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LPG and Naphtha Sweetening Process

Sweetening refers to the conversion of mercaptans (RSH) to disulfides (RSSR) to remove sulfur from LPG and other hydrocarbons. For LPG, mercaptans are extracted in one column and regenerated to disulfides in a second column, reducing the sulfur content. For naphthas and jet fuels, mercaptans are converted to disulfides in a fixed-bed reactor, keeping the sulfur content the same. Operating costs are low, requiring under 0.1 kWh/barrel of electricity and chemical costs of cents/barrel. Capital costs are $2-3 million for a 10,000 BPD unit.

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141 views3 pages

LPG and Naphtha Sweetening Process

Sweetening refers to the conversion of mercaptans (RSH) to disulfides (RSSR) to remove sulfur from LPG and other hydrocarbons. For LPG, mercaptans are extracted in one column and regenerated to disulfides in a second column, reducing the sulfur content. For naphthas and jet fuels, mercaptans are converted to disulfides in a fixed-bed reactor, keeping the sulfur content the same. Operating costs are low, requiring under 0.1 kWh/barrel of electricity and chemical costs of cents/barrel. Capital costs are $2-3 million for a 10,000 BPD unit.

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CHAPTER 26

SWEETENING

Sweetening here refers to the conversion of mercaptans (RSH) to


disulfides (RSSR). In the case of LPG (C3’s and C4’s), the mercap-
tan in extracted in one column and the solution regenerated in a
second column where the disulfide forms a separate layer from the
regenerated solution. The sulfur content of the LPG is reduced by
the amount of mercaptan extracted. A typical example of this pro-
cess is illustrated in Figure 26–1.

Fig. 26–1 Merox Treating—LPG unit

343
PETROLEUM REFINERY P ROCESS ECONOMICS

In the case of naphthas, jet fuels, etc., the mercaptans are converted in
a fixed-bed reactor. The disulfides remain in the sweetened hydrocarbon liq-
uid, so there is no decrease in sulfur content. Figure 26–2 is representative
of this process.

Fig. 26–2 Merox Liquid Treater

Operating requirements for sweetening consist of electric power and


chemicals. Electric power is less than 0.1 kWh per barrel of feed and chem-
ical cost is in the cents per barrel range. Capital cost is about $2 million for
a 10,000 BPD LPG treater the first of 1991 and approximately $3 million
to sweeten 10,000 barrels of naphtha or jet fuel.

344
CHAPTER 26 • SWEETENING

References
Anon., Hydrocarbon Processing, April, 1982, p. 124

Ibid., April, 1988, p. 67

Anon., Processing Guide, UOP Brochure, 1975

Asselin, G.F., and Stormont, D.H., Oil & Gas Journal, January 4,
1965, pp. 90-93

Brown, K.M., “Commercial Results with the UOP Merox Process,”


presented before Francaise des Techniciens du Petrole, Deauville,
June, 1960

Brown, K.M., Verachtert, T.A., Asselin, G.F., and Salazar, J.R.,


“Applications and Developments in the UOP Merox Process,”
1977 Technology Conference

Cromwell, C.A., Hydrocarbon Processing & Petroleum Refiner, April,


1962, pp. 154-156

Embry, C.A., Tindle, A.W., and Wood, J.F., Hydrocarbon Processing,


February, 1971, pp. 125-126

Salazar, J.R., Meyers' Handbook of Petroleum Refining Processes,


McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1986, pp. 9-4 to 9-13

Staehle, B.H., Verachtert, T.A., and Salazar, J.R., Merox 1984, UOP
Process Division publication, October 29, 1984

345

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