A DESIGN FOR PHOTOCHEMICAL DESULFURIZATION AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION FOR LIGHT OIL

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of a design suggested for a desulfurization of light oils through organic two phase liquid-liquid extraction, photochemical oxidation and photodecomposition of the sulfur compounds, using a high pressure mercury lamp. Photochemical desulfurization process is comprised of two stages. The first consist of the transfer of sulfur-containing compounds from the light oil to an aqueous-soluble polar solvent. This is then followed by the photooxidation and photodecomposition of the sulfur-containing compounds in the solvent by ultraviolet irradiation from a high pressure mercury lamp. The process is carried out under conditions of room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Solvent extraction with acetonitrile was investigated at differents oil/solvent ratios. After extraction with acetonitrile the sulfur content in gasoline decreased from 316 ppm to 47.7 ppm, and that in light gas oil from 988 ppm to 101.2 ppm or with 84.9 and 89.75%, respectively. Mercury lamp photochemical process and effect of solvent have been discussed.