AM-93-61 Merox Processes for Caustic Minimization and Management

Description:

Caustic has long been the mainstay in hydrogen sulfide (H$) scrubbing, acid neutralization, and mercaptan sweetening operations in the refmery. Until recently, disposal of spent caustic was fairly straightforward; for example, disposal was frequently accomplished by deep well injection. However, the steady tightening of environmental regulations in the United States and abroad has made the handling and disposal of spent caustic an expensive and time-consuming proposition. Indeed, some refiners are finding that the disposal of spent caustic is difficult at any price. Because spent caustic of various types represents -38% of the total refinery waste effluent,’ disposal or treatment of this material is becoming a major part of refinery environmental operations.