Читать книгу Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy - James Speight G., James G. Speight - Страница 155

The biocatalyst desulfurization of a fuel is one of a number of possible modes of applying biologically-based processing to the needs of the renewable fuel industry. In addition, mycobacterium goodie has been found to desulfurize benzothiophene to produce α-hydroxystyrene.

Biodesulfurization is a technology to remove sulfur from the feedstock. However, several factors may limit the application of this technology. Many ancillary processes novel to crude oil refining would be needed, including a biocatalyst fermenter to regenerate the bacteria. The process is also sensitive to environmental conditions such as sterilization, temperature, and residence time of the biocatalyst. Finally, the process requires the existing hydrotreater to continue in operation to provide a lower sulfur feedstock to the unit and is more costly than conventional hydrotreating. Nevertheless, the limiting factors should not stop the investigations of the concept and work should be continued with success in mind.

See also: Refining.