IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE REDUCTION IN ACIDITY IN CRUDE OILS WITH A HIGH NAPHTHENIC ACID CONTENT BY MEANS OF CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION

摘要

Naphthenic acids in crude oil are carboxylic acids characterized by one or more aliphatic or naphthenic rings having an alkyl group with a carboxylic acid group. The naphthenic acids produce atypical corrosion phenomena, given that they can cause a localized attack without the presence of water at 473-693 K, hindering the processing of such crude oils in refineries. Disclosed is a catalytic hydrogenation process that permits selective removal of naphthenic acids from heavy and extra heavy crude oils with a low production of hydrogen sulphides. The catalyst is formed by an aluminium and/or magnesium-aluminium spinel-type support having active Fe—Mo phases. The hydrogenation process using Fe and/or Mo catalysts surprisingly permits an acid number of 1 mg KOH/g to be reached in crude oils with TAN greater than 4 g KOH/g, reducing unwanted reactions and prolonging the life of the cataly