Reduction of Mercaptain Sulfur in JPA Jet Fuel Blend Stocks
Summary
The Metallic Lead Sweetening process is recommended as a potential method for reducing mercaptan sulfur in JP4 jet fuel blend stocks.
Development of new jet engines has required parallel development of fuels of the JP4 type. Production of these fuels to Philippine Government specifications is handicapped by lack of process for reducing total mercaptans to 10 ppm or less.
Five processes were therefore evaluated for adequate mercaptan reduction: (1) Caustic Treating; (2) Potassium Cresolate Treating; (3) Air Caustic Sweetening; (4) Bender Sweetening; and (5) Metallic Lead Sweetening. The Caustic and Potassium Cresolate treatments were tested in batch type treats. The other three methods were evaluated in small continuous pilot plant units.
The Bender and Metallic Lead processes were able to reduce mercaptan to specified levels Since the Bender process incurs expense of royalties and catalyst preparation, the Metallic Lead process is recommended.