Sodium Dispersion Circuit for Deep Hydrocarbon Desulfurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen desulfurization processes (HDS) face challenges in achieving sulfur reduction below 10 ppm due to increased hydrogen and pressure requirements, leading to high costs and complexity, while the Sodium Dispersion Desulfurization (SDD) process, despite lower material costs, has not been competitive due to instability and agglomeration of sodium dispersions, limiting its effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a pressurizable pump-and-dispersing circuit allows simultaneous dispersion and treatment of liquid hydrocarbons, maintaining ultra-fine sodium particles' reactivity by continuous circulation and high shear, reducing treatment time and sodium consumption, and enabling efficient desulfurization and aromatic reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydrogen desulfurization processes (HDS) are used to achieve sulfur reduction below 10 ppm, then sulfur content is reduced, but hydrogen consumption and pressure requirements increase disproportionately leading to high costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from hydrogen-based chemistry to sodium-based chemistry. This parameter change allows achieving the same sulfur reduction goal (below 10 ppm) without the need for high pressure (100 bar) and excessive hydrogen consumption, thereby simplifying the process while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sodium dispersion as a consumable reagent that can be easily added and does not require complex recovery systems. The sodium reacts with sulfur compounds and the resulting salts are removed in a simple separation step, eliminating the need for expensive catalysts and complex high-pressure reactor systems required in HDS processes
2Ease of manufacture
If sodium dispersion is used for desulfurization, then material costs are lower and process steps are reduced, but sodium particles agglomerate and lose reactivity limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous circulation of the liquid hydrocarbon through the sodium dispersion treatment system, ensuring that sodium particles continuously interact with sulfur compounds. This continuous action compensates for any local agglomeration by constantly renewing the contact between reactive sodium surfaces and sulfur contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic circulation and flow conditions to prevent sodium particle agglomeration. The continuous movement and mixing keep sodium particles dispersed and reactive, transforming the static, agglomeration-prone system into a dynamic one where useful action is maintained throughout the treatment process
3Manufacturing precision
If hydrogen amounts are increased to achieve sulfur reduction below 10 ppm, then sulfur content is reduced, but costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from hydrogen consumption to sodium consumption. Sodium reacts with sulfur compounds in a 1:1 molar ratio to form sodium sulfide, which is then separated. This parameter change eliminates the need for large quantities of hydrogen while achieving the same sulfur content reduction goal
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 device achieves sulfur reduction below 10 ppm with lower sodium consumption, shorter treatment times, and additional benefits like aromatic compound reduction, making the SDD process economically viable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
Sodium is suitable for reduction of impurities, oxides and sulphur components in liquid hydrocarbons, since it reacts with them forming reaction products that can easily be separated off
Implementation Method 2
By passing through the pressurizable pump- and dispersing circuit, the liquid sodium metal is dispersed directly in the stream of the hydrocarbons to be treated
Implementation Method 3
pressurizable pump- and dispersing circuit comprising of a pumping unit and a dispersing unit and a flow pipe and a throttle valve
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and device for treatment of liquid hydrocarbons including purification and desulfurization of the liquid hydrocarbons using metallic sodium. The device comprises a vessel having attached a pressurizable pump and dispersing circuit comprising a pumping unit, a dispersing unit, a flow pipe and a throttle valve. The sodium together with the liquid hydrocarbons to be treated is circulated constantly through the pressurizable pump and dispersing circuit, wherein, by passing through the pressurizable pump and dispersing circuit, the sodium is dispersed directly in the stream of the hydrocarbons to be treated. Compared to conventional sodium dispersion desulfurizing processes, the disclosed method and device open up additional fields of application and significantly improve economy and achievable results.