Extracting RSH, H2S, CO2, and COS from Liquid and Gas Streams

THIOLEX | Caustic Extraction of Contaminants

First licensed in 1980, Merichem Technologies THIOLEX uses our proprietary FIBER FILM® Contactor as the mass transfer device, with caustic as the treating reagent in liquid and gas hydrocarbon streams.

THIOLEX technology effectively removes mercaptan compounds (RSH), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonyl sulfide (COS), and elemental sulfur. THIOLEX COS, which uses MEA / caustic, is also extremely effective at hydrolyzing Carbonyl Sulfide (COS) to meet a client’s specifications.

Advantages
Combined with the highly efficient FIBER FILM Contactor, THIOLEX technology dramatically reduces capital expenditures and space requirements compared to other extraction and treating alternatives.

  • No prewash required (unless caustic make-up is prohibitive)
  • Uses caustic solution to remove impurities
  • Low caustic make-up when combined with REGEN® system
  • Total sulfur reduction
  • Achieves low total sulfur specification
  • Extraction efficiency best between 60°F to 115° F
  • Gives midstream customers more design and operational flexibility to remove H2S and RSH in NGL C3+ streams, increasing sales and profitability
  • Excellent and proven technology for removal of sulfur impurities (RSH, H2S, COS); due to high-efficiency mass transfer, additional separation vessels not required

FFC Plus Technology

The latest iteration of Merichem Technologies’ FIBER FILM® Contactor technology, FFC Plus can increase hydrocarbon treating rates by up to 150 percent as compared to earlier designs.

Learn more about FIBER FILM Contactors »

THIOLEX Applications

  • All LPG Streams (Propane, Propylene, Butane, Butylene)
  • Acid / Sour Gas
  • Off-Gas
  • Fuel Gas
  • Naphtha
  • Condensate
  • Crude Distillation Unit
  • FCCU or RCCU
  • Coker, Visbreaker or Hydrocracker
  • NGL
  • Gas Production Field
  • Oil Production Field
  • Oil Sands Heavy Oil Upgrader

How It Works

Because the FIBER FILM® Contactor creates an interfacial surface area orders of magnitude larger than conventional processes, THIOLEX extraction technology dramatically improves the efficiency of mass transfer, allowing impurities to easily diffuse between phases with little or no emulsification, carryover or high-pressure drop.

A Leader in Caustic Science

Serving the global oil and gas industry for over half a century, Merichem Technologies is the leader in sulfur removal technology, catalysts and service solutions. Our capabilities span from design and engineering to fabrication and testing.

Solving Tomorrow’s Problems Today

Merichem Technologies combines an unsurpassed breadth and depth of experience with a highly focused commitment to our customers. We listen and solve problems, often with industry changing innovation.

Proven Flexibility, Global Reach

For over 50 years, Merichem Technologies has licensed its technology solutions all over the world, addressing the industry’s biggest processing and treatment challenges with products and services.

We have licensed more than 250 THIOLEX units worldwide