The Latest Trend in Lowering Sulfur in Automotive Fuels

摘要

In Japan, regulations on gas exhaust by automobiles grow stepwise stricter to improve the atmospheric environment of large cities and, in particular, to reduce the contents of nitrogen oxides (NO{sub}x) and suspended paniculate matter in the atmosphere. Specifically, the sulfur content in fuel can be reduced, whether found in gasoline or light oil. Technology for the after treatment of gases exhausted by automobiles is needed. The trends in a lowering of sulfur content in automotive fuels are similar in Japan, the United States, and Europe. In Japan, last year, the Petroleum Federation announced possible periods of the beginning of the supply of totally sulfur-free (sulfur content of below 10 ppm) automotive fuels, 2007 for light oils, and 2008 for gasoline, the partial supply of both items starting in 2005. In Europe and the United States, the total desulfurization of automotive fuels is expected at earlier stages [1]. In this work, trends in lowering sulfur content in automotive fuels in Japan, Europe, and the United States is considered, and the effect of the sulfur content on the newest techniques of after treatment used in diesel engines is discussed. We focus on the present-day intensification of regulations on exhaust gases. Simultaneously, the author considers the technology of petroleum purification to some extent, performed with the purpose of lowering sulfur contents in automotive fuels.