Mercury Removal from Solid Surfaces Using Heated Hydrocarbon Oil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for removing mercury contamination from solid surfaces in the petroleum industry are either ineffective for insoluble forms of mercury, pose health hazards due to steam vaporization, or are corrosive and damage equipment.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning process using a heated hydrocarbon oil solution with organic sulfur compounds, heated to 50-100°C to solubilize and extract mercury, followed by regeneration and reuse of the solution to safely and non-corrosively remove mercury contamination from solid surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam cleaning is used to remove water-soluble mercury, then water-soluble mercury is removed, but insoluble mercury forms (e.g., HgS) remain and elemental mercury vaporizes creating health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning solution by using organic sulfur compounds instead of water/steam, and controls temperature parameters (50-100°C) to prevent mercury vaporization while maintaining effective cleaning. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the cleaning medium and controlling thermal parameters to eliminate harmful vaporization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces organic sulfur compounds as an intermediary substance that mediates between the cleaning process and mercury contamination. These compounds form soluble complexes with both water-soluble and insoluble mercury forms, enabling effective removal without vaporization hazards.
2Reliability
If water-based oxidizing and complexing agents are used to solubilize mercury, then mercury is solubilized and removed, but the corrosive solutions damage metal surfaces of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing corrosive water-based oxidizing agents with non-corrosive organic sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon solvents. This parameter change maintains mercury solubilization capability while eliminating damage to metal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydrocarbon oils that can be easily regenerated and reused, replacing the need for continuously preparing fresh corrosive cleaning solutions. The cleaning medium serves its function and can be restored, reducing waste and equipment damage.
3Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then some mercury forms are removed, but the cleaning solution cannot be reused and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a recovery system where the hydrocarbon oil cleaning solution is regenerated by heating to evaporate mercury and other volatiles, then condensed and collected. The regenerated cleaning solution is reused, eliminating waste and reducing the need for continuous preparation of fresh cleaning materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution performs self-regeneration through heating and condensation processes, automatically restoring its cleaning capability without requiring external intervention or disposal. The system serves itself by converting contaminated solution back to clean solution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively solubilizes and removes mercury contamination, including insoluble forms, without damaging equipment and reduces health hazards, while allowing for the reuse of the cleaning solution.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning solution comprises: (A) a hydrocarbon oil; and (B) one or more organic sulfur compounds
Implementation Method 2
Elemental mercury and mercury compounds (e.g., HgS, HgO) may be extracted from the contaminated solid surfaces into the oil phase
Implementation Method 3
prior to contacting the cleaning solution over the surface, heating the cleaning solution to a temperature of 50 to 100°C. The rate of extraction increases with temperature
Implementation Method 4
after producing the used cleaning solution, heating the used cleaning solution to a temperature greater than 100°C and purging the used cleaning solution with a gas to regenerate the used cleaning solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting a mercury-contaminated solid surface followed by heating a cleaning solution to a temperature less than 100C. The cleaning solution can contain hydrocarbon oil and one or more organic sulfur compounds. Afterwards, the heated cleaning solution is contacted with the mercury-contaminated solid surface to remove the mercury contamination.