Development and Industrial Implementation of an OPC–Cu/HDPE Catalyst for Liquid-Phase Mercaptide Oxidation in the LPG Mercaptan Removal Process

An important stage in the purification of liquefied petroleum gases is the catalytic oxidation of mercaptides. The heterogeneous cobalt(II) phthalocyanine–based catalysts currently in use provide the required level of purification; however, their efficiency may decrease in the presence of amine impurities, as well as due to the limited stability of the catalytic component on the support surface. In this regard, compounds based on pyrocatecholates of variable-valence metals and their oligomeric derivatives are considered as promising catalytic components. In the present work, the catalytic activity of pyrocatecholates and oligopyrocatecholates of variable-valence metals in the oxidation of sodium isopropyl mercaptide has been investigated, and a new heterogeneous catalyst – copper oligopyrocatecholate immobilized on a high-density polyethylene matrix – has been developed. The kinetic parameters of the oxidation of sodium isopropyl mercaptide in the presence of the developed catalyst are examined in detail, and its long-term stability and morphology are evaluated. The advantage of the new catalyst over an existing industrial analogue is demonstrated, and the results of industrial implementation at Joint-Stock Company “Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant” are presented.

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