[Oldmaster]

I have a good Lancaster boiler that runs on fuel oil. I also have a never ending source for waste motor oil and would like to convert to waste oil. Is this feasible? Appreciate the help.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I have a good Lancaster boiler that runs on fuel oil. I also have a never ending source for waste motor oil and would like to convert to waste oil. Is this feasible? Appreciate the help.

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A relative has used that method to heat a large shop building for at least 30 years, so yes it is feasible but the details would be difficult to obtain. Sorry

 

[roughneck]

They can be very maintenance intensive and require a special burner.
Many of the burners require a constant compressed air supply.

 

[Oldmaster]

Let me offer this. The waste oil I have is from generators and very clean. I have maintenance contracts and change the oil every 6 months. It is clear and looks like it's new. Being an electrical contractor and mill wright I'm comfortable with the build. I just am looking for the sequence of operation and what is involved. Maybe I need a good book if there is such a thing.

 

[surferdude2]

I suspect building one will be a real challenge and may not be practical for residential applications.

How They Work

 

[Bud9051]

Most waste oil discussions will be talking about automotive waste. Yours sounds closer to fryer oil waste. Run this Google "how to burn fryer waste oil for heating".

Saw some mention about restrictions so be sure it is allowed where you are and if it needs any approvals.

Bud

 

[Oldmaster]

In is 5-30 synthetic motor oil.

 

[6t7gto]

What about trying to mix your good fuel oil with your waste oil?
Mix up a ratio of both into a 5 gal. bucket and see how your boiler operates.

 

[Bud9051]

Given the price of oil, if you can't burn it ($3.00 a gallon saved) you might be able to sell it, $3.00 a qt. Just guessing at prices.

Bud

 

[Oldmaster]

Thanks for all the information. I'm going to start the build. Welding up a pre-heat tank with an heater element and controller.

 

[beenthere]

Preheat tank isn't actually a good idea. Since you make it easy for the oil to ignite before it gets to the burner.

Waste oil burners do best with heavy dirty oil. Not a light relatively clean oil, which would have a low carbon content.

You will also need a low pressure oil pump, either an air compressor, or an air pump ran by the oil burner's motor.

Then of course, you'll need an oil nozzle designed for waste oil.

Be better off buying a waste oil conversion kit. Presuming that your current oil burner is a Beckett.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133237791328

 

[Oldmaster]

Appreciate the thought. My thought is that with a pre-heat tank and micro-processer I have a greater range of temperature settings and can be very accurate. That way I can experiment somewhat to achieve best viscosity of oil. Most guys that have them say the cleaner the oil the better. The kit you referenced had a pre- heater. Going to be interesting.

 

[beenthere]

The preheater is just before the nozzle. Not a tank.

If they aren't using a nozzle made for waste oil, they have to use clean oil.

 

[roughneck]

Unheated waste oil will usually pump, just not burn well. This is why you see the heater just before the nozzle, as it’s a wasted expense to heat the oil otherwise.