Alkaline solution contact process and apparatus relating thereto

Abstract

One exemplary embodiment can be a process for contacting an alkaline solution with kerosene or diesel. The process can include providing a stream of kerosene or diesel and at least one of a naphthenic acid and a salt thereof, with an additional alkaline solution to a prewash vessel, forming an emulsion interface between a kerosene or diesel phase and an alkaline phase in the prewash vessel, controlling an amount of the emulsion interface by withdrawing at least a portion of the emulsion interface between the two phases, and adding an acid to a withdrawn emulsion.

1 . A process for contacting an alkaline solution with kerosene or diesel, comprising:
 A) providing a stream comprising the kerosene or diesel and at least one of a naphthenic acid and a salt thereof and the alkaline solution to a prewash vessel;   B) forming an emulsion interface between a kerosene or diesel phase and an alkaline phase in the prewash vessel;   C) controlling an amount of the emulsion interface by withdrawing at least a portion of the emulsion interface between the two phases; and   D) adding an acid to a withdrawn emulsion.   
     
     
         2 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the alkaline solution comprises an alkali, in turn comprising at least one of a sodium hydroxide and an ammonia. 
     
     
         3 . The process according to  claim 2 , wherein the alkali comprises the sodium hydroxide. 
     
     
         4 . The process according to  claim 3 , wherein the sodium hydroxide in a solution has a concentration of at least about 1%, by weight, based on the weight of the solution. 
     
     
         5 . The process according to  claim 3 , wherein the sodium hydroxide in a solution has a concentration of no more than about 10%, by weight, based on the weight of the solution. 
     
     
         6 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the naphthenic acid and the salt thereof comprises a cyclopentyl moiety having an alkyl group of 5 to 20 carbon atoms. 
     
     
         7 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein a spent second stream comprises a potassium or sodium naphthenic salt. 
     
     
         8 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the naphthenic acid and the salt is comprised at a concentration of no more about 1,000 ppm, by weight. 
     
     
         9 . The process according to  claim 1 , further comprising providing a level controller to measure the emulsion interface. 
     
     
         10 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the acid comprises a carboxylic acid. 
     
     
         11 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the acid comprises an acetic acid. 
     
     
         12 . The process according to  claim 11 , wherein the alkaline solution comprises an alkali, in turn comprising a sodium hydroxide. 
     
     
         13 . The process according to  claim 1 , further comprising passing the acid and withdrawn emulsion through a static mixer and into a vessel. 
     
     
         14 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the kerosene or diesel comprises at least one of a naphthenic acid and a salt comprised at a concentration of about 0.015-about 1.2 mg KOH/g of kerosene or diesel. 
     
     
         15 . A process for contacting an alkaline solution with kerosene or diesel, comprising:
 A) providing a stream comprising the kerosene or diesel and at least one of a naphthenic acid and a salt thereof and the alkaline solution to a prewash vessel;   B) forming an emulsion interface between a kerosene or diesel phase and an alkaline phase in the prewash vessel;   C) detecting the emulsion interface; and   D) withdrawing at least a portion of the emulsion interface.   
     
     
         16 . The process according to  claim 15 , further comprising measuring the emulsion interface prior to withdrawal. 
     
     
         17 . The process according to  claim 16 , further comprising sending a signal to a control valve for withdrawing at least a portion of the emulsion interface by comparing the measured emulsion interface with a setpoint. 
     
     
         18 . The process according to  claim 16 , further comprising sending another signal to another control valve for releasing an acid for contacting the portion of the withdrawn emulsion interface. 
     
     
         19 . The process according to  claim 18 , wherein the acid comprises an acetic acid. 
     
     
         20 . A process for contacting an alkaline solution with kerosene or diesel, comprising:
 A) providing a stream comprising the kerosene or diesel and at least one of a naphthenic acid and a salt thereof and the alkaline solution to a prewash vessel;   B) forming an emulsion interface between a kerosene or diesel phase and an alkaline phase in the prewash vessel;   C) detecting the emulsion interface;   D) measuring the emulsion interface prior to withdrawal;   E) comparing the measured emulsion interface with a setpoint;   F) sending a first signal to a first control valve for withdrawing at least a portion of the emulsion interface;   G) sending a second signal to a second control valve for releasing an acid for contacting the portion of the withdrawn emulsion interface to form a hydrocarbon phase and an alkaline phase; and   H) withdrawing at least a portion of at least one of the hydrocarbon phase and the alkaline phase.