Technologies

FIBER FILM® Contactor Technologies

The heart of many of Merichem Process Technologies application is the non-dispersive FIBER FILM® Contactor mass transfer device. By not dispersing the aqueous phase into the continuous hydrocarbon, there is no need to coalesce the dispersed droplets and as result the usual pots and pans (for bulk and residual aqueous phase removal from the hydrocarbon phase) are unnecessary. In addition, non-dispersive contacting of the phases allows smaller separator vessels to be used which translates into reduced capital investment and plot space requirements.

The FIBER FILM® Contactor is highly efficient due to the massive aqueous-hydrocarbon interfacial surface area created in the fiber-packed Contactor as the aqueous phase “coats” each metallic fiber creating a thin film The aqueous phase remains on the fibers while the hydrocarbon phase contacts the aqueous phase as the hydrocarbon passes through the bundle of aqueous-wetted fibers. As the hydrocarbon phase passes through the Contactor, the drag force between it and the aqueous phase moves the aqueous phase down and along the fibers, constantly renewing the aqueous surface on the fibers in contact with the hydrocarbon phase. The aqueous phase continues along the fibers and disengages only when it enters the aqueous phase layer at the bottom of the separator vessel. The treated hydrocarbon phase exits the FIBER FILM® Contactor and leaves the separator vessel essentially free of any entrained aqueous phase. Extremely high mass transfer efficiency is achieved with negligible caustic entrainment, because the aqueous phase is never dispersed into the hydrocarbon phase.

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Spent Caustic Regeneration & Treatment Technologies

REGEN® technology most times is coupled with the extractive THIOLEX™ technology to regenerate (via oxidation) the mercaptide-rich caustic emanating from the extractive system. It can also be used with other conventional mercaptan extraction systems. Since mercaptan extraction mandates a significant driving force in terms of caustic concentration (specifically free NaOH), REGEN® investment cost is easily justified for most applications on caustic consumption savings alone.

Conversely, MERICON™ technologies are applied when it is not cost-effective to regenerate the spent caustic stream. Through oxidation, acidification and/or neutralization unit operations, the spent caustic is converted to a neutral brine effluent with minimal oxygen demand and odor suitable for routing to wastewater treatment plant, refinery outfall, biological treatment, evaporation pond, etc.

Lastly, the combination of MERICAT™/ECOMERICAT™ is the most efficient way to sweeten gasoline, recover phenolic compounds from caustic and contend with phenolic caustic in a dual-stage treatment step. The process involves using carbon dioxide to neutralize phenolic caustic, after its use in gasoline sweetening, allowing recovery of phenols into the sweetened gasoline. The end-results are retention of a valuable gasoline component (phenol) and an environmentally-friendly brine effluent with lower COD demand (via phenolate reduction) ready for further processing within the refinery waste water treatment facilities.

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Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Technologies

Regenerable Iron-Redox

Iron has long been known to be an effective catalyst for the oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur. The LO CAT® technology is a patented, wet scrubbing, liquid redox system that uses a chelated iron solution to convert H2S to innocuous, elemental sulfur. It does not use any toxic chemicals and does not produce any hazardous waste byproducts. The environmentally safe catalyst is readily available and since it’s continuously regenerated in the process, less catalyst is used, more money is saved.

The LO CAT® process is applicable to all types of gas streams including air, natural gas, CO2, amine acid gas, biogas, landfill gas, refinery fuel gas, etc. The liquid catalyst adapts easily to variations in flow and concentration. Flexible operation allows 100% turndown in gas flow and H2S concentrations. Units require minimal operator attention.

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Sacrificial Scavengers

SULFUR RITE® is a solid based sacrificial material that is selective to H2S and light mercaptans. Instead of absorbing H2S, the SULFUR RITE® material chemically changes H2S into the stable iron pyrite compound. It is especially effective where removal of other gas components, such as CO2, is not required.

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The ELIMINATOR® is an amine-based sacrificial material does not form salts that can lead to H2S release upon heating or acidification. H2S and organic sulfides react with The ELIMINATOR to form a byproduct without the danger of an uncontrolled release of H2S common to MEA, DEA, MDEA, and NaOH.

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The John T. Files
Technical Center

The John T. Files Technical Center is home to Merichem’s Research & Development team. These dedicated Engineers & Scientists ensure the core technical competencies developed over years are continuously improved and employed to support the technical offerings of the Company and drive innovative solutions for the future. Merichem currently holds 20 active patents.

Patents

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