Optimization of ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization of high sulfur kerosene using response surface methodology (RSM)
An experimental investigation was conducted on the ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization of non hydrotreated kerosene. The influences of various operating parameters including oxidant to sulfur molar ratio (no/ns) formic acid to sulfur molar ratio (nacid/ns) the ultrasound power per fuel oil volume, sonication time, and temperature on the sulfur removal of kerosene have been investigated. Response surface methodology based on Box Behnken design has been employed. 95.46 sulfur removal of kerosene has been achieved in the sonication time of 10.5 min under the optimal oxidation conditions (i.e. no/ns 15.02, nacid/ns 107.8, and the ultrasound power per fuel oil volume of 7.6 W/mL) followed by liquid liquid extraction. More than 90 sulfur removal of kerosene has been achieved in about 3.5 min of sonication followed by the liquid liquid extraction. 70.2 sulfur removal of kerosene has been achieved in the same operating conditions after 3.5 min of oxidation followed by the liquid liquid extraction in the absence of ultrasound irradiation. The effects of the number of extraction stages on the desulfurization and recovery of kerosene have been also investigated.
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy