Reaction Column for Hydrocarbon Fuel Desulfurization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for desulfurization of hydrocarbon fuels, such as hydro-desulfurization and oxidative desulfurization, are costly, time-consuming, and face operational challenges, limiting their effectiveness in reducing sulfur emissions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reaction column with multiple cells and a method involving the sequential flow of reagent and fuel through these cells, where the reagent and fuel are intermixed to oxidize sulfur compounds, utilizing an aqueous feed with oxidizers and metal ions to achieve significant sulfur content reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydro-desulfurization is used to reduce sulfur content, then sulfur removal effectiveness is improved, but process cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the oxidation process by using peracetic acid (generated in-situ from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide) instead of traditional strong oxidizers. This parameter change allows effective sulfur removal at milder conditions, reducing both cost and time while maintaining high sulfur content reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance (acetic acid) that reacts with hydrogen peroxide to generate peracetic acid in-situ. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve strong oxidation capability without directly adding expensive and hazardous peracetic acid, thereby reducing operational costs and improving process safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxidative desulfurization is used, then sulfur content is reduced, but reagent cost increases due to oxidizer consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements reagent recovery by recycling the aqueous phase containing unreacted acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide back to the reaction system. This recovery approach reduces the continuous consumption of expensive oxidizers and significantly lowers operational costs while maintaining effective sulfur removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by generating peracetic acid in-situ from readily available and inexpensive precursors (acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide). This self-generation approach eliminates the need to purchase and handle expensive peracetic acid directly, reducing reagent costs while maintaining oxidation effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional oxidative desulfurization is implemented, then sulfur removal is achieved, but operational complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical mixing and temperature control systems with a chemically driven approach. The in-situ generation of peracetic acid from acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide occurs spontaneously under mild conditions, eliminating the need for complex equipment and simplifying operational procedures while achieving effective desulfurization
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 system effectively reduces sulfur content in hydrocarbon fuels from high initial levels to below 15 ppm, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
oxidative desulfurization... the oxidation of sulfur compounds in liquid hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction column comprises a plurality of cells each of which has a lower cell portion and an upper cell portion. The cells are arranged sequentially, from an uppermost cell to a lowermost cell. The fuel inlet is configured to direct fluid through the reaction column from a lower cell portion of the lowermost cell to an upper cell portion of the uppermost cell, and out of the fuel outlet. The reagent inlet is configured to direct reagent through the reaction column from the upper cell portion of the uppermost cell to the lower cell portion of the lowermost cell. The plurality of cells may be vertically or horizontally positioned, as well as inclined and the like. Systems and methods are likewise disclosed.