Oxidative Desulfurization of Diesel from the Topping Plant using 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Hydrogen Sulfate [Bmim][HSO4] as Catalyst

Abstract

This investigation was carried out with the purpose of reducing the sulphur content in diesel from the topping plant and avoiding air pollution, due to the presence of SOx in the emissions, at the same time reduced the corrosion rate in the equipment, machinery or mechanical components of the industry. An oxidative desulphurization (ODS) process was carried out with ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hydrogen sulfate [BMIM][HSO4]) that serves as a solvent and catalyst. H2O2 (30 % wt) was used as an oxidizing agent, because it is benign to the environment. A maximum of 43.14% removal was obtained at a volumetric ratio VIL/Vdiesel (1:1), molar ratio H2O2/S (5) and reaction time (2 hours). In addition, the IL was evaluated after subjecting it to a regeneration process, being able to recycle it only once until it is saturated again; also the physical-chemical properties of diesel were studied before and after of exposed it to the ODS process.