How to Separate Used Motor Oil
In the proceess of changing and recycling your used motor oil, it is often necessary to separate either water or gasoline from the oil. The steps to perform both tasks are slightly different, but with the proper steps or instructions, you should be able to successfully separate your used motor oil for recycling.
Items Needed:
- 2-liter bottle with cap
- Refuse bucket
- Push pin
- Oil container
How to Separate Used Motor Oil and Water:
- With a sharp utensil or pushpin, prick a few small holes at the top of a two-liter bottle.
- Pour the used oil into the bottle and place the cap back on the bottle, sealing it tightly.
- Place a refuse container, such as a bucket, underneath the bottle of oil.
- Prick the bottom of the bottle with a few small holes. This is to allow airflow through the bottle.
- Continue to hold the bottle of used motor oil over the refuse bucket. The airflow should allow the water to be emptied out of the bottom of the bottle. Because oil floats on water, the water will be emptied out completely while the oil stays inside the container.
How to Separate Used Motor Oil and Gasoline:
- Look up the boiling temperatures and distillation process for both motor oil and gasoline.
- Boil (distill) the liquids. Since oil is a much heavier molecular weight than gasoline, the gasoline will evaporate before the oil, essentially separating itself from the oil. After the distillation is completed, only the oil will be left.
- Keep in mind that distillation, especially when dealing with two substances like oil and gasoline, is quite dangerous and should only be done by experienced people or with extreme precaution.
Note: As per the rules of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, used motor oil must be burned in a waste oil burner or disposed at a certified waste collection site. Disposing used motorl oil in a storm drain, on the ground or in the trash can is illegal. Check your local or state regulations for detailed regulations.