Abstract
Sulfur compounds are removed from petroleum by the addition of sodium hydroxide at a very high concentration. As a result, a residue called spent soda or spent caustic is generated, being extremely aggressive to the environment. In this work, the chemical properties of this residue are described in detail. The sodium hydroxide remains that have not reacted, sulfur compounds, and organic matter are the primary pollutants reported. Additionally, the main characteristics of the methods of treatment used to reduce them are described. This review comes from comprehensive and updated research and bibliographic analysis about the investigation on the topic. The advantages and disadvantages of the different treatment methods are highlighted. We established some criteria to set out when assessing the application of each one of these treatments is considered.
Highlights
Petroleum is around 85% carbon and 12% hydrogen, while in the remaining 3%, we find several elements that consist mainly of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur
The sulfur compounds limit the direct use of petroleum in any of its forms, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), due to its odorous, corrosive, and environmentally harmful characteristics
The technology used globally for mercaptan removal content in the oil industry is the mercaptan oxidation (MEROX) process [1,2]. It is a catalytic conversion process in which mercaptans react to produce disulfides. It is promoted by a catalyst which activates the oxidation at room temperature, using atmospheric oxygen according to the following reactions: Mercaptan + NaOH to form sodium mercaptan: RSH + NaOH → RSNa + H2 O
Summary
Ernesto Pino-Cortés 1, * , Silvio Montalvo 2 , César Huiliñir 2 , Francisco Cubillos 2 and Juan Gacitúa 2.
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