Removal of single and dual ring thiophene's from dodecane using cavitation based processes

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Oxidative desulfurization is crucial for cleaner fuels.
• Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) offers a scalable alternative to acoustic cavitation (AC).
• Removing dual-ring thiophenes remains a challenge for HC alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate catalytic strategies for enhancing HC-based oxidative desulfurization.
• To identify optimal catalysts and conditions for removing thiophenes from dodecane.
• To explore the regeneration of desulfurization extractants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized vortex-based hydrodynamic cavitation for desulfurization.
• Employed acoustic cavitation for catalyst and additive screening.
• Optimized concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and formic acid (HCOOH).

Main Results:

• HC alone removed single-ring thiophenes but not dual-ring thiophenes like dibenzothiophene.
• Optimal conditions (0.95 v/v % H2O2 and 6.25 v/v % HCOOH) were identified for dual-ring thiophene removal.
• Acoustic cavitation facilitated the investigation of extractant regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Catalytic enhancement is necessary for effective HC-based removal of refractory sulfur compounds.
• The study presents viable additives and conditions for improved fuel desulfurization.
• The findings contribute to developing more efficient and scalable desulfurization technologies.