What is merox catalyst?
Merox is an acronym for mercaptan oxidation. It is a proprietary catalytic chemical process developed by UOP used in oil refineries and natural gas processing plants to remove mercaptans from LPG, propane, butanes, light naphthas, kerosene and jet fuel by converting them to liquid hydrocarbon disulfides.
How does the presence of mercaptans affect petroleum products?
Mercaptans are the most harmful impurities distributed among petroleum products. They cause foul odor, deterioration of additives in finished products and are corrosive [1]. There are various methods to remove mercaptans but the major one is the catalytic oxidation in the presence of caustic solution and air.
What is the impact of amine contamination in merox sweetening unit for LPG treatment?
Amine carry over with LPG will lead to Amine levels lost and H2S slippage into Caustic prewash. H2S slippage will lead to premature exhaustion of Caustic prewash and frequent replenishment of Prewash Caustic.
What is mercaptan in natural gas?
Mercaptan is also known as methanethiol and is a harmless but pungent-smelling gas which has been described as having the stench of rotting cabbages or smelly socks. It is often added to natural gas, which is colorless and odorless, to make it easier to detect.
Are mercaptans soluble in water?
Methyl mercaptan is very soluble in water. Its solubility at 20°C is approximately 23.3 g/L (EPA 1983).
What is the Merox process?
The Merox process requires an alkaline environment which, in some process versions, is provided by an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base, commonly referred to as caustic.
What is Merox WS-2 catalyst?
UOP Merox WS-2 catalyst is specially formulated to selectively oxidize mercaptans in liquid-liquid Merox LPG extraction units. It is available in a variety of packaging options to fit the needs of any installation.
Why Merox process is preferred for jet fuel sweetening?
The merox process is preferred for jet fuel sweetening over hydrotreating, because it is less expensive and jet fuel’s high sulfur limit (3,000 ppm) does not require the removal of the other sulfur compounds that hydrotreating provides.
What is the alkaline environment for Merox process?
The Merox process requires an alkaline environment which, in some process versions, is provided by an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base, commonly referred to as caustic. In other versions of the process, the alkalinity is provided by ammonia, which is a weak base.
