Texaco Inc.

Bruce R Bond

Charles W Harrison

Robert M Steinberg

Arthur G Gorneau

Foster L Wade

The present invention relates to Performance Grade asphalt and a method for producing the same. The process includes adding a performance grade modifier and aggregates to an asphalt cement. The performance grade modifier reduces the high temperature limit and the low temperature limit of the performance grade asphalt in a ratio of about 1:1. A vacuum distilled component of recycled used lubricating oil is used as the performance grade modifier. The recycled used lubricating oil is added to the base oil and aggregate in sufficient quantities to achieve the selected operating temperature range.

Performance grade asphalt and methods

A used lubricating oil comprising lube oil additives, including zinc dithiophosphate is reconstituted. Zinc dithiophosphate is thermally decomposed at a temperature of 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.) for a residence time of 10 to 120 minutes. The resulting oil is subjected to vacuum distillation. A zinc-free (i.e. ash free by ASTM D-482) oil is stabilized by catalytic hydrogenation or clay treating to produce a lubricating oil blending stock. About 5 to 25 vol % is recovered as a metal containing bottoms product, useful as asphalt extender. The process is carried out in the absence of chemical demetallizing.

Reconstituting lubricating oil

A used lubricating oil comprising lube oil additives, including zinc dithiophosphate is subjected to reclaiming. Zinc dithiophosphate is thermally decomposed at a temperature of 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.) for a residence time of 10 to 120 minutes. The resulting oil is subjected to vacuum distillation. A zinc-free (i.e. ash free by ASTM D-482) distillate oil is useful as marine diesel fuel. About 5 to 25 vol % is recovered as a metal containing bottoms product, useful as asphalt extender. The process is carried out in the absence of chemical demetallizing.

Growing community of inventors

Carmel, NY, United States of America

Bruce R Bond