Process for neutralization of petroleum acids
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsGuido Sartori, David W. Savage, Bruce H. Ballinger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. with a neutralizing amount of tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, preferably tetramethyl-ammonium hydroxide. The process has the additional benefits of reducing materials handling problems associated with treating oils using liquid solvents and in reducing emulsion formation.
Claims7
A process for decreasing the acidity of a naphthenic acid containing crude oil comprising:
- contacting a naphthenic acid containing crude oil at an elevated temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. with an effective amount of solid tetraalkylammonium hydroxide in a molar ratio to total acid of from about 1:1 to 10:1 to produce a treated crude oil having a reduced acidity in the substantial absence of emulsion formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.