Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy... – Petroleum oil or shale oil treating
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-11
2004-10-26
Beisner, William H. (Department: 1744)
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Process of utilizing an enzyme or micro-organism to destroy...
Petroleum oil or shale oil treating
C435S252100, C435S829000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06808919
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to biodesulfurization of hydrocarbons and, more particularly, to a bioactive material and method using same for breaking down complex organic sulfur-containing compounds within a hydrocarbon so as to facilitate removal of same.
Sulfur content in hydrocarbons is an important concern for numerous reasons, particularly when the hydrocarbon is to be used as a fuel. Numerous methods, systems and compositions are known and used for removal of sulfur from the hydrocarbon. Although these are somewhat effective, problems remain.
Sulfur is particularly difficult to effectively remove when it is present in organic sulfur-containing compounds, such as dibenzothiophene. The normal degradative pathway for dibenzothiophene (DBT) results in a different, but still complex organic sulfur-containing compound, such as 3-hydroxy-2-formilbenzothiophene, and removal of this compound undesirably removes carbon from the hydrocarbon.
In light of the foregoing, it is clear that the need remains for addressing the removal of sulfur when present in complex organic compounds.
It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide a method and bioactive material which are well suited to this removal.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and bioactive material which are useful for reducing the C15+ fraction of a hydrocarbon, and thereby further improving the characteristics of same.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a process is provided for treating liquid hydrocarbon, which process comprises the steps of providing a liquid hydrocarbon containing organic sulfur-containing compounds; providing a bioactive material selected from or derived from members of genus Alcaligenes; and exposing said liquid hydrocarbon to said bioactive material under effective conditions such that said bioactive material interacts with said organic sulfur-containing compounds and transforms said organic sulfur-containing compounds into inorganic sulfur compounds. These inorganic sulfur compounds can then be more easily separated from the hydrocarbon.
A bioactive material is also provided.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2521761 (1950-09-01), Strawinski
patent: 5358870 (1994-10-01), Monticello et al.
patent: 558682 (1998-06-01), None
Ranson Isora
Rivas Carmen M.
Bachman & LaPointe P.C.
Beisner William H.
Intevep S.A.
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