ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuels: the effect on mass transfer resistance

Due to the strict environmental laws regarding the amount of sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon fuels, the use of a desulfurization method that is economical and safe is very important. due to the disadvantages of hydrotreating technology, on the operating conditions, costs and safety as well as environmental protection, the oxidative desulfurization (ods) as an alternative technology has been developed. the oxidative process usually involves a two-phase (aqueous-organic) system. therefore, the mass transfer resistances in this system are very important. using ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (uaod) technology, the mixing rate and the contact surface of the phases can be increased. the uaod technology estimate capital costs less than half the cost of a new high-pressure hydrotreater. the physical and chemical mechanisms of the uaod process and how to investigate the effect of ultrasonic waves on mass transfer resistances are discussed in this work.