Kinetic modelling and process engineering aspects of biodesulfurization of liquid fuels: Review and analysis

Biodesulfurization has been explored (as alternative to hydrodesulfurization) for deep desulfurization of liquid fuels. Previous lab-scale research has demonstrated efficacy of numerous microbial strains for desulfurization of heavy sulfur residues (basically benzothiophenes and their derivatives) in liquid fuels. This review has attempted to present an analysis of biodesulfurization literature from engineering perspective. Numerous kinetic models reported in literature are reviewed after grouping them in four categories on the basis of their approaches and features. Basic equations of these models and the biophysical insights provided by them are analyzed. The merits and limitations of these models from perspective of design of large-scale processes are identified. Process engineering issues of biodesulfurization with different reactor types and free/immobilized microbial cultures have been discussed for batch/continuous mode. Finally, an approximate analysis of sizing of the process for large-scale application is given with possible solutions in terms of improved biocatalyst and process intensification tools. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd