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DESULPHURISATION STUDY OF KEROSENE THROUGH EXTRACTION WITH AQUEOUS IONIC LIQUIDS

ABSTRACT

Desulphurization of jet fuel, diesel oil, heavy residue and commercial furnace oil is carried out through extraction with aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, barium chloride, sodium hydroxide, mercury chloride, arsenic trioxide, potassium iodide, lead acetate, calcium hydroxide, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid. Among the solutions used, HgCl2 and Ca(OH)2 were found to be the most efficient for the removal of sulphur compounds from the fractions understudy at 40 oC temperature and 30 min of shaking time. The total sulphur depletion of 60 % and 58 % has been achieved in case of jet fuel oil, 71 % and 62 % in case of diesel oil, 68 % and 67 % in case of heavy residue and 67 % and 69 %in case of commercial furnace oil with 10% HgCl2 and 5% Ca(OH)2 aqueous solutions, respectively.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Kerosene, a widely utilized aviation and domestic fuel, plays a pivotal role in modern society. However, its combustion emits harmful sulphur-containing compounds, such as sulphur oxides (SOx), which contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation. Stringent regulations have been imposed to mitigate the adverse effects of these emissions, necessitating the development of efficient desulphurisation methods for kerosene. Among various technologies, extraction with ionic liquids (ILs) has emerged as a promising approach for selective sulphur removal due to the unique properties of these solvents.

Ionic liquids are molten salts at low temperatures or liquids at room temperature, consisting of ions with negligible vapour pressure. Their tunable chemical structures and physicochemical properties make them attractive candidates for diverse applications, including separation and extraction processes. Aqueous ionic liquids, in particular, have garnered attention as they offer the advantage of being environmentally benign, non-flammable, and readily available.

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of desulphurising kerosene through extraction with aqueous ionic liquids. By selectively removing sulphur compounds from kerosene, it becomes possible to produce a cleaner fuel that meets or exceeds regulatory standards for sulphur content. The utilization of aqueous ILs for this purpose holds potential benefits in terms of environmental sustainability, safety, and economic viability compared to conventional extraction methods.

The introduction of aqueous ILs as an alternative desulphurisation technique is timely and relevant in the context of global efforts to curb air pollution and combat climate change. The reduction of sulphur content in kerosene not only improves air quality but also extends the lifespan of exhaust treatment systems and reduces engine corrosion, leading to more efficient and eco-friendly energy utilization.

In this study, we present the systematic investigation of various aqueous ILs, focusing on their desulphurisation performance and the influence of crucial parameters, such as IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio. Additionally, the impact of the extraction process on the physicochemical properties of kerosene, such as density, viscosity, and calorific value, will be evaluated to ensure the fuel's overall quality remains unaffected.

By shedding light on the potential advantages of using aqueous ILs for kerosene desulphurisation, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable fuel production and environmental preservation. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to pave the way for the practical application of this innovative desulphurisation approach in the petroleum refining industry, ensuring cleaner and more environmentally friendly kerosene for both domestic and aviation purposes. 

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The widespread use of kerosene as a major fuel source in aviation and domestic applications leads to the release of sulphur-containing compounds, contributing to air pollution and environmental degradation. Stringent regulations mandate the reduction of sulphur content in kerosene to mitigate its adverse effects on human health and the environment. Traditional desulphurisation methods often involve the use of volatile organic solvents, presenting environmental hazards and safety concerns. Thus, there is a pressing need to explore alternative and sustainable desulphurisation techniques for kerosene. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of using aqueous ionic liquids for selective sulphur removal from kerosene. The primary challenge lies in identifying and optimizing the most suitable aqueous ILs and extraction conditions to achieve efficient desulphurisation while preserving the fuel's essential properties and ensuring environmental compatibility.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Main Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of desulphurising kerosene through extraction with aqueous ionic liquids, with a focus on reducing the sulphur content to meet or surpass regulatory standards while maintaining the fuel's essential properties.

Specific Objectives:

1.  To evaluate the desulphurisation performance of different aqueous ionic liquids in terms of their ability to selectively extract sulphur-containing compounds from kerosene.

2.  To investigate the influence of crucial process parameters, such as aqueous IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio, on the efficiency of sulphur removal.

3.  To assess the impact of the extraction process on the physicochemical properties of kerosene, including density, viscosity, and calorific value, to ensure the treated fuel remains suitable for its intended applications.

4.  To compare the environmental and economic feasibility of the proposed aqueous IL-based desulphurisation method with conventional extraction techniques, taking into account safety, sustainability, and potential industrial scalability.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.  How does the desulphurisation performance of different aqueous ionic liquids (ILs) compare in terms of selectively extracting sulphur-containing compounds from kerosene?

2.  What are the optimal process parameters, including aqueous IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio, that yield the most efficient sulphur removal during the extraction process?

3.  How does the extraction of sulphur compounds with aqueous ILs impact the physicochemical properties of kerosene, such as density, viscosity, and calorific value, and how does this influence the fuel's suitability for its intended applications?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Research Question 1: How does the desulphurisation performance of different aqueous ionic liquids (ILs) compare in terms of selectively extracting sulphur-containing compounds from kerosene?

Research Hypothesis 1 (Hypothesis): Certain aqueous ionic liquids will demonstrate superior desulphurisation performance compared to others, effectively removing a higher proportion of sulphur-containing compounds from kerosene.

Null Hypothesis 1 (Null Hypothesis): There will be no significant difference in the desulphurisation performance among different aqueous ionic liquids, and their ability to selectively extract sulphur-containing compounds from kerosene will be comparable.

Research Question 2: What are the optimal process parameters, including aqueous IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio, that yield the most efficient sulphur removal during the extraction process?

Research Hypothesis 2 (Hypothesis): Specific combinations of aqueous IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio will lead to significantly enhanced sulphur removal, resulting in the highest desulphurisation efficiency during the extraction process.

Null Hypothesis 2 (Null Hypothesis): The choice of process parameters, including aqueous IL concentration, contact time, temperature, and kerosene-to-IL ratio, will not significantly impact the desulphurisation efficiency during the extraction process, and sulphur removal will remain relatively constant.

Research Question 3: How does the extraction of sulphur compounds with aqueous ILs impact the physicochemical properties of kerosene, such as density, viscosity, and calorific value, and how does this influence the fuel's suitability for its intended applications?

Research Hypothesis 3 (Hypothesis): The extraction of sulphur compounds using aqueous ILs will have minimal impact on the physicochemical properties of kerosene, with density, viscosity, and calorific value remaining within acceptable ranges for its intended applications.

Null Hypothesis 3 (Null Hypothesis): The extraction of sulphur compounds with aqueous ILs will significantly alter the physicochemical properties of kerosene, leading to variations in density, viscosity, and calorific value, potentially affecting the fuel's suitability for its intended applications.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on the desulphurisation of kerosene through extraction with aqueous ionic liquids. It involves evaluating various aqueous ILs for sulphur removal efficiency and investigating the impact of process parameters on desulphurisation. The study also assesses changes in kerosene's physicochemical properties after extraction.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Desulphurisation: Desulphurisation refers to the process of reducing or removing sulphur-containing compounds from a substance, such as fuels or industrial products, to comply with environmental regulations and minimize harmful emissions.

Kerosene: Kerosene is a type of liquid hydrocarbon fuel derived from crude oil, commonly used for heating, lighting, and as aviation fuel due to its relatively low freezing point and flashpoint.

Aqueous Ionic Liquids: Aqueous ionic liquids are specific types of ionic liquids that are soluble in water, composed of charged ions. They possess unique properties such as low volatility, high thermal stability, and tunability, making them potentially useful in various extraction and separation processes.

Sulphur-Containing Compounds: Sulphur-containing compounds are chemical substances that contain one or more sulphur atoms in their molecular structure. In the context of this study, they refer to the sulphur-based impurities present in kerosene, such as mercaptans, thiophenes, and sulfides.

Physicochemical Properties: Physicochemical properties encompass the physical and chemical characteristics of a substance, including but not limited to density, viscosity, calorific value, and chemical composition.

Desulphurisation Efficiency: Desulphurisation efficiency is a measure of the effectiveness of a desulphurisation process in removing sulphur-containing compounds from a fuel or substance, typically expressed as the percentage of sulphur removed.

Contact Time: Contact time refers to the duration of interaction between the kerosene and the aqueous ionic liquids during the extraction process, influencing the extent of sulphur removal.

Calorific Value: Calorific value is the amount of heat energy released when a specific quantity of fuel is burned completely, serving as an indicator of the fuel's energy content and combustion performance.

Regulatory Standards: Regulatory standards are the prescribed guidelines and limits set by governing bodies or environmental agencies to regulate the permissible levels of sulphur content in fuels to mitigate environmental pollution and comply with emission regulations.