Standard Specification for Industrial Burner Fuels from Used Lubricating Oils
Standard Specification for Industrial Burner Fuels from Used Lubricating Oils
ABSTRACT This specification covers four grades of fuel oil made in whole or in part with hydrocarbon-based used or reprocessed lubricating oil or functional fluids, such as preservative and hydraulic fluids. Grades RFO4, RFO5L, RFO5H, and RFO6 are of increasing viscosity and are intended for use in various types of fuel-oil-burning industrial equipment under various climatic and operating conditions, and are not intended for use in residential heaters, small commercial boilers, combustion engines, or marine applications. Detailed requirements for each grade of lubricating oil shall be tested accordingly, and are as follows: viscosity; flash point; water and sediment content; pour point; density; ash content; sulphur content; extracted pH; and gross heating value. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers four grades of fuel oil made in whole or in part with hydrocarbon-based used or reprocessed lubricating oil or functional fluids, such as preservative and hydraulic fluids. The four grades of fuel are intended for use in various types of fuel-oil-burning industrial equipment under various climatic and operating conditions. These fuels are not intended for use in residential heaters, small commercial boilers, combustion engines, or marine applications, 1.1.1 Grades RFO4, RFO5L, RFO5H, and RFO6 are used lubricating oil blends, with or without distillate or residual fuel oil, or both, of increasing viscosity and are intended for use in industrial burners equipped to handle these types of recycled fuels. Note 1: For information on the significance of the terminology and test methods used in this specification, see Appendix X1. 1.2 This specification is for use in contracts for the purchase of fuel oils derived from used lubricating oil and for the guidance of consumers of such fuels. This specification does not address the frequency with which any particular test must be run. 1.3 Nothing in this specification shall preclude observance of national or local regulations, which can be more restrictive. In some jurisdictions, used oil is considered a hazardous waste and fuels from used oil are required to meet certain criteria before use as a fuel. Note 2: For United States federal requirements imposed on used oil generators, transporters and transfer facilities, reprocessors, marketers, and burners, see 40 CFR 279. Note 3: The generation and dissipation of static electricity can create problems in the handling of distillate burner fuel oils. For more information on the subject, see Guide D4865. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard; non-SI units, when given, are for information only. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D6448-16(2022) is the industry-recognized standard specification for industrial burner fuels produced from used lubricating oils and recycled functional fluids. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines four specific grades of fuel oil - RFO4, RFO5L, RFO5H, and RFO6 - designed for different forms of industrial fuel-oil-burning equipment. The standard ensures fuel properties are suitable for robust industrial applications while addressing key quality and safety aspects. ASTM D6448 is not intended for fuels used in residential heaters, small commercial boilers, internal combustion engines, or marine environments.
Scope and Grades: ASTM D6448 covers four grades of industrial burner fuel, with each grade defined primarily by viscosity. These fuels are produced, wholly or partly, from recycled hydrocarbon-based lubricating oils or compatible functional fluids such as preservative or hydraulic fluids.
Fuel Quality Parameters: To ensure performance and safety, the specification details the following fuel properties for each grade:
Testing and Conformance: The standard mandates testing using recognized ASTM methods for each property (e.g., D445 for viscosity, D93 for flash point). In all commercial dealings, contracts should reference ASTM D6448 and appropriate test frequencies and sampling protocols should be agreed upon by both buyers and sellers.
Regulatory Compliance: National and local regulations may impose stricter criteria, particularly concerning waste classification, hazardous material handling, and sulfur content. In the US, burner fuels from used oil must meet additional parameters under 40 CFR 279.
Другие стандарты ASTM
Industrial Usage: ASTM D6448 fuels are tailored for industrial environments requiring efficient, reliable heat generation, such as:
These recycled fuels offer significant benefits, including cost reduction, resource conservation, and alignment with waste oil management best practices. They enable industries to use reclaimed lubricating oils as a high-energy heating resource, provided the equipment is designed or retrofitted for the viscosity and quality constraints specified.
Exclusions: The fuels defined by ASTM D6448 are not intended for:
Several key ASTM and regulatory standards are referenced in ASTM D6448 to ensure comprehensive testing and safe handling:
For full compliance and reliable application, users should refer to these and other cited ASTM standards for both testing methodology and operational guidance.
Keywords: ASTM D6448, industrial burner fuels, used lubricating oil, recycled oil fuel, industrial furnace fuel, RFO4, RFO5L, RFO5H, RFO6, fuel oil specification, viscosity, sulfur content, ash content, flash point, industrial boiler fuel.
By adhering to ASTM D6448-16(2022), industries can make informed decisions regarding the procurement, testing, and use of recycled oil-based fuels, ensuring optimal safety, performance, and regulatory conformance.