Exxon Research and Engineering Company

James D Senius

Matthew J Grossman

Michael Siskin

David T Ferrughelli

Robert L Burghoff

Mary K Lee

David L Elmendorf

M Kathryn Lee

A process to remove organic sulfur from organic compounds and organic carbonaceous fuel substrates containing sulfur compounds having sulfur-carbon bonds is disclosed. The steps of the process include oxidizing the sulfur species to the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form, and reacting the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form in an aqueous media of the reacting step including a hydride transfer reducing agent. In a particular embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium formate, the oxidizing agent is a microorganism as exemplified by Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or Rhodococcus species ATCC 55310 or combinations thereof.

Method for the removal of organic sulfur from carbonaceous materials

A process is provided for removing organic sulfur from a sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous fuel substrate such as coal or petroleum products having sulfur-carbon bonds. The process comprises contacting the substrate with a microorganism having all the identifying characteristics of Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or ATCC 55310 which cleaves the sulfur-carbon bonds resulting in the removal or the organic sulfur from the substrates.

Rhodococcus species for removing sulfur from organic carbonaceous fuel

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Easton, PA, United States of America

James D Senius