Integrated Solvent Deasphalting Oxidative Desulfurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refinery processes require separate and distinct steps for desulfurization and deasphalting, which are inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with stringent sulfur content regulations in transportation fuels, and existing hydrotreating facilities struggle to upgrade to meet ultra-low sulfur standards without significant capital investment.
Innovation Solution
An integrated process that combines oxidative desulfurization and deasphalting by mixing a hydrocarbon feedstock with an oxidant and catalyst in a solvent deasphalting unit, allowing for phase separation and oxidation of heteroatom-containing compounds, thereby reducing asphalt content and sulfur levels in a single unit operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate desulfurization and deasphalting processes are used, then each process can be optimized independently, but the overall process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines oxidative desulfurization and solvent deasphalting into a single integrated process. The oxidant is introduced into the solvent deasphalting unit, allowing simultaneous oxidation of sulfur compounds and separation of asphaltenes in one unit operation, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining effectiveness of both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent deasphalting unit is adapted to perform multiple functions: traditional asphaltene separation plus oxidative desulfurization. By introducing the oxidant into this existing unit, it becomes a multi-functional device that handles both deasphalting and desulfurization, eliminating the need for a separate desulfurization process
2Productivity
If oxidative desulfurization is integrated into solvent deasphalting unit, then process efficiency increases and equipment cost decreases, but the chemical reaction conditions must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the solvent as an intermediary medium that facilitates both deasphalting and provides a controlled environment for oxidation. The solvent enables the oxidant to contact sulfur compounds while maintaining conditions suitable for asphaltene separation, thus managing reaction conditions through the solvent's properties rather than direct control parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, pressure, solvent-to-feed ratio) to control the oxidation reaction and phase separation. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes both the oxidative desulfurization rate and the deasphalting efficiency, managing reaction conditions through parameter optimization rather than complex control mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If existing solvent deasphalting units are used for integrated processing, then capital investment is minimized, but the units must be modified to accommodate oxidant introduction and reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the oxidant into the solvent deasphalting unit before the main separation process begins. This preliminary introduction allows the oxidation reaction to occur during the mixing and contact phases, utilizing existing equipment flow paths without requiring major structural modifications or additional reaction vessels
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 integrated approach efficiently reduces sulfur and nitrogen content in hydrocarbon feedstocks without the need for additional equipment, utilizing existing solvent deasphalting units to achieve desulfurization and deasphalting in a cost-effective and efficient manner, compatible with existing refinery infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
oxidative desulfurization
Implementation Method 2
phase separation of the mixture into a reduced asphalt content phase and an asphalt phase
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process are provided for integrated deasphalting and desulfurization of hydrocarbon feedstock in which the hydrocarbon feedstock, an oxidant, and an oxidation catalyst are mixed prior to passage into a primary settler of a solvent deasphalting unit. Oxidation products, including oxidized organosulfur compounds, are discharged with the asphalt phase.