Since 1974, Merichem Chemicals & Refinery Services LLC’s Process Technology Division (PTD) has been providing technology solutions to the hydrocarbon process industry. The most widely applied technologies employ the FIBER-FILM™ Contactor, which essentially eliminates the problems associated with conventional dispersive mass transfer methods to remove hydrocarbon contaminants such as acid gases, sulfur, organic acids and basic compounds.
PTD is also engaged in the design and fabrication of modularized process units utilizing its proprietary technology. With a fabrication facility in Houston and qualified fabrication partners worldwide, PTD can manage the entire project, from design through start-up.
In addition to the development, engineering, fabrication, and sale of innovative technologies for treating H2S, mercaptans, and other impurities in gas and liquid hydrocarbon streams, Merichem Chemicals & Refinery Services LLC is a world leader in providing services for management of caustic streams and the production of catalysts for treating processes and naphthenic chemicals for a variety of industries.
The FIBER-FILM™ Contactor Technology
Each treating system is custom-designed to meet customer requirements, then engineered and fabricated to the customer's specifications. Whether your need is for a completely new facility or a minimum retrofit to upgrade existing equipment, Merichem has the solution. Merichem’s minimum scope of supply includes:
- Complete basic engineering design
- Fabrication of FIBER-FILM™ Contactors and other proprietary and special equipment
- Operating and maintenance manuals
- Process licensing
- In-plant technical services and engineering support prior to start up and during operation
Additional services available at the client's option include:
- Detailed engineering design
- Fabrication of modularized systems
- Installation supervision
- Operator training and start-up assistance
The John T. Files Technical Center, Merichem's Houston research center, supports the development of new applications of FIBER-FILM™ Contactor technology and other technologies for the refining and petrochemical industries. Our research staff welcomes the challenge of creating an innovative application that meets your needs.
FIBER-FILM™ Contactor technology is backed by the engineering know-how of our technical services department. Merichem engineers and technicians take pride in their record of long-term customer satisfaction.
The FIBER-FILM™ Contactor Advantages
- More thorough treating—Maximum removal of impurities from the hydrocarbon is achieved to meet today's stringent standards while efficiently using the aqueous treating solution.
- High mass transfer efficiency—The large interfacial area, the minute diffusion distance, and the continuous renewal of the treating solution combine to yield mass transfer efficiencies far greater than possible with conventional treatment.
- Elimination of aqueous phase carryover—Because the aqueous phase clings to the fibers in the FIBER-FILM™ Contactor, rather than dispersing into the hydrocarbon phase, carryover is essentially eliminated.
- Elimination of emulsion formation—Since effective phase contact occurs without dispersion, stable emulsions will not form in the FIBER-FILM™ Contactor unit.
- Less costly processing enhances treating economics.
- Reduced equipment size and cost—Since the FIBER- FILM™ Contactor process does not depend on gravity settling or emulsion coalescence, processing vessels can be much smaller.
- Simplified, easily operated equipment—By eliminating the clean-up stages, FIBER-FILM™ Contactor systems are much simpler to operate and maintain than conventional treating equipment. In addition, Merichem's straightforward designs make automation and control easy.
- Lower operating costs—High treating solution strength and recycle capability reduces the volume of fresh chemicals used and therefore reduces the volume of spent aqueous effluents for disposal.
- Flexible, adaptable system design—FIBER-FILM™ Contactor units are very flexible as to hydrocarbon to treating solution ratios compared to conventional systems that have a very narrow operating window in which product specifications are met.
- Adaptable to client needs—FIBER-FILM™ Contactor units are custom-designed to mesh perfectly with existing equipment. Retrofitting of conventional systems increases treating capacity at minimal cost.
- Future expansion capability—To meet projected expansion needs, FIBER-FILM™ Contactor systems can be designed for easy capacity increase.
- Modularized system availability—FIBER-FILM™ Contactor units can be fully packaged to reduce engineering and construction costs. This option also offers quicker implementation of grassroots systems.
- 100% onstream time between turnarounds—The FIBER-FILM™ Contactor has no requirements for routine maintenance.
- Turndown—FIBER-FILM™ Contactor treating systems have excellent flexibility for hydrocarbon feed changes, both up and down.
