Non-Thermal Plasma Desulfurization for Ambient Sulfur Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrodesulfurization methods require high pressure and temperature, costly catalysts, and hazardous materials, and produce environmental pollutants, making them inefficient and costly for achieving stringent sulfur limits in hydrocarbon fuels.
Innovation Solution
A non-thermal plasma-based desulfurization process using ozone bubbling at ambient conditions, with microbubbles and secondary oxidants, followed by liquid-liquid extraction, to remove sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon feedstocks without metal catalysts or hydrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydrodesulfurization is used to remove sulfur from hydrocarbons, then sulfur removal efficiency is improved, but operating cost and equipment investment increase due to high pressure and temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from high pressure and temperature to ambient temperature and pressure by using plasma activation. The plasma generates reactive oxygen species that enable desulfurization under mild conditions, eliminating the need for high-pressure reactors and complex safety systems while maintaining effective sulfur removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (high pressure and temperature heating) with a plasma-based chemical system. Instead of using thermal energy to break bonds, the patent uses plasma-generated reactive species (ozone, atomic oxygen) to oxidize sulfur compounds, substituting a chemical mechanism for a mechanical/thermal one.
2Manufacturing precision
If hydrodesulfurization is used to remove sulfur from hydrocarbons, then sulfur removal efficiency is improved, but material cost increases due to costly metal catalysts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, long-lived metal catalysts (cobalt, molybdenum) with a cheaper, regenerable system based on plasma-generated ozone and peroxide. The oxidizing agents are continuously generated in situ through plasma action on oxygen, eliminating the need for precious metal catalysts and their associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma system generates its own oxidizing agents (ozone, atomic oxygen, peroxide) directly from atmospheric oxygen during the desulfurization process. This self-generating capability eliminates the need for external catalyst addition and reduces material costs by using readily available oxygen from the air.
3Manufacturing precision
If hydrodesulfurization is used to remove sulfur from hydrocarbons, then sulfur removal efficiency is improved, but environmental harm increases due to hazardous materials and pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plasma-generated strong oxidants (ozone, atomic oxygen, peroxide) to rapidly oxidize sulfur compounds to sulfates and sulfones. These strong oxidants enable complete oxidation of refractory sulfur compounds under mild conditions, achieving high removal efficiency without producing harmful byproducts, unlike conventional HDS that requires high temperatures and produces H2S gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sulfur compounds into beneficial oxidized products (sulfates, sulfones) that are easily separable and environmentally benign. The plasma oxidation process transforms toxic sulfur into non-toxic or low-toxicity compounds, converting a harmful substance into a manageable byproduct.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional oxidative desulfurization is used to remove sulfur from hydrocarbons, then sulfur removal is achieved, but process efficiency decreases due to requirement of substantial quantities of hazardous oxidants
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma system continuously generates oxidizing agents (ozone, peroxide) in situ from atmospheric oxygen during the desulfurization process. This self-generating capability eliminates the need for external addition of substantial quantities of hazardous oxidants, improving process efficiency by using a continuous in-situ generation approach rather than batch addition of large oxidant volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical delivery system (external addition of hazardous oxidants) with a plasma-based in-situ generation system. Instead of pumping and mixing large volumes of hazardous oxidant solutions, the patent uses plasma energy to generate oxidants directly in the reaction zone, simplifying the process and improving efficiency.
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
Achieves up to 90% desulfurization efficiency at ambient conditions, reducing environmental impact and costs, and complying with stringent fuel sulfur standards.
Implementation Method 1
non-thermal plasma-based desulfurization process using ozone bubbling
Implementation Method 2
ozone (03) bubbling carried out by non-thermal (cold) plasma technology
Implementation Method 3
oxidation of sulfur compounds by ozone bubbling
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses methods and processes to separate sulfur hydrocarbons in petroleum refinery feedstocks via non-thermal corona-discharged air (known as cold plasma). The procedure comprises physical and chemical processes including single or multi-step oxidation of nonpolar sulfur hydrocarbons by ozone bubbling and optionally the simultaneous addition of an extremely small amount of hydrogen peroxide. This is followed by an aqueous liquid/non-aqueous liquid extraction of the oxidized compounds under conditions sufficient to extract sulfur compounds into the aqueous extractant. This process is followed by a regeneration unit for the recovery of liquid extractant material. Moreover, a cooling tower is employed to prevent exhausting the vapors of hydrocarbon feedstocks, as a form of volatile organic compounds, during the plasma bubbling process. The invention introduces a desulfurization technique that effectively separates sulfur hydrocarbons from petroleum feedstocks and fuels, offering a complementary solution to traditional hydrodesulfurization processes or serving as a standalone system.