Comparative assessment of SDBS, SLS, alumina nanoparticles, and kerosene-based systems for the selective removal of vanadium, nickel, and sulfur from crude oil

Abstract

The removal of heteroatoms and trace metals such as vanadium, nickel, and sulfur from heavy crude oil remains a critical challenge in the petroleum industry due to their adverse impact on refining processes and the environment. This study investigates the effectiveness of different additive systems in reducing these contaminants in crude oil from the East Baghdad oil field. A comprehensive comparative evaluation was conducted using individual surfactants, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles, pure kerosene, a kerosene–alumina mixture, and a novel ternary nanofluid composed of kerosene, alumina nanoparticles, and SDBS. The alumina nanoparticles were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to confirm their thermal stability, crystalline phase, and surface morphology. Ultrasonic-assisted dispersion was employed at varying temperatures (20 °C to 75 °C) and exposure durations (15–60 min). The ternary nanofluid demonstrated superior performance, achieving maximum reductions of 90% in vanadium, 86% in nickel, and 70% in sulfur content at 75 °C after 60 min. These results highlight the synergistic interaction among the surfactant, solvent, and nanoparticles, suggesting a promising, energy-efficient pathway for the selective removal of heavy metal and sulfur contaminants from crude oil. This study contributes a scalable and environmentally conscious approach to advancing the purification of heavy crude oils using nanofluid-assisted ultrasonic treatment.

Keywords

Nanoparticle / Crude oil upgrading / Surfactant / Metals removal / Ultrasonic treatment

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