(118c) Exploring Options for Mercury Removal Process within an Existing Condensate Stabilization Unit

Mercury removal from a heavy hydrocarbon condensate is challenging and more difficult because mercury compounds exist in various species and forms, ranging from particulates, elemental mercury, organic and inorganic mercury compounds in natural gas, crude oils and condensates.   Mercury presence in stabilized condensate can result in the product not meeting desired specifications. 

This study will review the effect of key design and operating parameters on the mercury removal unit (MRU) performance within an existing condensate stabilization unit. Also, the major significant findings as well as safety issues in this analysis are addressed.

The purpose of this particular study are to remove mercury (elemental and particulate) from a heavy hydrocarbon condensate stream; to review mercury removal technologies for treating mercury and its species;  and to review filtration vendors for removing the suspended solids as well as particulate mercury. The location of the MRU and filtration package is also reviewed and the configuration of a mercury removal process is selected. Moreover, technical and economic analyses are also presented for the selected technologies.