Deep desulfurization of diesel by integrating adsorption and microbial method

Aiming for the deep desulfurization of diesel, a novel adsorption–bioregeneration system was constructed by combining adsorption and biodesulfurization processes. The sequence of adsorption capacity of DBT (dibenzothiophene) is AC (activated carbon) > NiY > AgY > alumina > 13X. The sequence of selectivity of DBT toward naphthalene is NiY > AgY > alumina ≈ 13X > AC. For hydrotreated diesel, MAS (mesoporous aluminosilicates) showed high adsorption capacity, while MCM-41 and NaY showed low adsorption capacity. The bioregeneration process of these adsorbents was also carried out with P. delafieldii R-8 cells. Adding P. delafieldii R-8 cells can improve DBT desorption from adsorbents. The desorption of DBT from adsorbents by bioregeneration follows the sequence: 13X > alumina > AgY > NiY > AC. Ag-MAS can be completely regenerated in in situ adsorption–bioregeneration system.