Fullers Earth Powder

Fuller's earth, a type of clay with high adsorptive power, is used in used oil refining to remove impurities and decolor. Specifically, it's used to remove color bodies, oxidation products, and other contaminants from lubricating oils, transformer oils, and other petroleum products. It can also help remove acids and improve the overall quality of the oil. 

Decolorization:

Fuller's earth is effective at adsorbing and removing colored compounds from oils, making them clearer and more appealing. 

Contaminant Removal:

It can remove various contaminants, including oxidation products, acids, and other undesirable substances that can degrade oil quality. 

Adsorption:

The clay's porous structure allows it to trap and hold these impurities, effectively purifying the oil. 

Specific Applications:

In the refining of lubricating oils, Fuller's earth is used to remove resin-forming substances and improve the oil's stability. In transformer oils, it's used to remove acidic components and restore color. 

Process:

Fuller's earth is typically used in a contact filtration process, where it's mixed with the oil, agitated, and then separated. 

Comparison to Alternatives:

While newer, more sophisticated techniques exist, Fuller's earth remains a cost-effective and widely used option for oil purification, particularly in smaller-scale operations or when dealing with specific types of contamination.