In its 2020 report, the Department of Energy stated that 1.4 billion gallons of used oil are available every year for collection, and of that, only 21% is being re-refined. Blue Tide is looking to increase that percentage. Driven by environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) practices, we are transforming the re-refining process.  

Here’s how we’ve reimagined the process: 

Aggregation and Testing

First, we aggregate feedstock from our logistics partners throughout the United States and bring it to our storage facility, equipped to hold two million gallons. Then, we rigorously screen the oil to ensure it is of the highest quality at our state-of-the-art, 2,000-square-foot lab. Once testing is complete, and the oil is verified, re-refining begins. 

Pre-treatment

Our pre-treatment process is integral in the preparation of the oil feed — it ensures maximum process efficiency and onstream performance. Next, dehydration removes water and light ends, resulting in the first co-product — BT industrial fuel. 

Distillation

Vacuum distillation then separates out the vacuum gas oil, or VGO. This high-quality, low-sulfur product becomes the feedstock for our hydrotreater and is converted into base oil. The remaining heavier hydrocarbons and spent additive packages make up the BT Flux. Once the last contaminants are removed, superior quality base oils remain. 

Blue Tide has the capacity to produce over 5,000 barrels of industry-leading Group II and Group II+ base oils per day. With the implementation of a Quality Management System in pursuit of ISO 9001:2015 certification, our commitment to quality is second to none.

Through our process, the re-refining cycle can continue again and again, translating to six gallons of use for every gallon of base oil. This cycle is a much less carbon-intensive process than using virgin-derived base oils. 

It’s time to change how we think about the oil industry and continue to evolve to protect our natural ecosystems. Let’s change the tide together!