ENE Oral Defense

Ultra Clean Fuels via UAOD Process with
Room Temperature Ionic Liquid and Solid Catalyst PolishingShun Sheng Cheng
KAP 209, 2007/12/20, 2-4 pmAbstractLimitation of 15 ppm has been considered for the content of sulfur in the diesel fuel due to the sulfur regulation by the EPA. However, ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel has not been produced sufficiently by the current desulfurization technology.
In this study, a new desulfurization technology has been development, this include modified ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process and fluidized bed reactor (FBR), which has been considered as one of the innovative schemes related to the desulfurization. In this respect, ionic liquid, oxidant, phase transfer catalysis, stirring, sonication, and acid catalyst have been combined in the modified UAOD process specifically. Thus, mild conditions have also provided high desulfurization efficiency.
During the study, proper oxidant, catalyst, as well as, ionic liquid was utilized during the demonstration under the modified UAOD process, specifically for model sulfur compounds. It has been observed that duration of three hours has been enough for desulfurize 99.9% of various type of model sulfur compound.
Various levels of sulfur content are contained, and can be observed in diesel fuels. Valley Oil, JP-5, and Treated Valley Oil are some of the levels. In this regard, 99.9% removal efficiency in the sulfur reduction can be demonstrated by the solvent extraction, as well as, solid adsorption, which has been followed by the modified UAOD process. Moreover, recycling can be done to the ionic liquid and acid catalyst, which is usually contained in the spent aqueous phase. Interestingly, high efficiency, as well as, high selectivity can be exhibited by the same.
In the pilot study, treatment tank, a pipeline system, as well as, high shear mixer has been created for the development of practical application of a batch-type continuous flow system. During these developments, appropriate time and mild conditions were given during the operations. The results show 99.9% of desulfurization efficiency can be achieve by the process. Moreover, utilization of ionic liquid and acid catalyst had been done at a less extent by the pilot study, as compared to the batch study.
FBR has been used to pass the oxidized organic compounds that have came out from the batch-type continuous flow system. Moreover, acidic alumina can adsorb almost 99.9% of oxidized sulfur, as indicated by the results. Additionally, recycling has also not affect the adsorption capacity of adsorbent.
It has been shown by the results of this dissertation that sulfur removal from the diesel fuels can be done effectively by the employment of modified UAOD process and FBR. In addition, new environmental standards can be met easily by the production of ULSD fuel by the utilization of appropriate design, as well as, chemicals during the process.

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