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Intensification of extractive desulfurization in micro-channels using triethylamine/propionic acid as deep eutectic solvent

Year: 2023

Journal: Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification, Volume 191, 2023-09-01, page 109459

Authors: Mahdavi, Ahmad Reza; Sobati, Mohammad Amin; Movahedirad, Salman

Keywords: Deep desulfurization; Deep eutectic solvent; Fuel; Micro-channel; Refractory sulfur compounds

In this study, the extractive desulfurization from the model fuel was investigated in different micro-channels using triethylamine/propionic acid with the molar ratio of 1 to 3 ([TEA:3Pr]) as DES. In this regard, the effect of operating parameters (i.e., extraction time, temperature, and fuel to DES volume ratio) and micro-channel geometrical parameters (i.e., the diameter of the micro-channel, and length of the micro-channel) on the sulfur removal and volumetric mass transfer coefficient was investigated. Moreover, the effect multiple extractive desulfurization cycles, regeneration of spent [TEA:3Pr] has been also investigated. It was found that the best geometry for the micro-channel is 0.6 mm in the diameter and 20 cm in length considering the sulfur removal and mass transfer. The slug and throat-annular flow regimes were observed in the different micro-channels through two-phase flow visualization. The achieved sulfur removal was 70.8%, 68.7%, and 44.4% from the model fuels containing dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT), and thiophene (Th) in a very short residence time of 17 s, respectively. The overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in the micro-channel was 0.679 s−1 in the fuel to DES volume ratio of 5. It was also found that deep sulfur removal can be achieved using multiple-extraction cycles.