Naphthenic acid removal in model and real aviation kerosene mixture

Abstract

Bovine bone activated charcoal (CAB) was evaluated for its ability to remove n- dodecanoic carboxylic acid (ACD) in model and real mixture of aviation kerosene through kinetic and adsorption equilibrium data. In the kinetic test, for both model and real mixture, equilibrium was reached in 180 min, and this result indicated relatively fast adsorption when compared to the use of other adsorbents presented in the literature, such as mesoporous sieves and modified perovskites. In the adsorption isotherm, it was found that the amount adsorbed in the equilibrium in model and real mixture was 600 and 780 mg g−1, respectively. The model with the best fit was that of Freundlich. CAB also proved to be more efficient at removing ACD, when compared to the polymer filtration system used by the fuel distribution company. Thus, CAB can become a viable, inexpensive option with the possibility of regeneration to be used as a filter material.