NAPFINING™
Remove Naphthenic Acid Compounds Without Emulsions
Caustic Extraction of Naphthenic Acids
Merichem Technologies’ NAPFINING™ technology is a proven solution for removing naphthenic acid compounds from jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, condensate and crude oil streams—without causing debilitating emulsions. As a highly efficient method of mass transfer, NAPFINING™ uses our proprietary FIBER FILM® Contactor with caustic as the treating reagent.
Advantages
Leveraging the unique features of our FIBER FILM Contactor technology, NAPFINING™ can significantly reduce space and CAPEX cost requirements for operators. Other advantages include:
- Proven, highly efficient pre-treatment process to remove naphthenic and carboxylic acids from heavy naphtha, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel, condensates and light crude oils with minimal emulsion formation
- Better performance than electrostatic precipitation for emulsion prevention
- Ideal solution for removal of TAN from hydrocarbons in the range of 0.1 to 1 mg KOH/g or above; has commercially treated up to 0.5 TAN in the feed
Applications
- Kerosene / Jet Fuel
- Middle Distillate Treatment
- Diesel Treatment
- Crude Distillation Unit
- FCCU or RCCU
- Coker, Visbreaker or Hydrocracker
- NGL Fractionation
- Gas Production Field
- Oil Production Field
- Oil Sands Heavy Oil Upgrader
How It Works
By significantly increasing the liquid surface area achieved with Merichem Technologies’ FIBER FILM® Contactor mechanism, NAPFINING™ provides a more efficient method of mass transfer — with little to no emulsification, carryover or high‑pressure drop during phase separation.
We can help with NAPFINING™
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Established Performance
Merichem Technologies has provided the oil and gas industry with a variety of innovative solutions. Our depth of expertise in caustic treatment technology and service solutions is unmatched, as is our total commitment to supporting our customers.
Extensive Capabilities
Merichem Technologies’ comprehensive range of capabilities includes solution design, engineering, fabrication, research and development, testing and service.
Proven Flexibility, Global Reach
Merichem Technologies has helped customers all over the world solve their processing and treatment challenges with proven, industry‑changing technology.
We have licensed more than 80 NAPFINING™ units worldwide.
Stream Types
FFC Plus™ Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAPFINING used for?
NAPFINING removes naphthenic and other carboxylic acids from heavy naphtha, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel, condensates and light crude oils with better performance than electrostatic precipitation for emulsion prevention.
Why is NAPFINING better than a trayed system?
Trayed and packed towers require countercurrent flow. Countercurrent flow provides a larger amount of actual mixing which can cause significant emulsions when trying to treat naphthenic acids. The presence of significant emulsions increases the carryover of caustic into the treated hydrocarbon. Merichem uses our proprietary FIBER FILM CONTACTOR which treats using cocurrent flow which is less turbulent and more forgiving of changes to flow rates.
How can an emulsion be formed in NAPFINING?
Emulsions form most easily in the caustic treatment of kerosene, jet fuel and diesel streams which can have high amounts of naphthenic acids (carboxylic acids) which emulsify easily and which break down slowly. Emulsions form when too much caustic is mixed into the kerosene stream, when the caustic is too highly spent, or if the caustic is too concentrated.
How does NAPFINING help in avoiding emulsions?
Merichem uses our proprietary FIBER FILM CONTACTOR which treats using cocurrent flow which is less turbulent and more forgiving of changes to flow rates.