Process for the desulphurization and upgrading fuel oils

The present invention relates to a method of desulphurizing and cracking hydrocarbons by subjecting the hydrocarbons which have been admixed with certain key components to microwave energy. Through the judicious choice of additives and the use of microwave power, hydrocarbons high in sulphur content and high in molecular weight can be made into useful products which can be burned cleanly and efficiently as a fuel oil. A method of desulphurizing and cracking of hydrocarbons to produce fuel oil. The fuel oil is first admixed with a sensitizer and solid source of hydrogen and, preferably, with a catalyst and a desulphurizing agent. The admixture is then subjected to microwave energy. The method acts to reduce the sulphur content of the fuel oil and cracks the fuel oil into a useful source of clean, burnable energy.