APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR EXTRACTING SULFUR COMPOUNDS FROM A HYDROCARBON STREAM

摘要

Disclosed is an apparatus and process for extracting sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. A prewash section for converting hydrogen sulfide to a sulfide salt by reaction with an alkali such as caustic communicates with an extractor section disposed directly above the prewash section for converting mercaptans to mercaptides by reaction with alkali. Hydrocarbon product exits the extractor section through a coalescer that prevents alkali from exiting with the hydrocarbon product stream. A prewash section for converting hydrogen sulfide to sodium sulfide by reaction with an alkali such as caustic prepares the hydrocarbon stream for extraction. Spent alkali is continuously withdrawn and regenerated alkali is continuously added to the prewash section.