Removal of acid gases and sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon gas streams in a caustic tower

摘要

The present invention provides a process for treating a hydrocarbon feed gas stream containing acid gases (CO2, H2S and mercaptans) by contacting the feed gas stream in a multi-section caustic tower, the bottom sections employing a recirculating caustic solution to remove the CO2 and H2S down to low single digits parts per million concentration and the upper sections employing a stronger caustic solution on a once-through basis to produce a mercaptans depleted gas stream.