Biodesulfurization of Petroleum Feedstocks: Review of Technical and Economic Issues for Application in Petroleum Refinery Operations

摘要

In 1997, the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) commissioned a study to assess the applicability and feasibility of biodesulfurization technology for the removal of sulfur from gasoline. The study, conducted by a six-member panel selected by the CRC "Novel Methods for Sulfur Reduction in Gasoline and Diesel Group," was to examine information available in the literature on biodesulfurization and compile a report that: 1. Identifies the processes that may work and the research that is critical for the commercial application of biocatalysis to refining gasoline. 2. Addresses major research directions, specific research projects, and goals for each recommended project area. 3. Discusses how biotechnology could be integrated into refinery process operations. In general, the panel concluded that biocatalytic processes to produce a gasoline product having less than 50 ppm sulfur could be ready for commercialization within 4 to 6 years. Major considerations that impact the feasibility and probability of this conclusion include: 4. Location of the refinery plant. 5. Location of the bioprocess in the refinery plant. 6. Bioprocessing costs. This paper presents the findings of the CRC study, outlines a plausible R&D strategy for advancing biodesulfurization to commercial readiness, and reviews competing desulfurization technologies for the low-sulfur fuel market.