Sweetening Mercaptans in Kerosene, Jet Fuel, Middle Distillate and Condensate

MERICAT II and MERICAT J | Caustic Sweetening of Mercaptans

MERICAT II and MERICAT J technologies are proven solutions for sweetening heavy mercaptans contained in kerosene, jet, middle-distillate and condensate.

When used with Merichem’s proprietary FIBER FILM® Contactor high-efficiency mass-transfer device, these technologies reduce the CAPEX and space requirements associated with conventional solutions.

MERICAT II Advantages

Used with a carbon bed, this technology is typically applicable to the treatment of kerosene, jet fuel and middle-distillate streams.

  • Reduces mercaptan content
  • Uses caustic to meet mercaptan specifications and pass Doctor tests
  • Often paired with NAPFINING for removal of naphthenic acids as well as AQUAFINING to scrub sodium and surfactants; uses salt and clay treatment for final polishing

MERICAT J Advantages

Used without a carbon bed, this technology requires no carbon handling, purchase, cleaning, maintenance or disposal costs.

  • No carbon fouling or deactivation resulting in off-spec product
  • Extremely effective oxidation reactor for heavy or recombinant mercaptans
  • Capable of removing naphthenic acids without affecting mercaptan oxidation performance
  • Uses proprietary JeSOL®-9 solution, which provides full lifecycle responsibility by Merichem®
  • Eliminates effluent disposal by offering ongoing supply and return of JeSOL®-9 solution
  • Used with FIBER FILM® Contactor
  • Lower cost at high mercaptan levels or high throughput
  • Reduced color body formation
  • Can often be retrofitted into legacy carbon beds to increase capacity and treatability

FFC Plus Technology

Merichem’s most advanced FIBER FILM® Contactor technology to date is used on every MERICAT J installation.

Learn more about FIBER FILM Contactors »

MERICAT II / MERICAT J Applications

  • Kerosene / Jet Fuel
  • Middle Distillate Treatment
  • Crude Distillation Unit
  • FCCU or RCCU
  • Condensates

How It Works

Developed by Merichem®, our proprietary FIBER FILM® Contactor device features ultra-thin, aqueous-wetted fibers that increase the surface area, resulting in significantly greater efficiency of conversion or mass transfer—with little to no emulsification, carryover or high‑pressure drop.

Established Performance

Merichem® has developed proven technologies to the oil and gas industry for nearly three-quarters of a century. We have built a global reputation for expertise in caustic treatment technology and service solutions, delivered with dedicated and responsive service to our customers.

Extensive Capabilities

We are a full-service solution provider. Whether it’s licensing technology, guidance, design, engineering, fabrication, testing or implementation, Merichem® has the resources to fill in your blanks.

Proven Flexibility, Global Reach

All around the world, Merichem® has helped customers address some of their most challenging treatment problems with expertise and tenacity.

We have licensed more than 50 MERICAT II / MERICAT J units worldwide

MERICAT II / MERICAT J
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North America

  • 5 AMINEX Units
  • 21 AQUAFINING Units
  • 126 LO-CAT® Units
  • 70 MERICAT Units
  • 13 MERICAT II / J Units
  • 2 MERICON Units
  • 19 NAPFINING Units
  • 26 REGEN® Units
  • 153 THIOLEX Units
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South America

  • 3 AMINEX Units
  • 14 AQUAFINING Units
  • 8 LO-CAT® Units
  • 4 MERICAT Units
  • 6 MERICAT II / J Units
  • 8 MERICON Units
  • 12 NAPFINING Units
  • 8 REGEN® Units
  • 26 THIOLEX Units
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Europe

  • 6 AMINEX Units
  • 23 AQUAFINING Units
  • 29 LO-CAT® Units
  • 21 MERICAT Units
  • 10 MERICAT II / J Units
  • 5 MERICON Units
  • 14 NAPFINING Units
  • 6 REGEN® Units
  • 43 THIOLEX Units
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Africa

  • 1 AQUAFINING Units
  • 3 LO-CAT® Units
  • 1 MERICAT Units
  • 1 MERICAT II / J Units
  • 4 NAPFINING Units
  • 1 REGEN® Units
  • 2 THIOLEX Units
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Asia

  • 18 AMINEX Units
  • 44 AQUAFINING Units
  • 52 LO-CAT® Units
  • 59 MERICAT Units
  • 22 MERICAT II / J Units
  • 20 MERICON Units
  • 32 NAPFINING Units
  • 20 REGEN® Units
  • 121 THIOLEX Units
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Australia

  • 2 AQUAFINING Units
  • 9 LO-CAT® Units
  • 2 MERICON Units
  • 2 NAPFINING Units
  • 1 THIOLEX Units
Stream Types
MERICAT II / MERICAT J have been used to sweeten mercaptans in the following stream types:
Kerosene / Jet Fuel (31 Units)
Diesel (2 Units)
Naphthas (9 Units)
Others (8 Units)