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Simulation and optimization of heavy fuel oil (HFO) refining platform to low sulfur marine fuel (LS-FO) by oxidative desulfurization

  • 0Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Imam Khomeini Marine Sciences, Nowshahr, Iran.
Scientific Reports +

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November 30, 2024

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November 30, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New oxidative desulfurization (ODS) technology effectively reduces sulfur content in marine fuels. This environmentally friendly, hydrogen-free process offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, meeting stringent IMO regulations.

Area Of Science

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Petroleum Refining

Background

  • International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations mandate reduced sulfur content in marine fuels due to environmental concerns.
  • Traditional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is costly and energy-intensive.
  • Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) presents a promising alternative with milder conditions and no hydrogen requirement.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To simulate and examine the process of separating oxidized sulfur compounds from fuel oil using ODS.
  • To optimize ODS parameters for efficient sulfur removal and resource recovery.
  • To evaluate the feasibility of ODS as a viable desulfurization technology.

Main Methods

  • Simulated oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil using acetic acid as a catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.
  • Separation of oxidized sulfones from fuel oil via absorption and distillation.
  • Process simulation to determine optimal operating conditions and analyze sensitivity to key parameters.

Main Results

  • The ODS process successfully reduced sulfur content from 3.5% to below 0.5% by weight.
  • Optimized conditions achieved 98% conversion, with an exergy efficiency of 55.57% and 0.22% final sulfur content.
  • Sensitivity analysis showed increased conversion with larger reactor dimensions and higher hydrogen peroxide flow rates.

Conclusions

  • ODS is an effective and efficient method for marine fuel desulfurization.
  • The simulated process demonstrates significant sulfur reduction under mild operating conditions.
  • ODS offers a sustainable and economically viable solution for meeting global maritime sulfur regulations.

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