Originally Posted By: Oilmanjean
“We’ve found motor oil in about 50 percent of asphalt cement in Michigan, and that is the cause of massive amounts of failure. It probably takes off five to 10 years of a lifecycle of road.” Ever wonder why the roads in the midwest suck? And the "recyclers" are still selling this stuff to road contractors. SELLING. And they are selling it to those who heat with it. But we are paying to have it removed. Just sticking up for myself here. Like I stated earlier I realize now that this particular forum is not a forum for quick lube operators to exchange ideas just thought I would back up my earlier statements.
What is the source of this "quote"? I work in the Road industry in Michigan and am responsible for materials control and QC for about the largest owner in the state and I can categorically say that with no doubt whatsoever used oil is not incorporated INTO HMA as a component. Theiy are completely different fractions of crude. Asphalt cement (bitumen) the liquid component in asphalt is a tightly controlled, highly specialized product that is sampled and tested many times between manufacturing and placement by both producers, contractors and owners. There is no margin for error in its composition or use and penalties for noncompliance with project specifications are severe, up to and including no pay and removal. No one can afford to have a wildcard like used oil added to the mix and have any hope of making a passable product.
Originally Posted By: SHOZ
I think they use it as a fuel at asphalt plants maybe.
This. Some plants use it for heat, either primarily or in supplement with other fuels like NG. Lots of opportunities for use between drying aggregate and heating the drum to mix the HMA.