Process for neutralization of petroleum acids

摘要

The invention relates to a process for treating naphthenic acid- containing whole crudes or fractions thereof to reduce or eliminate their acidity by contacting the acidic whole crude or fraction at a temperature of from about 50{C to 350{C with a neutralizing amount of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, preferably tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The process has the additional benefits of reducing materials handling problems associated with treating oils using liquid solvents and in reducing emulsion formation.