Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Desulfurization of Heavy Oil–Oxidative Desulfurization (ODS) As Potential Upgrading Pathway for Oil Sands Derived Bitumen

Energy Fuels, 2012, 26 (1), pp 594–602
Desulfurization of Heavy Oil–Oxidative Desulfurization (ODS) As Potential Upgrading Pathway for Oil Sands Derived Bitumen
Rashad Javadli and Arno de Klerk*
deklerk@ualberta.ca
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2V4, Canada.
Abstract
Most of the sulfur in heavy oil is found in bulky thiophenic structures, which is difficult to remove by catalytic hydrodesulfurization.  However, it can readily be oxidized. The sulfoxides and sulfones produced from sulfur oxidation can be solvent extracted from the heavy oil as a result of their increased polarity.
Authors studied the oxidative desulfurization of heavy oil using Canadian Cold Lake bitumen, with air as oxidant. At experimental conditions, 46–47% of the sulfur in the bitumen could be removed. This is equivalent to >20 kg sulfur per ton oil.
Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ef201448d

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