Abstract:
A method and process to remove sulfur compounds from a real fuel product of straight-run diesel (SRD) by the action of ozone bubbling and ter-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BUOOH) under normal laboratory conditions is disclosed. Slight desulfurization is taken place after ozone bubbling process which may be assigned to a removal of sulfur compounds in a gaseous form (SO x ). Most of the organically bound sulfur and/or elemental sulfur and hydrogen sulfide still exist in the ozonized samples. Sulfur removal from SRD samples was achieved by combining ozone bubbling with extraction by using different solvents to remove the oxidized sulfur compound (polar) from ozonized samples. This method provides a considerable level of total sulfur reduction where the reduction of sulfur reaches 93%.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a process to remove sulfur from a petroleum real product of straight-run diesel by a combination of ozone and ter-butyl hydroperoxide. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The sulfur removal from light oil is extremely important in the petroleum-processing industry. Several processes have been proposed in the past to deal with the problem of removing these compounds from light oil. The most important and common industrial process is that of treating the fuel under high temperatures and high pressures with hydrogen. This process is called hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and has received extensive attention since its discovery in 1930&#39;s. 
         [0003]    The sulfur compounds contained in petroleum fuels include aliphatic molecules such as sulfides, disulfides, and mercaptans as well as aromatic molecules such as thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, and alkyl derivatives such as 4,6-dimethyl-dibenzothiophene. Where, the conventional HDS technology can desulfurize aliphatic and cyclic sulfur-containing organic compounds on an industrial scale, as in most refineries in the world. Meanwhile, the aromatic dibenzothiophene (DBT) and especially 4,6-alkyl-substituted DBTs are difficult to convert to H 2 S due to the sterically hindered nature of these compounds on the catalyst surface (Shiraishi Y. et al. 2002). Additionally, from environmental and economic viewpoints, it is desirable to develop a more energy-efficient desulfurization process for production of virtually sulfur-free fuel due to the requirements of high temperature, high H 2  pressure and hence a larger reactor as well as an active catalyst. 
         [0004]    Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) has been considered as a further new promising technology for deep desulfurization of light oil because it can be carried out under mild conditions, such as relatively low temperature, pressure and cost of operation when it is compared with HDS (Breysse et al., 2003). This desulfurization process includes two stages: (i) oxidation in a first step; and (ii) liquid extraction at the end. It is evident that the greatest advantages of the ODS process are low reaction temperature and pressure, and that expensive hydrogen is not used in the process. Another feature of ODS is that the refractory S-containing compounds in ODS are easily converted by oxidation. 
         [0005]    Sulfur-containing compounds are oxidized using a selective oxidant to form compounds that can be preferentially extracted from light oil due to their increased relative polarity. Such oxidants include peroxy organic acids, hydroperoxides, nitrogen oxides, peroxy salts and ozone, etc. and such oxidants can donate oxygen atoms to the sulfur in mercaptans (thiols), sulfides, disulfides and thiophenes to form sulfoxides or sulfones (Campos-Martin, et al., 2010). Several oxidation systems have been studied, such as H 2 O 2 /heteropolyanion (phase transfer catalyst) (Wan and Yen, 2007), H 2 O 2 /formic acid system (Hao, et al., 2005). 
         [0006]    Superoxides, for instance, potassium superoxide, have been demonstrated as alternative oxidants for the ODS process. For model compounds of benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, and a number of selected diesel oil samples, sulfur removal greater than 90% and as high as 99% was accomplished (Chan et al., 2008). The results for using this solid potassium superoxide are comparable to or better than the results with liquid hydrogen peroxide for the ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) or ODS process. Super oxide anion, O 2   − ′ is a free radical having one unpaired electron. Many types of superoxides are stable at dry ambient conditions even in high purity. Upon contact with water, it dissociates forming O 2  and H 2 O 2 . Therefore, these materials can provide high active oxygen ratio as in the case of potassium superoxide which has an active oxygen ratio of 45 wt. % (Chan, 2010). In addition, potassium permanganate and sodium superoxide are used efficiently under the effect of UV-irradiation in ultrasound assisted system for inducing oxidative desulfurization of some model sulfur compounds. KMNO 4  and NaO 2  induced removal of sulfur compounds (BT and DBT) with a maximum of &gt;98%. When applying potassium superoxide to marine gas oil, jet propellant  8  and sour diesel in the presence of some of the ionic liquids and under the effect of temperature, the desulfurization brought a maximum of about 98%, 99% and 95%, respectively. 
         [0007]    Using some special additives like ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), magnesium silicate and sodium silicate could enhance the desulfurization process of cooker gas oil (CGO) under the effect of hydrogen peroxide/formic acid system. These additives were selected to catalyze hydrogen peroxide decomposition, thus improving oxidation efficiency and extraction process more effectively. In case of using EDTA with H 2 O 2 /formic acid system, the desulfurization of CGO reached 90% (Hao, et al., 2005). In addition, metal oxides are found to be more reactive towards the compounds of sulfur, especially thioles compounds. Several of metal oxides like MnO 2 , PbO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , MgO 2 , ZnO 2  and silica have been investigated in desulfurization of Jhal Magsi crude oil and its distillation fractions (kerosene and diesel). The results indicate that PbO 2  and MnO 2  caused a more significant effect of sulfur depletion in all three samples (Jhal Magsi crude oil, kerosene and diesel) than in the case of other oxides. According to these studies, lead oxide and manganese oxide achieved a maximum desulfurization in crude oil of about 55.35% and 45.18%, respectively in the case of reaction time 1 hour. In the case of kerosene and diesel, lead oxide achieved a maximum sulfur removal of about 49.05% and 54.54%, respectively, during the reaction time of 1 hour. Increasing the reaction time between magnesium oxide and Jhal Magsi crude oils and its distillate fractions (kerosene and diesel) enhances the desulfurization process (Shakirullah, et al., 2009). 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a process for removing sulfur compounds from a petroleum real product of straight-run diesel (≅1.41 mass %) by using ozone (O 3 ) as oxidizer. The process of AOPs, which involve oxidation of sulfur species by ozone bubbling at room temperature, provides novel process to remove and/or decrease the total sulfur content and to improve quality and environmental safety. 
         [0009]    In one or more embodiments, sulfur reduction levels are measured as a result of introducing ozone into straight-run diesel at room temperature. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, kinematic viscosity at 40° C. is measured as a result of introducing ozone into straight-run diesel at room temperature. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, sulfur removal from straight-run diesel was achieved by combining ozone bubbling with other physical/chemical processes (i.e. L/L extraction and oxidation) which achieved considerable levels of total sulfur reduction in the investigated products. 
         [0012]    According to some embodiments, ozone was bubbled into straight-run diesel and extracted by polar solvents and the levels of total sulfur contents and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. are measured. 
         [0013]    According to further embodiments, ter-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) was used for oxidizing sulfur compounds in SRD and followed by extraction process to remove the oxidized sulfur compounds. 
         [0014]    In embodiments, the achieved sulfur removal from extracted samples was finally investigated. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, kinematic viscosity at 40° C. is measured for the un-extracted and extracted samples. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram for processing steps used for straight-run diesel for desulfurization process. In which, the SRD samples were ozone bubbled and followed by extraction with different solvents to remove the oxidized sulfur. In each step the sulfur content and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. were investigated. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic diagram for another processing steps used for straight-run diesel for ultra-deep desulfurization process. In which, the SRD samples were subjected to ozone bubbling for two times and between each time, the ozonized samples were extracted by polar solvents and investigated for total sulfur content %. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a total sulfur content removal (%) in straight-run diesel (SRD) against ozone bubbling time for various extraction conditions. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a process of oxidation-extraction of dibenzothiophene in straight-run diesel by ozone. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows FTIR spectra of non-ozonized and ozonized straight-run diesel samples. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The present disclosure relates to a process to remove sulfur from a petroleum real product of straight-run diesel by a combination of ozone and ter-butyl hydroperoxide. 
         [0022]    Straight-run diesel (SRD) in this invention comes from a mixture of Arabian light and Arabian heavy—65% by volume Arabian light) with sulfur content of (≅1.41 mass %) received from Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). Its Kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. is equal ˜4.3. All samples were maintained under laboratory temperature (20-25° C.) prior to experimental work. 
         [0023]    Organic compounds (analytical grade) for oxidizing, dissolving, extracting and measuring of SRD were ter-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), acetone, acetonitrile, dimethyl formamide, hexane and toluene were purchased from Merck (Germany), Sigma-Aldrich (UK) and Alfa-Aesar, USA (Table 1). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 List of chemicals used in the present invention. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 No. 
                 Chemical 
                 Source 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 Ter-butyl hydroperoxide, 70% 
                 Alfa-Aesar, USA 
               
               
                 2 
                 Acetone 
                 Sigma-Aldrich, UK. 
               
               
                 3 
                 Acetonitrile (ACN) 
                 Merck, Germany. 
               
               
                 4 
                 Dimethyl formamide (DMF) 
                 Aldrich, Germany. 
               
               
                 5 
                 Hexane 
                 Merck, Germany. 
               
               
                 6 
                 Toluene 
                 Sigma-Aldrich, UK. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0024]    Generation of ultra-pure ozone was produced from pure oxygen using a EXT120-T Ozone Generator (Longevity Resources Inc., Sidney, Canada). The oxygen flow rate was varied from 31-1000 cc/minute and the ozone concentration can be determined according to output setting value on ozone generator and the corresponding ozone concentration output chart (μg/ml). The SRD samples were bubbled at room temperature by ozone at different times and then extracted by various polar solvents. 
         [0025]    The apparatus used to measure the total sulfur content is Spectroil M Oil and Fuel Analysis Spectrometer (SPECTRO INC . QinetiQ North America, Spectroil M Model). The Spectroil M is an optical emission spectrometer that has been specifically designed for the analysis of sulfur and metals in lubricating oil, hydraulic fluids and coolants. Analysis was carried out in accordance with ASTM D-4057. 
         [0026]    The apparatus used to measure the kinematics viscosity is Spectro-Visc Automatic Viscometer (SPECTRO INC . QinetiQ North America, Spectro-Visc Automatic Viscometer Model). The Spectro-Visc is a bench-top semi-automatic kinematic temperature bath viscometer optimized for the analysis of used oil, new lubricants and other fluids. It conforms to the requirements in ASTM D445, D446, D7279, IP 71 and ISO 3104. It is also the ideal system for used oil analysis laboratories that need to test a wide range of lubricant viscosities. The entire cycle time from sample injection to data readout ranges from 4 to 8 minutes per tube when ASTM D445 precision is required. The Kinematics viscosity is the dynamic viscosity divided by the density. 
         [0027]    Various processes or treatments were performed on straight-run diesel samples. Samples (about 120 ml) are exposed to ozone bubbling under normal laboratory conditions (e.g., room temperature (e.g., in the range between about 20 and 23.5° C. (68.0 and 74.3° F.) with an average of 21° C. (70° F.)) and atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 14.7 psi) at different times of exposure 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Then, the ozonized SRD samples were subjected to different extraction processes to remove the oxidized polar sulfur compounds. 
         [0028]    The use of ozone: In this method, 120 ml of SRD was bubbled with ozone under normal laboratory conditions for a period of 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes in tightly closed glass vial of 500 ml at O 2  flow rate of 1000 ml/minute with ozone output of 36 μg/ml (i.e. 36 μg of ozone in 1 ml of O 2 ). The ozone-containing SRD samples were then extracted with ACN and DMF by 1:2 v/v (volume of SRD/volume of solvent used) on one step and two steps. The extracted and un-extracted samples were analyzed with an optical emission spectrometer for total sulfur, and analyzed with viscosity analyzer for kinematic viscosity at 40° C. Three sets of the same extracted SRD samples were analyzed at each point. 
         [0029]    L/L Extraction Process: The extraction of the inorganic sulfur compounds and/or other oxidized sulfur compounds (polar compounds such as thiols, sulfides and disulfides) from processed and un-processed samples was conducted to develop a technology for improved removal of total sulfur of SRD samples. In this respect, the liquid/liquid extraction was conducted using different polar solvents (i.e. dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile and methanol). 
         [0030]    Transfer 50 ml of ozonized straight-run diesel samples to a 250 ml separator funnel and add 100 ml (dimethyl formamide or acetonitrile or methanol). Shake vigorously for 10 minutes and allow a sufficient length of time which ranged over 1 hour (SRD) for complete phase separation. In all mentioned extraction processes, drain the aqueous polar layer from the separator funnel and collect targeted non-polar layer of SRD sample for selected measurements. The second step is the same as previously described but the use of 100 ml solvent on two times of extraction. Where, 50 ml of ozonized SRD samples was added to 50 ml of solvent, extracted from the solvent and separated. Then, take the extracted volume of ozonized SRD sample and add to it an equal volume of solvent and then subject it to further extraction process. 
         [0031]    A schematic diagram illustrates the desulfurization of straight-run diesel by ozone bubbling for a one time as shown in  FIG. 1 . Specifically, at step  100  straight run diesel (SRD) of sulfur content ≅1.41% mass (Weight %) is introduced into a glass vessel of ozone bubbling generator. At step  105 , the SRD is subjected to a first ozone bubbling process. At step  110 , an extraction process is performed using DMF, as described herein. At step  115 , SRD is extracted and at step  120 l total sulfur and other properties are measured, as described herein. For example, after the extraction process, the total sulfur content and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. are analyzed for the un-extracted and extracted samples. 
         [0032]    The use of ozone bubbling twice: 120 ml of SRD was bubbled with ozone for a period of 60 minutes under normal laboratory conditions. Then, the ozonized samples were extracted with DMF by 1:2 v/v (SRD/solvent) in one step. Then, the extracted SRD samples was bubbled again with ozone for a period of 60 minutes under normal laboratory conditions and followed again by the same extraction process using DMF by 1:2 v/v. 
         [0033]    The total sulfur content and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. were analyzed for the un-extracted and extracted SRD samples. 
         [0034]    A schematic diagram illustrates the desulfurization of straight-run diesel by ozone bubbling for two steps followed by extraction of ozone bubbled samples after each step as shown in  FIG. 2 . At step  200 , straight run diesel (SRD of sulfur content ≅1.41% mass is introduced into a glass vessel of ozone bubbling generator. At step  205 , the SRD is subjected to a first ozone bubbling process. At step  210 , an extraction process is perform ed using DMF, as described herein. At step  215 , SRD is extracted and at step  220 , a second ozone bubbling process is performed. The process then returns to step  210 . At step  225 , total sulfur and other properties are measured, as described herein. 
         [0035]    The use of t-BuOOH: t-BuOOH was selected for use as organic oxidizer for inducing oxidative desulfurization of SRD. t-BuOOH was mixed into 120 ml of SRD samples with 6.25 ml, 12.5 ml and 25 ml and stirred well magnetically at room temperature for a one hour. Then the samples were extracted with ACN and DMF by 1:1 v/v (volume of SRD/volume of solvent) one time and two times. The extracted samples were analyzed with an optical emission spectrometer for total sulfur. 
         [0036]    The following is a description of another experiment of desulfurization of SRD by t-BuOOH. In which, 25 ml of t-BuOOH was poured into 120 ml of SRD under vigorous stirring. After that, 50 ml was extracted with 50 ml ACN or DMF for three and four times. The extracted oil samples were analyzed for total sulfur content and kinematic viscosity 40° C. 
         [0037]    To facilitate the presentation of the processing steps applied on crude oil and straight-run diesel, each process will be conducted separately as follows:
       Ozone bubbling only.   Ozone bubbling and extraction (ACN).   Ozone bubbling and extraction (DMF).   Ozone bubbling two times and extraction (DMF) for ultra-deep desulfurization.   Measurement of total sulfur and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of the ozonized and extracted samples.   t-BuOOH and extraction by ACN or DMF.       
 
         [0044]    The characteristics of the straight-run diesel (SRD) samples including kinematics viscosity at 40° C. and total sulfur content (%) were measured for all of the samples. In addition, sulfur removal (%) from targeted samples was determined by the difference in sulfur content in unprocessed and chemically-processed samples. The total percentage of sulfur (%) was determined at least in triplicates for each sample. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     Influence of Ozone Bubbling 
       [0045]    The effect of ozone bubbling was investigated by bubbling ozone at room temperature in 120 ml of SRD for 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes in tightly closed glass vial of 500 ml at O 2  flow rate of 1000 ml/minute with ozone output of 36 μg/ml (i.e. 36 μg of ozone in 1 ml of O 2 ). The results are shown in Table 2 and  FIG. 3 . The results reveal that the desulfurization of SRD increases with increasing ozone bubbling time for the un-extracted samples. The total sulfur removal percentages reached values of 0, 0, 9.22, 17.0 and 28.37% with the ozone bubbling time of 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. It is interesting to notice that when O 3  was introduced into the reaction, the total sulfur in the SRD phase slightly decreased without any further processes indicating slight conversion of organic sulfur compounds to SO x  gases evolved into air. However, the ozone bubbling process alone is not sufficient for high sulfur removal. There are some organic non-polar sulfur compounds in straight run diesel which are converted to polar sulfur compounds by the action of ozone bubbling and have to be extracted by a polar solvent. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  shows a total sulfur content removal (%) in straight-run diesel (SRD) against ozone bubbling time for various extraction conditions. For example, 50 of ozonized samples were extracted by 100 ml of acetonitrile (ACN) and dimethyl formamide (DMF) for one and two times. In this figure, the Y-axis is DMF in percentage and the X-axis is ozone bubbling time, in minutes. In  FIG. 3 , five different samples are shown: unextracted samples, extracted with ACN one time, extracted with ACN two times, extracted with DMF one time, and extracted with DMF two times. 
       Example 2 
     Influence of Ozone Bubbling and Extraction Process 
       [0047]    When O 3  was bubbled into SRD and followed by extraction processes, a significant improvement was observed in the removal of total sulfur content. Ozone bubbling was performed in 120 ml of SRD for 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes in tightly closed glass vial of 500 ml at O 2  flow rate of 1000 ml/minute with ozone output of 36 μg/ml (i.e. 36 μg of ozone in 1 ml of O 2 ). Then the polar sulfur compounds in the ozonized SRD samples were extracted using acetonitrile and DMF (see the results in Table 2 and  FIG. 3 ). In case of extraction using ACN by 1:2 v/v (volume of SRD/volume of solvent) in one time, the total sulfur removal was reported as 20.0, 30.7, 45.7, 55.18 and 62.43%; (extraction with the same ratio for two times) the removal was 30, 42.18, 65.7, 63.3, 81.16% under bubbling of ozone for a time of 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. Moreover, in case of extraction using DMF with the same ratio one time the removal of total sulfur was 51.1, 64, 76.02, 84.62, and 86.56%; (two times) the removal was 60.2, 84.04, 87.9, 90.0 and 94.0% under bubbling of ozone for a time of 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. It was found that DMF has better extractability of sulfur compounds from SRD than ACN. The maximum desulfurization reached 93.86% and 81.16% in case of use of extraction of sulfur compounds by DMF and ACN, respectively for ozone bubbling time of 90 minutes. Although, the extractability of DMF for S-compounds is higher than ACN, the DMF is not easily separated from the oil samples containing S-compounds as ACN. This can be related to the boiling point of DMF (b.p. 153° C.) is higher than boiling point of ACN (b.p. 82° C.). From previous results, it is observed that 60 and 90 minutes of bubbling with DMF showed slightly higher efficiency for sulfur removal process compared with ACN. Additionally, the results of sulfur removal at 90 minutes are slightly higher than of 60 minutes, so the selection of 60 or 90 minutes depends on the economical evaluation of the process. Table 3 shows the kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of the un-extracted and extracted SRD samples. It was found that the kinematic viscosity was not influenced significantly by ozone bubbling followed by extraction process, which proved the validity of the process for sulfur removal. 
       Example 3 
     Use of Ozone Bubbling Two Times Followed by Extraction Two Times for Ultra-Desulfurization Process 
       [0048]    Ozone bubbling into SRD two times produced an ultra-desulfurized SRD where the desulfurization reached 98%. In the following experiment, 120 ml of SRD was bubbled with ozone for 60 minutes. Then, the ozonized samples were extracted with DMF by 1:2 v/v (SRD/solvent) two times. The sulfur removal was equal to 87% (Sulfur content is about 2229 ppm). After that, the extracted samples were bubbled again with ozone for 60 minutes and extracted again with DMF by 1:2 v/v. The sulfur removal was 98%. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Ozone-induced desulfurization (%) of SRD for various durations of ozone 
               
               
                 bubbling at different extraction conditions with ACN and DMF. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Desulfurization, % before and after extraction 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 50 ml 
                   
                 50 ml 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 SRD 
                   
                 SRD 
                   
               
               
                 Ozone 
                   
                 with 
                 50 ml SRD 
                 with 
                 50 ml with 
               
               
                 bubbling 
                 Before 
                 100 ml 
                 with 100 ml 
                 100 ml 
                 100 ml DMF 
               
               
                 time (min) 
                 extraction 
                 ACN 
                 ACN twice 
                 DMF 
                 twice 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 0 
                 0 
                 20 
                 30.0 
                 51.1 
                 60.2 
               
               
                 15 
                 0 
                 30.7 
                 42.18 
                 64 
                 84.04 
               
               
                 30 
                 9.22 
                 45.7 
                 65.7 
                 76.02 
                 87.9 
               
               
                 60 
                 17.0 
                 55.18 
                 63.3 
                 84.6 
                 90.0 
               
               
                 90 
                 28.37 
                 62.43 
                 81.16 
                 86.56 
                 94.0 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. SRD under ozone bubbling for various 
               
               
                 durations for the un-extracted and extracted crude oil with acetonitrile. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. 
               
               
                   
                 of SRD before and after extraction 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 50 ml 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 SRD 
                   
                   
                 50 ml with 
               
               
                 Ozone 
                   
                 with 
                 50 ml SRD 
                 50 ml SRD 
                 100 ml 
               
               
                 bubbling 
                 Before 
                 100 ml 
                 with 100 ml 
                 with 100 ml 
                 DMF 
               
               
                 time (min) 
                 extraction 
                 ACN 
                 ACN twice 
                 DMF 
                 twice 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 0 
                 4.37 
                 4.20 
                 4.12 
                 3.99 
                 4.32 
               
               
                 15 
                 4.56 
                 3.95 
                 4.0 
                 4.08 
                 4.11 
               
               
                 30 
                 4.49 
                 3.97 
                 4.16 
                 4.31 
                 3.74 
               
               
                 60 
                 4.56 
                 3.95 
                 3.95 
                 4.08 
                 4.11 
               
               
                 90 
                 4.64 
                 4.39 
                 4.14 
                 4.03 
                 4.01 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0049]    Sulfur-containing compounds are oxidized using a selective ozone, etc. and such oxidant can donate oxygen atoms to the sulfur in mercaptans (thiols), sulfides, disulfides and thiophenes to form sulfoxides or sulfones (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0050]    FTIR spectra of SRD before and after subjecting to ozone bubbling were characterized by the absorption bands over 2960-2850 cm −1  and two absorption bands at 1459 and 1377 cm −1 , all are associated with CH 2  and CH 3  of aliphatic hydrocarbons (see  FIG. 5 ). It&#39;s clear that, the spectrum of oxidized SRD sample has specific absorption at 1350-1300 cm −1  and 1135-1170 cm −1  which assigned for oxidized sulfur compounds (sulfoxides and sulfones S═O). The spectra showed strong absorption bands in the range of 1800-1640 cm −1  indicate the presence of carbonyl groups (C═O) which probably is due to oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons in SRD sample. 
       Example 4 
     Use of t-BuOOH Followed by Extraction with ACN for Removal of Sulfur Compounds from SRD 
       [0051]    In this experiment, t-BuOOH was selected for use as organic oxidizer for inducing oxidative desulfurization of SRD. TBHO was introduced into 120 ml of SRD samples with different volumes (6.25 ml, 12.5 ml and 25 ml) and stirred well magnetically at room temperature for a one hour period. Then, the samples were extracted with acetonitrile ACN by 1:1 v/v (volume of SRD/volume of solvent) for one, two and three times. The extracted samples were analyzed for total sulfur and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. Table 4 shows the desulfurization of SRD at room temperature under different t-BuOOH concentrations. It is found that the desulfurization increases with the increase of t-BuOOH concentration from 6.25 ml to 12.5 ml then the desulfurization tends to saturate at higher concentrations. The maximum desulfurization was reported as 66.05%. 
         [0052]    Table 5 shows the kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. for all previous stated conditions. The results indicated that there are little differences in the kinematic viscosity under these stated conditions and the kinematic viscosity was not influenced markedly by the action of t-BuOOH. 
       Example 5 
     Influence of Use of t-BuOOH Followed by Extraction with ACN and DMF on Oxidative Desulfurization of SRD 
       [0053]    In this experiment, 120 ml of SRD was included in 500 ml glass vessels and 25 ml of t-BuOOH was added to this sample. This mixture was stirred magnetically for a one hour. After that, 50 ml from the samples was extracted with 50 ml ACN three and four times, and then the extracted oil samples were analyzed for total sulfur in the samples. The results revealed that the extraction of the samples with ACN three and four times induced reduction of total sulfur with 60.05% and 71.64%, respectively. Another 50 ml of SRD reacted with t-BuOOH was extracted with 50 ml DMF three and four times. The results revealed that the extraction process with DMF three and four times produced sulfur removal of 90.5% and 92.5%, respectively. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Oxidative desulfurization of SRD at various t-BuOOH concentrations after 
               
               
                 extraction with ACN. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Desulfurization, % after extraction with ACN 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Volume of 
                 (SRD/ 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
                   
                   
               
               
                 t-BuOOH 
                 ACN, 
                 1/1 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
               
               
                 (ml) in 120 ml 
                 1/2 v/v), 
                 v/v), 
                 1/1 v/v), 
                 1/1 v/v), 
               
               
                 of SRD 
                 one time 
                 two times 
                 three times 
                 four times 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6.25 
                 37.07 
                 43.46 
                 49.45 
                 52.03 
               
               
                 12.5 
                 48.80 
                 50.33 
                 55.88 
                 64.03 
               
               
                 25 
                 40.67 
                 45.7 
                 57.25 
                 66.05 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. of SRD in the presence of various 
               
               
                 t-BuOOH concentrations. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Kinematic viscosity (cSt) at 40° C. 
               
               
                 Volume of 
                 of SRD after extraction 
               
             
          
           
               
                 t-BuOOH 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
                 (SRD/ACN, 
               
               
                 (ml) in 120 ml 
                 1/2 v/v), 
                 1/1 v/v), 
                 1/1 v/v), 
                 1/1 v/v), four 
               
               
                 of SRD 
                 one time 
                 two times 
                 three times 
                 times 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6.25 
                 4.11 
                 4.33 
                 4.26 
                 4.51 
               
               
                 12.5 
                 4.06 
                 4.2 
                 4.51 
                 4.44 
               
               
                 25 
                 3.93 
                 4.25 
                 4.33 
                 4.28 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0054]    The foregoing examples have been provided for the purpose of explanation and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Also, although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.