Method for removing mercaptans from fluid fluxes

US6740230B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Randolf Hugo · Dirmstein, DE
• Rupert Wagner · Worms, DE
• Thomas Holst · Stuttgart, DE
• Christoph Grossmann · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 9, 2002
• Grant date: May 25, 2004
• Expiry date: Feb 7, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02C20/40
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a process for removing mercaptans from fluid streams comprising same, especially from hydrocarbon gas streams, for example natural gas, synthesis gas from heavy oil or heavy residues or refinery gas, or else from liquid hydrocarbons, for example LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). The invention comprises intimately contacting the fluid stream in an absorption or extraction zone with a scrubbing liquor comprising at least one aliphatic alkanolamine of 2-12 carbon atoms, the amount of wash liquor being supplied to the absorption or extraction zone being sufficient to remove at least CO2 and H2S essentially completely from the fluid stream, and separating the substantially decontaminated fluid stream and the contaminated wash liquor and discharging them from the absorption zone. The substantially complete removal of CO2 and H2S is accompanied by the removal from the gas, stream of a very large portion of the mercaptans as well, without a significant fraction of the hydrocarbon gases dissolving in the wash liquor.