Patent ID: 8728303
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: C02F,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing a trace element of mercury in a crude oil, comprising: mixing into the crude oil a water stream and an effective amount of at least an oxidizing agent and a complexing agent, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from the group of hydroperoxides, organic peroxides, inorganic peracids and salts thereof, organic peracids and salts thereof, ozone and combinations thereof, to extract at least a portion of the mercury to a water-phase as water soluble mercury compounds; separating the water phase containing the water soluble mercury compounds from the crude oil to obtain a treated crude oil having a reduced concentration of mercury of 100 ppb or less; wherein the complexing agent is selected from the group of ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, triaminotriethylamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine (TRIEN), tetra-2-aminoethylethlenediamine, tetraethylenepentamine (TETREN), ammonium thiosulfate, alkali metal thiosulfates, alkaline earth metal thiosulfates, iron thiosulfates, alkali metal dithionites, and alkaline earth metal dithionites, and mixtures thereof.