Patent ID: 8790510
Filing Date: 2014-07-29
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: preparing a mixture by introducing a mercury-containing hydrocarbon liquid into contact with an aqueous liquid containing an amine that has absorbed sulfur, wherein the aqueous liquid thereby absorbs mercury; in a mercury removal unit, separating the mixture into a hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase; extracting the hydrocarbon phase separated from the aqueous phase to provide a treated hydrocarbon liquid; bypassing the mercury removal unit with a portion of the aqueous liquid containing the amine that has absorbed sulfur and directing the portion into a regeneration unit; in the regeneration unit, desorbing sulfur and mercury from the aqueous liquid containing the amine; and recycling the aqueous liquid containing the amine by directing it from the regeneration unit to a gas stripper unit.