Production of Biolubricants for Oil Well Drilling Applications

Abstract

 

A pyrolysis reactor was designed and fabricated for the production of bio-esters used in formulating green lubricants for the drilling industry. Samples of Tectona Grandis, Eucalyptus Torreliana, Jatropha Curcas leaf and Cornhusk were each pyrolysed in the reactor at 5000C. Bio-oil obtained was analyzed for their Density, Acid value, % FFA and Viscosity at ambient conditions.  Bio-oil was upgraded by esterification using Methanol and synthesized Silica Sulphuric Acid (SSA) as catalyst and the product was distilled to obtain bio-lubricant.  The biolubricants produced were found to meet drilling industry lubrication standards and can therefore be used as a safer, more environmental friendly, economical, renewable alternative to petroleum based lubricant.

KeyWords: pyrolysis, reactor, lubricant, biomass, ester