Development of technology for purification of high-sulfur oils from hydrogen sulfide and light mercaptans for the conditions of the East Siberian oil and gas province

UDK: 541.1:622.276

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2026-3-76-83

Key words: hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, acrylonitrile, alkaline catalyst, purification of oil from sulfur-containing impurities, eutectic

Authors: E.Yu. Shcherbakova (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); I.P. Lebedeva (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); V.N. Belikov (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); B.R. Gilmutdinov (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); A.V. Sergeev (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); M.K. Parashchenko (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); R.M. Salikhov (Irkutsk Oil Company LLC, RF, Irkutsk); O.O. Tsekov (Irkutsk Oil Company-Synergy LLC, RF, Irkutsk); M.A. Gubanov (Irkutsk Oil Company-Synergy LLC, RF, Irkutsk)

The article presents the results of long-term research by Irkutsk Oil Company Group to develop a technology for purification of high-sulfur crude oils from hydrogen sulfide and light mercaptans for the conditions of the East Siberian oil and gas province. The weighty share of Irkutsk Oil Company Group reserves is presented by hydrocarbon deposits with sour and high-sulfur crude oil, which also contain significant amounts of harmful sulfur-containing impurities of hydrogen sulfide and methyl and ethyl mercaptans. The content of these impurities is regulated by state and interstate regulations due to their strong corrosive activity. Their neutralization in oil is a pressing issue for the company and the industry. Through a literature review of international technological solutions and own laboratory and field research, an effective two-component composition consisting of an organic absorbent and an alkaline catalyst was identified. The organic absorbent is acrylonitrile. Pure or mixed working solutions of potassium or sodium hydroxide dissolved in water, hydrocarbons or mixed solvents (water and a low-freezing additive) were selected as the alkaline catalyst. The conducted research ensured a pour point corresponding to the climatic zone of the Company's region of operation. Laboratory and field testing revealed that oil treated with this two-component composition meets state and interstate standards for hydrogen sulfide content, as well as the total amount of methyl and ethyl mercaptans.

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