Adsorption of sulfones from actual oxidized diesel oil in the frame of oxidative desulfurization: A process optimization study using activated clay

Abstract

Fossil-fuel derived oils in its raw form can be treated by oxidative desulfurization (ODS) to effectively remove sulfur compounds . The ODS technology undergoes an oxidation followed by the adsorption process. This research focuses on the integration of a process optimization on the latter part of the ODS. Specifically, the utilization of the activated clay adsorbent in the oxidized diesel oil was comprehensively examined. A Box-Behnken design under the response surface methodology in the adsorption process was utilized to investigate the sulfur reduction parameter by the process variables of initial pH (pH 1 to pH 5), adsorbent dosage (1 g–5 g), and adsorption temperature (25 °C–55 °C). The identification of the significant level was studied through the analysis of variance for the individual process variable and the variable interactions. The result indicated that the adsorbent dosage was an extremely significant ( p-value < 0.0001) process variable. The optimal sulfur reduction of 91.9% in the oxidized diesel oil can be obtained at the conditions of pH 1.19, 4.99 g, and 25.8 °C by the process variables of pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature, respectively. The results of the research study demonstrate an innovative applicability of the activated clay in the oxidized diesel oil in the frame of ODS. This further supports the prospective usability of the clay material adsorbent for future industrial applications in the field of desulfurization. • Actual oxidized diesel oil was used to adsorbed sulfones with activated clay. • Box-Behnken design was utilized to determine optimum results for sulfur reduction. • Adsorbent dosage was found to be extremely significant ( p -value < 0.0001). • Optimal conditions were achieved at pH 1.19, 4.99 g adsorbent dosage, and 25.8 °C.