Production of Ultra-Low Sulfur Fuels by Selective Hydroperoxide Oxidation

Description:

The majority of technology available today for the production of ultra-low sulfur fuels relies on the use of hydrogen and high pressure, and therefore uses capital-intensive equipment. Oxidative desulfurization offers a lower capital alternative to hydrodesulfurization (HDS). Several other oxidative desulfurization technologies have been introduced based on hydrogen peroxide and require the recycle of an organic acid co-oxidant. Lyondell Chemical Company’s oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process uses a hydroperoxide oxidant, eliminating the need to recycle the co-oxidant acid. The company has demonstrated this process in a small continuous pilot unit for several refinery streams, with our focus being predominately on diesel fuel. This process has the capability to produce a clear, colorless diesel with less than 10 ppm of sulfur. Progress has also been made on extending this technology to treat heavy pyrolysis gasoline and FCC gasoline.