Extractive Desulfurization of Gas Oils: A Perspective Review for Use in Petroleum Refineries

Abstract

Refineries process a number of gas oils such as straight run gas oil (SRGO), light cycle gas oil, coker gas oil and visbreaker gas oil for producing a common gas oil pool to be used as a transportation fuel. Considering stringent sulfur standards, new strategies and design modifications are being evaluated for desulfurization of these gas oils with minimum loss of oil during the desulfurization process. In this review, developments in solvent extractive desulfurization of gas oil have been discussed from both fundamental and applied point of views. Various performance indicators used for solvent evaluation/screening in computational and experimental studies are discussed. Particular emphasis has been given on latest developments in performance evaluation of organic and ionic liquid solvents for desulfurization of SRGO and other gas oils. Various possible designs of solvent recovery section to remove solvent from raffinate and extract phases for solvent recycling have been reviewed. Various potential options for the use of extract as high-quality secondary feedstock or co-products to improve the process economics have been reviewed from technical and economic thoughts. Finally, some research gaps are identified to work upon for stimulating the implementation of extractive desulfurization in industry.