Process and an apparatus for preparation of petroleum hydrocarbon solvent with improved color stability from nitrogen rich crude oil

A process for preparing Mineral Turpentine Oil (MTO) having boiling point in the range of 145° to 205° C. and having saybolt color rating better than +20 from crude oil feed rich in nitrogen and/or active sulphur, said process comprising:

• distilling the crude oil to obtain Kerosene/Aviation Turbine fuel (ATF) cut;
• subjecting the Kerosene/ATF cut to Merox treatment for removing mercaptans followed by passing it through at least one column containing fullers earth;
• distilling the Merox treated Kerosene/ATF cuts to obtain MTO having boiling point in the range of 145° to 205° C. and saybolt color rating less than +20;
• and
• subjecting the MTO thus obtained to liquid phase adsorption in at least one column containing an adsorbent substance selected from molecular sieves, modified clays and mixtures thereof at ambient temperatures and pressure.