Optimization analysis of mixing-assisted oxidative desulfurization of model sulfur compounds using commercial ferrate(VI)

Mixing-assisted oxidative desulfurization of benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) was investigated using commercial ferrate(VI). The effect of operating parameters such as temperature (50-70 degrees C), agitation speed (7,600-14,000 rpm), and mixing time (10-30 min) were examined in relation to sulfur reduction. Optimization experiments were carried out using Box-Behnken design under response surface methodology to evaluate the significance of operating variables. Results show that optimum sulfur reduction of 84.35% for BT could be attained at 15.42 min, 12,198 rpm, and 52.22 degrees C. Moreover, a 93.68% sulfur reduction for DBT could be achieved at 14.43 min, 8,704 rpm, and 51.26 degrees C. Using the optimized conditions, diesel oil was oxidized and showed a sulfur reduction of 58.03 and 93.15% for BT and DBT, respectively.