Merichem Innovation Removes High Acidic Impurities In Kerosene, Jet Fuel, Diesel; NAPFINING HiTAN Generates More Profit When Processing Opportunity Crudes
Simple and cost-effective solution employs reliable, proven FIBER FILM technology; Another in Merichem's next generation of hydrocarbon-treatment breakthroughs
Merichem Company, a global leader in hydrocarbon-treating technology, chemical and byproduct-management solutions, introduces NAPFINING HiTAN, a next-generation technology to remove high levels of naphthenic acid compounds in kerosene, jet fuel, and diesel.
NAPFINING HiTAN is based on Merichem's popular, cost-effective NAPFINING platform and employs Merichem's highly reliable and efficient proprietary FIBER FILM technology and caustic to remove acidic impurities during refining. Reducing high TAN (> 0.1 mg KOH/g) feed levels allows production of higher-quality and more-profitable products from lower-grade and less-expensive crudes. Other advantages of the NAPFINING HiTAN and FIBER FILM technologies are lower capital costs and a smaller plant footprint.
"NAPFINING HiTAN is another practical example of the innovation that is driving a transformed Merichem in service to an evolving refining industry," said Kenneth F. Currie, Merichem Chairman and CEO. "We will continue to provide FIBER FILM and other leading technologies while focusing on developing the next generation of diversified offerings for a wide range of operations, including the refining and petrochemicals industry.
"Merichem is introducing a suite of new and advanced technologies, products and services over the coming months aimed at making hydrocarbon processing more effective at lower cost."
NAPFINING HiTAN and NAPFINING technologies employ the FIBER FILM Contactor as a mass-transfer device and caustic as the treating reagent to remove naphthenic acid compounds mainly from jet fuel, kerosene and diesel, condensate and crude oil streams.
"NAPFINING HiTAN and FIBER FILM are non-dispersive and extremely reliable when compared with commercially available treating alternatives. The smaller footprint and smaller capital expenditure are attractive as well," said Tom Varadi, Vice President and General Manager of Merichem Process Technologies. "The onstream factor between routine turnarounds is 100%, whereas electrostatic precipitators are much less reliable and incapable of processing high TAN feeds."
In addition to acid and sulfur removal technologies, Merichem is the industry leader in managing the beneficial reuse of refining caustic streams and naphthenic acid. Merichem chemical offerings include oxidation catalysts and soda chemicals.
About Merichem Company
Merichem Company provides a diversified portfolio of technologies, products and services to a broad range of operations, including the refining, upstream and petrochemicals industry. With more than 1,000 licensed process units worldwide, Merichem is a leader in licensing patented process technologies and proprietary equipment to provide hydrocarbon treating solutions and by-product management services that remove sulfur and other impurities from hydrocarbon liquids and gases in the upstream and downstream energy sectors. Merichem began 65 years ago as a domestic operator in the United States and today offers products and services to customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Houston, with office locations in Chicago, Alabama, Tokyo and Shanghai.
SOURCE: Merichem Company -- Merichem Gas Technologies