Mercury removal from oils

Heavy condensate or oil can contain significant amounts of mercury which ca uses marketing, processing and environmental concerns. We have developed an effective process to remove all kinds of mercury compo unds in heavy condensate. At the conditions tested, the total mercury conte nt in a condensate was reduced from 3,000 to 10 ppb, representing 99.7% mer cury removal. In the process, the condensate is pumped upflow through a reactor filled wi th activated carbon and polysulfide solution at mild conditions. The efflue nt is a clear, low mercury product. The theory and principles of the process are developed and verified with ex periments. Process variables were also explored to define the preferred reg ion of operation.