How Can Non-standard Diesel Obtained from Waste Oil Distillation Be Used in Trucks?

With diesel prices remaining high, an increasing number of waste oil recycling companies and truck operators are turning their attention to non-standard diesel produced via waste oil distillation. Processing waste engine oil or pyrolysis oil into diesel through distillation can significantly cut fuel costs, yet the primary concern remains: "Can it be used directly in trucks?" The answer is yes, but it requires proper processing and depends on both fuel quality and the specific vehicle model. Additionally, selecting high-quality waste oil distillation equipment makes subsequent use simpler and safer.

Non-standard diesel from waste oil distillation machine used in truck

Feasibility of Using Non-Standard Diesel in Trucks

Non-standard diesel obtained from waste oil distillation plant consists primarily of diesel fractions with a calorific value close to that of standard diesel; however, parameters such as sulfur content, cetane number, and impurity levels may not meet national standards. Suitable truck and heavy machinery types include:

1.Older trucks with mechanical fuel injection systems: Highly tolerant; suitable for use in blended ratios.

2.Mining trucks, ships, boats, construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, and heavy equipment: Ideal for use in these applications, which typically involve more rugged operating conditions.

Applications of non-standard diesel from waste oil distillation plant

In practice, many truck fleets and mining operations report that non-standard diesel—after filtration and blending—delivers power performance comparable to standard diesel with little difference in fuel consumption, while offering significant cost savings.

Essential Pre-Use Processing Steps

To ensure safety and extend engine lifespan, the following four processing steps should be taken when using non-standard diesel:

1. Filtration and Dehydration

Use precision filters (rated at 10 microns or finer) and centrifuges to remove mechanical impurities, carbon black, and moisture. Excessive moisture can lead to fuel injector corrosion and poor combustion.

2. Blending

Blend the fuel with standard No. 0 diesel at appropriate ratios based on specific conditions; blending improves fuel stability, cetane number, and lubricity.

3. Add specialized additives

Incorporate cetane improvers, detergent-dispersants, combustion accelerators, and anti-gelling agents (especially important in winter). This step significantly improves combustion efficiency and cold-start performance.

4. Fuel testing

It is recommended to test key parameters such as sulfur content, flash point, viscosity, and cetane number to ensure you have a clear understanding of the fuel quality.

Tip: The lighter the fuel color and the fewer the impurities, the simpler the post-processing becomes. This is why many customers are increasingly prioritizing the choice of process technology for their distillation equipment.

Non-standard diesel processing flow

Henan DOING Company has specialized in waste oil recycling for over 15 years, with equipment exported to more than 100 countries and regions. Our waste oil/pyrolysis oil-to-diesel distillation equipment offers two technical routes—solid catalyst processing and traditional acid-alkali washing, allowing for flexible selection based on raw material characteristics, finished product quality requirements, local environmental regulations, and budget.

Three core advantages of DOING equipment:

1. The resulting oil is light in color, low in impurities, and has a high cetane number, making it ideal for truck engines;

2. High distillation efficiency and stable oil yield effectively reduce the workload for subsequent filtration and blending;

3. A wide range of models is available, including semi-continuous and small-scale units, with processing capacities ranging from 100kg to 14 tons (including 500kg, 1t, 3t, 5t, 7t, and 10t options). This flexibility allows users of all scales to select the equipment that best meets their actual needs.

Different models of waste oil distillation equipment

DOING waste oil to diesel distillation equipment has already been successfully deployed in truck fuel projects across countries such as Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico, and Thailand. Customer feedback indicates stable fuel quality, resulting in minimal engine carbon deposits and low failure rates.

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If you are considering a waste oil recycling project or seeking a low-cost fuel solution for a truck fleet, we recommend prioritizing equipment that features mature technology and produces high-quality fuel. Please feel free to contact us for detailed specifications, price quotes, technical proposals, or project case studies regarding Henan DOING’s waste oil-to-diesel distillation equipment !