight (or volume in the case of a sample of gaseous
fuels) of the fuel is completely burnt and the products of combustion. It is usually expressed in
Gross Calorific Value (GCV) or Higher Heating Value (HHV) and Net Calorific Value
47
(NCV)or Lower Calorific Value (LHV). Fuels should be compared based on the NCV. The
difference between GCV and NCV is the amount of energy that is necessary to vaporize water
that is contained in the fuel or created in the combustion process when hydrogen in the fuel is
combined with oxygen to form water vapor. In general, this difference can range from as little
as 2 % to as much as 60 percent, depending on the hydrogen or moisture content of specific
fuels [37].
The quantity known as higher heating value (HHV or gross calorific value or gross energy or
upper heating value) is determined by bringing all the products of combustion back to the
original pre-combustion temperature, and in particular condensing any vapor produced. This is
the same as the thermodynamic heat of combustion since the enthalpy change for the reaction
assumes a common temperature of the compounds before and after combustion, in which case
the water produced by combustion is liquid.
Beside the flash point was analyzed in home using match sticks and stove for heat supply.
The best result has a flash point of 52oC.
Figure 4. 15: Flash Point Measurement
48
The following table shows steps of process and calorific energy results for each samples.
Table 4. 4: Results from different process steps of experiment
Samples Process 1 Process 2 Process 3 Process 4 Process 5 Process 6 Calorific

value KJ/Kg
Samples 1 Mix with 2% vol Distillation Mix with 20% vol 19319.15
NaOH Ethanol
Samples 2 Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 20% vol 20177.89
vol Na2CO3 Ethanol
Samples 3 Distillation Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 10% vol 27702.09
vol NaOH Ethanol
Samples 4 Distillation Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 10% vol 29251.79
vol Na2CO3 Ethanol
Samples 5 Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 2% vol Distillation Mix with 15% 33434.99
vol NaOH NaOH vol Ethanol
Samples 6 Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 2% vol Distillation Mix with 15% 41980.49
vol Na2CO3 Na2CO3 vol Ethanol
Samples 7 Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 2% vol Treating by SiO2 Distillation Mix with 15% 46951.49
vol NaOH NaOH vol Ethanol
Samples 8 Mix with 2% Distillation Mix with 2% vol Treating by SiO2 Distillation Mix with 10% 44678.88
vol Na2CO3 Na2CO3 vol Ethanol
49
4.4.2 Density
As density is the absolute relationship between mass and volume and not its weight to volume,
by definition density is in vacuo. Although often used, the term 'density in air' is incorrect and
should be referred to as a 'weight factor'. This is because a substance weighed in air is supported
to a small extent by the buoyancy of air acting on it. Thus the weight of a liquid in air is slightly
less than the weight in vacuo. There is no simple relationship between density and 'weight
factor' but for bunker fuels the difference approximates to 1.1 kg/m3. To convert density at
15°C to the 'weight factor' at 15°C, 1.1 kg/m3 should be deducted [3].
In order to select best fuel from those analyzed sample, we need to compare the standards
which had been characterized. Calorific value which it’s analysis had been done by the
laboratory of Ethiopian Geological Survey; and Density that has been analyzed in Jimma
University Laboratory are used by the researcher to compare the standards of Kerosene.
4.4.3 Viscosity
The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its internal resistance to flow. Viscosity depends on the
temperature and decreases as the temperature increases. Viscosity is the most important
characteristic in the storage and use of fuel oil. It influences the degree of pre- heating required
for handling, storage and satisfactory atomization. If the oil is too viscous, it may become
difficult to pump, hard to light the burner, and difficult to handle. Poor atomization may result
in the formation of carbon deposits on the burner tips or on the walls. Therefore, pre-heating is
necessary for proper atomization. Each type of oil has its own temperature - viscosity
relationship. The measurement of viscosity is made with an instrument called a Viscometer [3].
The viscosity was obtained according to the measuring standard from the capillary viscometer
manual and measuring the necessary time for the volume of liquid to flow under gravity
through a standard capillary tube at 40o C.
The viscosity which requires is kinematic viscosity. Kinematic viscosity is the measure of the
inherent resistance of a fluid to flow when no external force is exerted, except gravity. It is the
ratio of the dynamic viscosity to its density, a force independent quantity. Kinematic viscosity
can be obtained by dividing the absolute viscosity of a fluid with the fluid mass density.
50
(w X s X ts )
𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑠 ) =
( w X t𝑤 )
𝑠 = Viscosity of given sample A
w = Viscosity of tripled distilled water at given temperature B
s = Density of sample at given temperature
t s = 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐. 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝐴 𝑡𝑜 𝐵) 𝑜𝑛
𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
w = Density of tripled distilled water at given temperature
t w = 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐. 𝑏𝑦 tripled distilled water at given temperature
𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝐴 𝑡𝑜 𝐵) 𝑜𝑛 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟

The above equation is used to find dynamic viscosity which is the product of kinematic
viscosity and density of the liquid. What we need to round was kinematic viscosity.
Figure 4. 16: Capillary Viscometer and viscosity measurement in lab
Dynamic viscosity
The kinematic viscosity (V) =
Fluid mass Density
51
Table 4. 5: Comparing of Parameters of results with Standard of kerosene characters
Characters Calorific Density Viscosity(40oC) Flash Point

value KJ/Kg Kg/m3 mm2/s o
C
Standards of some 45990 820 – 845 2 – 4.5 37 and 65
characters of kerosene
Samples 1 19319.15 802 6.09505675 85
Samples 2 20177.89 804.2 6.034106183 83
Samples 3 27702.09 810 5.696846376 80
Samples 4 29251.79 811 5.688719634 80
Samples 5 33434.99 818 5.160481382 62
Samples 6 41980.49 810 4.599736161 60
Samples 7 46951.49 800 4.567229192 47
Samples 8 44678.88 840 3.648907308 52
The best result from those eight samples is sample 8 which has calorific value of 44678.88
KJ/Kg; density of 840 Kg/m3, viscosity of 3.648907308 mm2/s and Flash point 52oC.
The energy balance to produce sample 8 is:
The electric heater used for distillation has 160 w of power. The time that consumed for the
distillation was 1 hr and 5 minutes which is 3900 s.
The energy that used for single distillation (E) = Pt
Where P is power and t is Time taken for distillation
= 160 w X 3900 s
= 624 KJ
74 % was recovered in the first distillation and 86 % was recovered in the second distillation.
That means, 624 KJ of electric energy was used for 74 ml product and again 624 KJ was used
for 86 ml. the total electric usage for production is the sum of the above two energy
consumption.
[624 KJ / 74 ml] + [624 KJ / 86 ml]
52
It is 8.434 KJ/ml + 7.26 KJ/ml.
= 15.694 KJ/ml
To blend the ethanol with the fuel, MI0102005 magnetic stirrer which has 25 W power was
used. Therefore, the power consumption to blend the ethanol with fuel should be added.
Steering was done for 2 Hrs (7,200 sec).
W = Pt
= 25 X 7200
= 180KJ
To blend 85 ml of fuel with 15 ml of ethanol, 180 KJ of energy consumed.
Therefore, total energy to produce 100 ml of fuel is 15.694 KJ/ml + 1.8 KJ/ml
= 17.494KJ/ml
The product fuel has 44678.88 KJ/Kg calorific value and 840 Kg/m3(0.84 Kg/L) density.
1 Kg of product is equals 1 Kg/(0.84 Kg/L) = 1.191 L = 1191 ml
This means that the product fuel has 44678.88 KJ/1191ml
Which is equals to 37.52 KJ/ml
This means that to produce one ml of fuel which has 37.52 KJ of energy, 17.494 KJ of electrical
energy is required. Therefore, the yield energy after producing the required fuel is positive,
which is equals to 37.52 KJ – 17.494 KJ
= 20.026
53
The following chart shows the range of calorific value, density, and Viscosity for different
samples. Those parameters are the most and series parameters to select the best fuel.
50
40
30
20
10
0
Samples Samples Samples Samples Samples Samples Samples Samples
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Calorific value KJ/Kg Density Kg(10-2)/m3 Viscosity
Figure 4. 17: Value of Density and Calorific Value
The purpose of adding of additives to used engine oil is to modify the property of the oil as
required. With and without adding additives in waste engine oil have different character and
the following chart shows internal temperature increment rate at every 5 min interval of waste
engine oil and mixture of waste engine oil with additives. The input temperature for all three
samples was the same that was electric stove. In the chart we can see that blending of additives
have factors to thermal property of the oil.
The following data is recorded at every five minute interval during different pyrolysis.
Table 4. 6: Internal temperature range in five min interval
Time WEO (2% WEO (2% vl) WEO With

(min) vl) Na2CO3 NaOH no Additive
0 27 28 23
5 47 44 45
10 68 80 55
15 114 130 93
20 150 180 142
25 180 200 174
30 200 215 193
35 218 241 200
40 230 274 222
45 280 300 235
50 300 350 300
54
55 400 420 373

60 410 415 400
65 415 418 408
Temperature Increment Chart

500
400
Temperature Co
300
200
100
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
Time (Min)
WEO (2% vl) Na2CO3 WEO (2% vl) NaOH WEO With no Additive
Figure 4. 18: Rate of increment of internal temperature Vs time during distillation
The visibility of the project is studied by considering the annual solar radiation data that is
available in the database of metrodata. This has been concluded after measuring beam
radiation for four different days in January month. The following chart shows the variation of
daily average beam radiation from metrodata database and measured daily average beam
radiation.
Metro Data vs Measured Data

800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Measured data Metro Data
Figure 4. 19: Comparison of Measured IB vs IB from data of Metrodata
55
4.4.4 Solar Energy potential

In order to decide feasibility of the project, analysis of the solar thermal energy which can be
found at the location where the experiment was done. It is a fact that the sun’s structure and
characteristics determine the nature of the energy it radiates into space. Among others things,
this section main concerns the characteristics of the sun’s energy outside the earth’s
atmosphere, its intensity, and its spectral distribution. Besides, did focus was given primarily
with radiation in a wavelength range of 0.25 to 3.0 µm, the portion of the electromagnetic
radiation that includes most of the energy radiated by the sun [38].
4.4.4.1 Beam Radiation
In determining the energy collector performance, the transmission, reflection, and absorption
of solar radiation by various parts of a solar collector are important. Besides, the transmittance,
reflectance, and absorptance are functions of the incoming radiation, thickness, refractive
index, and extinction coefficient of the material. Generally, the refractive index n and the
extinction coefficient K of the cover material are functions of the wavelength of the radiation
[39].
Considering these, the solar radiation received from the sun without being scattered by the
atmosphere is commendable. Beam radiation is often referred to as direct solar radiation; to
avoid confusion between subscripts for direct and diffuse, the term beam radiation is use[38].
To determine the solar radiation performance of Jimma town, the researcher used two types of
data. The first data is from metrodata database which can be accessed using PVsyst 6.4.3
software and the second data is measured data.
The following chart is monthly average daily solar irradiation of Jimma Town from the
database of metrodata.
56
Figure 4. 20: Average Daily Solar Irradiance of Jimma for January Month from
database of metrodata
Pursuant to Fig 19, the daily average of beam radiation is 6.49 MJ/m2. Since the solar collector
used for this study was parabolic dish as opposed to flat plate, only beam radiation was
collected.
Thermal Efficiency: The collector thermal efficiency is defined as the ratio of the useful
energy delivered to the energy incident on the concentrator aperture.
ƞc = Qu / Qs
Considering that the dish concentrator has an aperture area Aa and that it receives solar radiation
at the rate Qs from the sun the net solar heat transferred Qs is proportional to Aa, and the direct
normal insolation (DNI) per unit of collector area Is, which varies with geographical position
on the earth, the orientation of the dish concentrator, meteorological conditions and the time of
day. Considering the system is in steady state, we have,
Qs = IsAa
Under steady state conditions, the useful heat delivered by a solar collector system is equal to
the energy absorbed by the heat transfer fluid, which is determined by the radiant solar energy
falling on the receiver minus the direct or indirect heat losses from the receiver to the
surroundings, i.e.
Qu = Qr – Ql
57
4.4.4.2. Thermal energy analyses
The energy used to heat up a solution is called “sensible heat.” Sensible heat is the energy
required to change the temperature of a substance with no phase change[40]. As far as the
current project is concerned, the researcher presumed that the temperature change can come
from the absorption of sunlight by the oil or from contact with the warmer air caused by release
of latent heat (by direct conduction).
Latent heat is the energy absorbed by or released from a substance during a phase change from
a gas to a liquid or a solid or vice versa. If a substance is changing from a solid to a liquid, for
example, the substance needs to absorb energy from the surrounding environment in order to
spread out the molecules into a larger, more fluid volume. If the substance is changing from
something with lower density, like a gas, to a phase with higher density like a liquid, the
substance gives off energy as the molecules come closer together and lose energy from motion
and vibration.
The equation for the sensible heat (theoretical amount of energy to undergo a heat change)
can be given by the equation below.
Q = m Cp ∆T ……. (4.21)
Where:
Q = Quantity of heat energy
m = mass undergoing a temperature difference
c = Specific heat of the material
∆T = Temperature final – Temperature initial
Since the researcher sample oil is mixed with 2% vol of NaOH or Na2CO3, the sensible heat
energy required can be given by:
Q = mo Cp o ∆T + madd Cp add ∆T = (mo Cp o + madd Cp add) ∆T ……. (4.22)
The latent energy required for a phase change can be given by:
Q = ± m Lv ……. (4.22)
Where:
Q = Quantity of heat energy

58
m = mass undergoing a phase change

Lv = Latent heat
The plus sign is used when heat is entering the system, and minus sign for heat leaving.
The total energy is the sum of sensible heat and latent heat
Qt = (mo Cp o + madd Cp add) ∆T + mvo Lvo ……. (4.22)
mo = 1.96 Kg
Cp o = 5.458 KJ/KgCo
m(NaOH) = 0.0852 Kg
m(Na2CO3) = 0.1016 Kg
Cp (NAOH) = 3.471 KJ/KgCo
mvo = (weight of oil which is used to be experimented – (74% which is recovered +
Residue)) = (2Kg - (1.45 Kg + 0.4)) = 0.15Kg
Lvo = 0.761 Btu/lb.oC = 384 KJ/Kg
The total energy for the researcher is calculated as follows
Qt = [[(1.72 Kg x 5.458 KJ/KgCo ) + (0.1016 Kg x 3.471 KJ/KgCo)]x (380oC - 25oC)] + (0.15

Kg x 384 KJ/Kg ) = 3980.5KJ = 3.98 MJ
This means that the total thermal energy that has been used by the system is 3.98 MJ. Therefore,
the solar potential in Jimma is sufficient to carry the distillation.
4.4.5 Economic Analysis
An economic analysis is necessary to determine whether the project is worth building and to
determine the most economical size of the development or components of the development.
Because both benefits and costs come about at different times, it is necessary to evaluate the
benefits and costs in equivalent monetary terms, considering the time value of the expenditures
and revenues involved. This is primarily an engineering economics problem.
4.4.5.1 Economic efficiency
Economic efficiency is the ratio of output to input of a business system.
59
𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 × 100
Economic efficiency (%) =
Input
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ × 100
Economic efficiency (%) =
Cost
‘Worth’ is the annual revenue generated by way of operating the business and ‘cost’ is the total
annual expenses incurred in carrying out the business.
For the survival and growth of any business, the economic efficiency should be more than
100%.
Economic efficiency is also called ‘productivity’. There are several ways of improving
productivity.
 Increased output for the same input
 Decreased input for the same output
 By a proportionate increase in the output which is more than the proportionate increase
in the input
 By a proportionate decrease in the input which is more than the proportionate decrease
in the output
 Through simultaneous increase in the output with decrease in the input.
A general approach to economic analysis of projects is presented, including the basic notions
of cost-benefit analysis in the context of project analysis. A systematic and consistent
estimation and application of shadow prices is needed, and suggestions are made for
incorporating distributional effects, as well as the customary efficiency components, into
shadow prices. Social rates of return can then be calculated, taking into account the
distributional impact of various projects, an aspect ignored in the usual economic rates of return
as derived from efficiency prices. Shadow prices are derived to reflect a wide range of
economic conditions and value judgments concerning basic policy objectives pertaining to
growth and distribution. Uncertainty, sensitivity, and risk must also be evaluated in project
analysis. An appendix addresses the technical derivation of shadow prices.
Energy economics is the analysis of human utilization of energy resources energy commodities
and the consequences of that utilization. Energy economics studies forces that lead economic
agents firms, individuals, governments to supply energy resources, to convert those resources.
Other useful energy forms, to transport them to the users, to use them, and to dispose of the
60
residuals. It studies roles of alternative market and regulatory structures on these activities,
economic distributional impacts, and environmental consequences.
4.4.5.2 Payback period
This is the period after the commencement of energy production till repayment of loans taken
from different financial institutions will be completed.
Data requirements for economic and financial analysis:

 Interest rates
 Investment cost
 Salvage value of the plant and economic life
 Man power cost
 Operation and maintenance cost
 Overhead cost
 Taxes and duties
An entrepreneur which can get 200 lit of product daily from the experiment can have 72,000
birr income monthly.
Annual income = 200 lit/day X 12 birr X 365 days = 876,000 birr
Annual expense = 130 lit/day X 2 birr X 365 days = 94,900 birr + 100,000 bir for salary,
maintenance and other contingency cost
Annual expense = 194,900 birr
1,200,000-birr investment cost is required to install including land cost
The following table shows the economic analysis of the project and shows the payback period
less than two years.
61
Table 4. 7: Economic Analysis of the project
INVESTMENT PROJECT: Recycling of Used Engine Oil for Cooking Fuel Using Solar Thermal Pyrolysis
INITIAL INVESTMENT, ANNUAL REVENUES AND ANNUAL COSTS (cash flow basis)
Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 SUM
Initial investment -1200000.00 -1200000.00
Residual value 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 500.00
Annual Income 876000.00 876000.00 876000.00 876000.00 876000.00 4380000.00
Annual costs -194900.00 -194900.00 -194900.00 -194900.00 -194900.00 -974500.00
Annual net revenue -1200000.00 681200.00 681200.00 681200.00 681200.00 -50000.00 1474800.00
Imputed rate of interest 9.00%
Year 0 1 2 3 4 5
Discount factor 1.0000 0.9174 0.8417 0.7722 0.7084 0.6499
PRESENT VALUES OF COSTS AND REVENUES (cash flow basis)
Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 SUM
Initial investment -1200000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1200000.00
Residual value 0.00 91.74 84.17 77.22 70.84 64.99 388.97
Annual Income 0.00 803669.72 737311.67 676432.73 620580.48 569339.89 3407334.51
Annual costs 0.00 -178807.34 -164043.43 -150498.56 -138072.07 -126671.63 -758093.03
Annual net revenue -1200000.00 624954.13 573352.41 526011.39 482579.25 442733.26 1449630.44
NET PRESENT VALUE
SUMMARY INFORMATION Information in this area is automatically transferred to the COMPARISON worksheet.
Investment 1200000.00
Annual net revenue 681200.00
PAYBACK PERIOD 1.72 YEARS
NET PRESENT VALUE OF THE PROJECT at imputed rate of interest: 9.00% is 1449630.44 Birr
Collect the following information manually from the table above:
Imputed rate of interest 0.00% 6.00% 10.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
NET PRESENT VALUE OF INVESTMENT 400.00 59.67 -121.59
INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT 7.20%
62
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSIONS
Alternative fuels for especially diesel engines have become increasingly important due to
diminishing petroleum reserves, increasing economical situations and awareness of the
increased environmental consequences of emissions from petroleum-fueled engines. In the
present study, the feasibility of using waste lubrication engine oils as a diesel-like fuel was
investigated experimentally.
In this context, the eighth experimental result was produced by applying pyrolitic distillation
method. In the production process, waste engine oil was purified by filtration using a qualitative
filter. To this end two additives, namely NaOH and Na2CO3 were blended with the purified
waste engine oil. After the pyrolitic distillation of the mixed samples was performed, and the
best results was obtained from the eight process which is the first process stage focused on mix
of 2% Na2CO3 with 100ml of the filtered used engine oil. On the second stage of the process,
distillation was conducted. Thirdly, the process followed after securing distillation was the mix
of 2% Na2CO3 again. On the fourth stage of the process, the researcher conducted the treatment
of the oil with SiO2 at 100%. This was done mainly to easily break the hydrocarbons, and to
purify the carbon that come from the combustion smock of the diesel in the engine. On the fifth
stage, the product was redistilled. Lastly, the researcher performed the process of blending 10%
of ethanol with the refined oil.
Therefore, the eighth experiment is the best result which can be elected to use as clocking stove
fuel.
63
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the major findings of this study, the current researcher would like to forward the
following recommendations:
• First, the government should facilitate encouraging mechanisms for those who
engage in recycling of waste lubricating engine oil by providing financial subsides
for its implementation and evaluation.
• Secondly, the major finding of this study has policy implications for the
environment sector both at federal and regional governments level. Given the
current irresponsible practice customary followed among garages, institutions and
companies in disposing used engine oil, effective regulation has to be put in place
to alleviate its impact on environmental pollution. Unless such irresponsible acts,
i.e., mishandling of disposal of waste lubricating oils, are regulated by the relevant
legal measures as early as possible, the existing practices clearly vitiate the
nutrients of surrounding soil, pollute the rivers and surrounding environment at
large.
• Thirdly, it is commendable to urge federal government to enact proclamation
which specifically guides disposal of waste lubricating oils by endorsing
international standards set by developed countries.
64
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JIMMA UNIVERSITY

By: Behiwot Tilahun

Advisor: Prof. Dr. A. Venkata Ramayya (PhD)

Co-Advisor: Ephrem Tilahun, Assit. Professor, Department of Chemistry

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES JIMMA UNIVERSITY

Name of Main advisor signature Date

Prof. Prof. Dr. A. Venkata Ramayya (PhD) ------------------------- 04/July/2019

Name of Co-Advisor signature Date

Ephrem Tilahun, Assit. Professor, ------------------------- 21/06/2019

Name of External Examiner signature Date

Dr. Wondwossen Bogale (PHD) ---------------------- 21/06/2019

Name of Internal Examiner signature Date

Balewgize Amare (MSc) ---------------------- 04/July/2019

Name of Chairperson (Moderator) signature Date

Abdulhak Alemu (MSc) ---------------------- 21/06/2019

Name: Behiwot Tilahun

Waste engine oil; Pyrolysis; Distillation, Solar Radiation

Abstract .................................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgment ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... v

List of Tables ......................................................................................................................... viii

List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... ix

Chemistry Symbols .................................................................................................................... x

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 General Background ......................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Base Oil Lubricants ................................................................................................... 2

1.1.2 Composition used lube oil ......................................................................................... 4

1.1.3 Use of additives in recycling of used lube oil to fuel ................................................ 4

1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................. 7

1.3 Justification for the project ............................................................................................. 10

1.4 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 10

1.4.1 General Objective .................................................................................................... 10

1.4.2 Specific Objectives .................................................................................................. 11

1.5 Significance of the study ................................................................................................ 11

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study ................................................................................. 12

CHAPTER TWO ..................................................................................................................... 13

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ............................................................................... 13

2.1 Lubricating Oil ............................................................................................................... 13

2.2 Used Oil Engine Defined ............................................................................................... 15

2.3 Recycling of Used Engine Oil ........................................................................................ 15

2.4 Environmental impact of Used Engine Oil .................................................................... 18

2.5 Parabolic Dish Solar Collector ....................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................. 21

Methodology (Experimental) ................................................................................................... 21

3.1 Description of the Study Area ........................................................................................ 21

3.2 System description ......................................................................................................... 22

3.3 Experimental Setup ........................................................................................................ 23

3.4 Processing the Experiment ............................................................................................. 24

3.4.1 Experimental work on Sample 1 ............................................................................. 25

3.4.2 Experimental Work on Sample 2............................................................................. 27

3.4.3 Experimental Work on Sample 3............................................................................. 27

3.4.4 Experimental Work on Sample 4............................................................................. 28

3.4.5 Experimental Work on Sample 5............................................................................. 28

3.4.6 Experimental Work on Sample 6............................................................................. 28

3.4.7 Experimental Work on Sample 7............................................................................. 28

3.4.8 Experimental Work on Sample 8............................................................................. 29

3.5 Materials ......................................................................................................................... 31

3.5.1 Materials for Experimental Setup in laboratory ...................................................... 31

3.5.2 Materials for Experimental Setup on the field......................................................... 31

3.5.3 Chemicals ................................................................................................................ 32

CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................... 34

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................................................. 34