Abstract: A robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant is employed for oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbon feedstocks including petroleum fuels. Even at low concentrations, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks without catalyst. Consequently, the oxidation reactions that employ the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant take place at substantially lower temperatures and shorter residence times than reactions in other oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation processes. As a result, a higher percentage of the valuable non-sulfur and non-nitrogen containing components in the hydrocarbon feedstock are more likely preserved with the inventive process. Desulfurization and denitrogenation occur in a single phase non-aqueous environment so that no phase transfer of the oxidant is required.

Abstract: An improved oxidative process that employ a robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant for effective desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbons including petroleum fuels, hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (VGO), non-hydrotreated VGO, petroleum crude oil, synthetic crude oil from oil sand, and residual oil. Even at low concentrations and without the assistance of catalysts, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks. Furthermore, the process generates a valuable organic acid by-product that is also used internally as the extractive solvent for effective removal of the oxidized sulfur and nitrogen from the hydrocarbons without the need of a final adsorption step. Novel process steps are also disclosed to substantially prevent yield loss in the oxidative process.

Abstract: A robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant is employed for oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbon feedstocks including petroleum fuels. Even at low concentrations, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks without catalyst. Consequently, the oxidation reactions that employ the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant take place at substantially lower temperatures and shorter residence times than reactions in other oxidative desulfurization and denitrogenation processes. As a result, a higher percentage of the valuable non-sulfur and non-nitrogen containing components in the hydrocarbon feedstock are more likely preserved with the inventive process. Desulfurization and denitrogenation occur in a single phase non-aqueous environment so that no phase transfer of the oxidant is required.