Refining of Liquid Fuels

Gasoline contains several types of sulfur compounds, including mercaptans. These compounds can be removed from gasoline using activated carbons impregnated with sodium hydroxide. Usually active carbons containing 10 to 15% sodium hydroxide are used. The removal of mercaptans involves adsorption on the carbon surface and a chemical reaction with sodium hydroxide. 

The gasoline is passed through a bed of carbon and sodium hydroxide. The carbon bed can be regenerated by passing steam through the bed and by recharging with sodium hydroxide. 

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