David Louis Storm

US Patent:

6444117, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Aug 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/640125

Inventors:

M. Rashid Khan - Katy TX
Vincent P. Nero - Katy TX
Lee Ann Brugger - Wallkill NY
Stephen J. DeCanio - Katy TX
David A. Storm - Houston TX

Assignee:

Texaco, Inc. - White Plains NY

International Classification:

C10G 2700

US Classification:

208189, 208207, 208236, 208237, 208208 R

Abstract:

The general object of this invention is to provide an improved process for sweetening and desulfurizing sulfur-containing crude oil streams. Heating the sulfur-containing crude oil stream to an elevated temperature for an extended period of time while stirring and bubbling an inert gas into the crude accelerates the removal of sulfur containing gases from the crude oil stream. Furthermore, the addition of a polyalkylamine to the stirred crude oil can also greatly assist in the expulsion of sulfur containing gases. After processing under these conditions, the hydrogen sulfide producing capacity of the crude oil is reduced significantly, thus making the crude safer for transportation and handling by reducing the health and environmental risks.