Abstract:
The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a used waste alkali, in which the used waste alkali is oxidized at a superatmospheric pressure in the range from 60 bar to 200 bar. The pressure of the used waste alkali L is increased and then heated by indirect heat exchange. The heated used waste alkali is conveyed into a separator, wherein vaporized aqueous phase is separated from the used waste alkali. The resultant liquid phase is brought to the desired reaction pressure and introduced into an oxidation reactor. In the oxidation reactor, the used waste alkali is oxidized. In a first reaction, thiosulphates are formed from the sulphides. In a second reaction, the thiosulphates are converted into more stable sulphates.
Abstract:
A one-step process for desulfurizing an oxidized sulfone-containing fuel stream, such as a diesel stream, is disclosed where mass transfer and conversion of sulfone occurs simultaneously such that the sulfur atom in sulfone molecule is removed as sulfite to provide a low-sulfur diesel stream. The diesel stream for treatment is obtained as a result of the oxidation of a thiophene-rich diesel stream with an oxidant to provide a sulfone-containing diesel stream. The one-step process uses a single vessel having a shroud of vertical hanging fibers to affect the mass transfer of sulfones in diesel into contacting with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide where it is converted to sulfite and biphenyls. The sulfite-rich aqueous solution and low sulfur diesel are then separately removed from the vessel.
Abstract:
A novel liquid collector assembly has been developed for a reactor used in the sweetening of sour hydrocarbons (e.g. sour gasoline). This refinery process normally involves contacting a reaction liquid, comprising both aqueous (caustic solution) and organic (hydrocarbon) phases, with a fixed bed of oxidation catalyst. The collector assembly design, comprising a piping manifold and a plurality of dependent, vertically aligned, and perforated conduits, allows for improved separation of the reaction products into essentially pure treated hydrocarbon and spent alkaline reagent streams. If sodium hydroxide is used as caustic solution, for example, the treated hydrocarbon product will normally contain less than 1 ppm by weight of sodium.
Abstract:
An improved process is described for removing mercaptan sulfur from sour hydrocarbon distillate streams comprising of treating a sour hydrocarbon distillate stream in two oxidation zones within a reaction vessel. The first treatment occurs in the presence of a fiber bundle and the subsequent treatment over a bed of supported oxidation catalyst. The improvement comprises continuously keeping the bed in contact with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to maintain the catalyst in a caustic-wetted state, without interrupting the operation of the process.
Abstract:
A catalyst and a process for using the catalyst have been developed. The catalyst is a metal chelate dispersed on a basic support which is a combination of a solid base and a secondary component. The solid base can be a solid solution of metal oxides and/or a layered double hydroxide (LDH) and the secondary component can be calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. The process involves contacting a sour hydrocarbon fraction which contains mercaptans with the catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent and a polar compound. Examples of these polar compounds are water and alcohols, with methanol being especially preferred. The process is unique in that the solid solution or LDH are solid bases which eliminates the need for a liquid base. Optionally, an onium compound may be used as a catalyst promoter.
Abstract:
An improved method of treating streams having mercaptan or mercaptan-based compounds therein particularly adapted for the processes of sweetening sour hydrocarbons and regenerating spent caustic solutions is described. The invention comprises contacting a first stream having the mercaptan or mercaptan-based compounds therein with a second stream in the presence of effective amounts of a nitrogen-based promoter to promote the extraction and/or the catalytic oxidation of the mercaptan compounds therein. The invention herein disclosed and described is applicable in a wide variety of apparatus and processes adapted for sweetening and regeneration operations.
Abstract:
Process for the absorption of hydrogen sulphide impurity from gases or liquid hydrocarbons comprising:(a) washing the gas or liquid hydrocarbon containing hydrogen sulphide with an aqueous alkaline solution of(a1) one or more compounds having the formula: ##STR1## or a water-soluble salt thereof, wherein m is 0 or 1 and R is a hydrogen atom or a methyl or carboxy group, and(a2) one or more compounds of a metal capable of existing in at least two valency states;(b) removing sulphur formed by oxidation of hydrogen sulphide; and(c) re-oxidizing the hydroquinone formed from reduction of the compound of formula I.
Abstract:
An improved process for reducing mercaptan (thiol) concentrations of sour petroleum distillates includes the treatment of these sour distillates with peroxy compounds, preferably tertiary butyl hydroxide and cumene hydroperoxide in the presence of oil-dispersible organic amine compounds such as quaternary ammonium hydroxide salts and alkalene polyamines. The preferred organic amine catalyst is Primene 81-R.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for treating hydrocarbon streams such as naphtha by the oxidation of mercaptans into disulfide compounds which remain in the hydrocarbon stream. The conversion is effected during passage of the hydrocarbon and an aqueous stream downward through a cylindrical mass of liquid-liquid contact material. The liquids then flow through a cylindrical screen into an annular separation zone which surrounds a lower part of the contact material. After decantation in the separation zone, the aqueous material, which preferably contains the oxidation catalyst, is recycled.
Abstract:
A method is described by which sour liquid hydrocarbon streams are sweetened by subjecting said streams to oxidizing conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon soluble alkanolamine.