Ultrasound Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization of JP-8 Fuel

The objective of this work is to develop a compact, robust process that reduces the sulfur content of jet fuel to less than 10 ppm prior to its reformation and use in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) fuel cell. The target power range of the SOFC is 2 kW. In addition to military applications, the desulfurization technology will be compatible for SOFCs used for emergency or backup power generation, recreation, and medical power. Using a combination of ultrasound and a novel catalyst, we found near quantitative removal of refractory sulfur species such as dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene from a single 60-min treatment of jet fuel at mild conditions. After a post-treatment polishing step, the sulfur content of JP-8 could be reduced to 50 ppm. In Phase II, we intend to develop the technology by: 1) optimizing catalyst selection and reactor geometry, 2) determining conditions which achieve the targeted sulfur level, 3) converting the batch technology to continuous operation. We intend to deliver a working prototype to the Army for testing in conjunction with their reformer technology at the end of Phase II. Phase III commercialization will be pursued in conjunction with the Army Research Laboratory and private sector SOFC companies.