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Method of reducing sulfur in hydrocarbon feedstock using a membrane separation zone

  • US 7,267,761 B2
  • Filed: 09/26/2003
  • Issued: 09/11/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A process for reducing sulfur content in a hydrocarbon feedstock containing sulfur, the process comprising:

  • (a) contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock with a Fractionation Zone to produce under catalytic distillation conditions at least Fraction (1) and Fraction (2), wherein each fraction contains sulfur, and Fraction (1) has a final boiling point that is lower than that of Fraction (2),(b) contacting Fraction (1) with a Membrane Separation Zone, said Membrane Separation Zone containing a membrane having a sufficient flux and selectivity to separate a sulfur-enriched permeate fraction and a sulfur deficient retentate fraction, and said sulfur enriched permeate fraction being enriched in sulfur compared to Fraction (1);

    (c) recovering the sulfur deficient retentate fraction;

    (d) contacting said sulfur enriched permeate fraction of (b) and said Fraction (2) of (a), separately or as a combination, with a Desulfurization Zone to reduce the sulfur content of the sulfur enriched permeate fraction and Fraction (2); and

    (e) recovering a hydrocarbon stream from the Desulfurization Zone wherein the hydrocarbon stream has a reduced sulfur content, relative to the sulfur-containing feedstock.

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