Hydrocarbon Desulfurization via Oxidation and Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams, such as diesel fuel, are inadequate in achieving ultra-low sulfur levels required by stringent regulations, as they often result in high waste streams and hydrocarbon component losses.
Innovation Solution
A tailored oxidation process involving primary, secondary, and tertiary oxidants, along with phase transfer catalysts, to convert sulfur compounds into sulphoxides and sulphones, which are then extracted, producing low sulfur hydrocarbon streams with minimal waste and hydrocarbon loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional desulfurization methods are used, then sulfur removal is achieved, but high waste streams and hydrocarbon component losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs strong oxidants including ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid to oxidize sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon streams. This oxidation converts sulfur compounds into water-soluble forms that can be easily removed through extraction, achieving ultra-low sulfur levels while preserving hydrocarbon components without the losses associated with conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction step using water or aqueous solutions to separate oxidized sulfur compounds from the hydrocarbon stream. This intermediary medium allows for selective removal of sulfur compounds while leaving the desired hydrocarbon components intact, thereby reducing both waste streams and hydrocarbon losses
2Manufacturing precision
If oxidation process is used to convert sulfur compounds, then sulfur levels are reduced to ultra-low ppm, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the desulfurization process into distinct sequential steps: oxidation of sulfur compounds followed by extraction. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and facilitates easier control and monitoring, reducing overall process complexity while achieving ultra-low sulfur levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the oxidation process, specifically adjusting oxidant concentration, contact time, and temperature, to optimize sulfur removal efficiency. By controlling these parameters, the process achieves consistent ultra-low sulfur levels without requiring overly complex process equipment or procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively reduces sulfur levels in hydrocarbons to ultra-low ppm, minimizing waste and hydrocarbon loss, while allowing for recycling of low sulfur streams and the production of valuable low sulfur aromatic hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
A tailored oxidation process involving primary, secondary, and tertiary oxidants, along with phase transfer catalysts, to convert sulfur compounds into sulphoxides and sulphones
Implementation Method 2
which are then extracted, producing a low sulfur hydrocarbon stream
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for reducing the sulphur content of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as Natural Gas Condensate, Kerosene, Jet Fuel, Diesel, Vacuum Gas Oil and Fuel Oil. The process uses a tailored oxidation process comprising one or two oxidation steps to produce sulphoxides and/or sulphones. These sulphoxides and sulphones, whilst being still present in the liquid hydrocarbon streams, are subsequently extracted thereby producing a low sulphur hydrocarbon stream and optionally following further treatment of the sulphoxides and/or sulphones, produce a low sulphur aromatic hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream of sodium sulphite or sulphuric acid. The low sulphur hydrocarbon stream and low sulphur aromatic hydrocarbon stream may be individually recycled or combined for recycling.