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When do we use Merox process instead of hydrotreating? Is sulfur the only parameter to choose the process?
 
Answers
08/11/2017 A: Sridhar Balakrishnan, Bharat Oman Refineries Limited , laksrid@yahoo.com
If sulphur specification is not critical , merox process can help the secondary processing of product . This process will not alter the hydrocarbon chemistry of the fuel , hence retaining its natural lubricant properties and it is very economical. If other parameters like nitrogen,olefins and metal content specifications are stringent to be met for the fuel , hence hydrotreating process is preferred.
07/11/2017 A: Krishna Rao Pulugurti, Retired/Consultant, pkrao2012@yahoo.com
When total sulfur in the product meets the specifications. Merox process is more economical than hydrotreating.
06/11/2017 A: Egbert van Hoorn, Hocon B V, Egbertvh@hotmail.com
The Merox process is used for the removal of mercaptans and traces of H2S, particularly for gasoline streams.
If other sulphur components are involved, hydrotreating should be used.
The important disadvantage of hydrotreating is that it is more costly and that it will reduce the octane number of gasoline by saturating olefins and aromatics in gasoline.
06/11/2017 A: Ralph Ragsdale, Ragsdale Refining Courses, ralph.ragsdale@att.net
Merox and its equivalent are reliable for the lighter streams when sulfur removal (or simply sweetening) is the only objective. Otherwise, hydrotreating should be used.