On-site hydrogen generation system in Turkey's first lubricant recycling plant

Contributing to the circular economy with on-site hydrogen production for Turkey’s first re-refinery of Group II base oils.

Xebec Adsorption’ subsidiary HyGear has commissioned an on-site hydrogen generation system for TAYRAŞ’ used lubricant oil re-refinery in Turkey. Approximately 560 kg of hydrogen per day (205 tons per year) will be delivered under 125 bar by the fully automated system under a 15-year Gas-as-a-Service contract.

TAYRAŞ’ facility is the first of its kind in the country and will be key to developing Turkey’s circular economy and reducing emissions from API Group II base lubricating oils.

“This was a significantly large sized project for us and a unique one to be involved in within our reference installations. TAYRAŞ’ re-refinery shows the importance of securing local supply and reducing the carbon footprint of oils through recycling.This level of operation will lend well to other applications such as hydrogen refueling stations where this pressure and reliability is also needed,” said Marinus van Driel, President of Xebec Europe.

The capacity of TAYRAŞ’ plant is 60,000 tons of used lubricating oil per year which is expected to produce approximately 45,000 tons of Group II base oil (N70, N100, N220). The hydrogen produced by HyGear’s system will be used to hydro-treat the used oils and remove sulphur, chlorine, nitrogen, phosphorous, silica and saturation of aromatics employing special catalysts.

Industry consultant Kline & Co. estimates that approximately 50% of used motor oil is re-refined in Europe. This amount falls to between 10% and 15% in North America. In Turkey, it is estimated by Petder to be as little as 7%.