Ionic Liquid Desulfurization in Low Pressure Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroprocessing facilities face challenges in reducing sulfur and nitrogen levels in hydrocarbon fuels to meet stringent environmental standards without requiring substantial upgrades or new equipment, as conventional technologies are inefficient and often require severe operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of ionic liquid extractive desulfurization and denitrification process within existing hydroprocessing systems, where ionic liquids are used to extract sulfur and nitrogen compounds from catalytic reactor effluents, reducing the need for extensive retrofitting or new equipment by promoting the formation of soluble ionic derivatives that can be removed through existing separators and fractionation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydroprocessing technologies are used to reduce sulfur content, then sulfur levels can be reduced, but severe operational conditions (high temperature and pressure) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by introducing ionic liquids with specific functional groups (thiophenolic, carboxylic, or phenolic) that selectively bind to sulfur compounds at moderate temperatures, replacing the need for high temperature conventional hydroprocessing
Solution Approach 2:
Ionic liquids serve as an intermediary substance between the hydrocarbon feed and the separation system, selectively extracting sulfur compounds through chemical interaction without requiring severe thermal conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydroprocessing technologies are used to reduce sulfur content, then sulfur levels can be reduced, but substantial retrofitting or new equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid extraction unit can be integrated into existing hydroprocessing trains, allowing the same equipment to handle both conventional hydroprocessing and advanced desulfurization functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential desulfurization function by introducing ionic liquids into the existing system, separating the advanced desulfurization capability from the need for complete system replacement
3Device complexity
If ionic liquid extractive desulfurization is integrated into existing hydroprocessing systems, then equipment upgrades are minimized, but sulfur and nitrogen compounds must be effectively removed to low ppmw levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite ionic liquid systems combining different functional groups (thiophenolic, carboxylic, phenolic) to achieve simultaneous high-affinity binding of both sulfur and nitrogen compounds, enabling deep removal to low ppmw levels
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquids replicate the selective binding capability of natural extraction systems, using molecular structures designed to specifically recognize and bind heteroatom compounds through hydrogen bonding and other non-covalent interactions
4Ease of operation
If existing hydroprocessing facilities operate under mild conditions, then operational flexibility is maintained, but sulfur levels remain above stringent environmental standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal intensity-based separation mechanism with a chemical affinity-based extraction mechanism using ionic liquids, allowing effective desulfurization without increasing temperature or pressure
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
This approach effectively reduces sulfur and nitrogen levels in hydrocarbon fuels to low ppmw without the need for substantial upgrades, utilizing existing equipment and maintaining operational efficiency, while being compatible with existing hydroprocessing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic liquid and the hydroprocessed hydrocarbon mixture are retained in contact for a time sufficient for extractive removal of organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds to occur
Data Source
AI summary
Initial high sulfur levels of a hydrocarbon feedstock are reduced to desired low levels without the need for integration of substantial new equipment or hardware with existing hydroprocessing reactors. Ionic liquids are utilized as organic sulfur extraction agents and are added to and mixed with the hydrocarbon feedstock containing organosulfur compounds in, or upstream of, an existing cold separator vessel. The ionic liquid and hydrocarbon mixture is maintained in contact under conditions which promote the formation of ionic sulfur-containing derivatives that are soluble in the ionic liquid to be formed, thereby enabling extractive removal and separation of the organosulfur compounds from the feedstock.