Patent ID: 7713399
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: B01D,C02F,C10G,C25B,H01M,Y02A,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A continuous method for the treatment of a spent aqueous caustic stream used to scrub a hydrocarbon process stream to remove sulfur-containing compounds, the spent caustic stream including oxidizable sulfur-containing compounds and sodium hydroxide, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first oxidizing treatment stream comprising hypochlorous acid produced from an aqueous brine solution; b. mixing the hypochlorous acid stream with the aqueous caustic stream to form a reactive mixed feedstream; c. contacting the reactive mixed feedstream with at least one catalyst to promote the oxidation of the sulfur-containing compounds and the neutralization of the sodium hydroxide; d. recovering a neutral treated product stream comprising aqueous sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride, whereby said treated product stream is odorless, non-toxic and environmentally acceptable for discharge into the sea or into a conventional sewage treatment system.