Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating hydrocarbon streams for the purpose of removing mercaptans and also converting the remaining mercaptans to disulfides which remain in the hydrocarbon stream being treated. The hydrocarbons rise through a contacting column countercurrently to a descending stream of an aqueous alkaline solution. A limited amount of an oxygen-containing gas is passed into an intermediate point in the column thereby dividing it into an upper sweetening section and a lower extraction section. The flow rate of the oxygen-containing stream is preferably low enough that any gas not consumed in the catalytic oxidation of mercaptans becomes dissolved in the hydrocarbon product stream, and preferably remains dissolved at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Water is removed from an alkaline solution used to extract mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting a portion of the alkaline solution with a warm hydrocarbon vapor stream. The portion is removed from an extraction zone and reintroduced into an oxidation zone. This process flow arrangement has operational and cost advantages compared to removal from a settling zone and passage of the stripped warm alkaline solution into the extraction zone.

Abstract: Water is removed from an alkaline solution used to extract mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the alkaline solution with a warm hydrocarbon vapor stream. The relatively warm and concentrated alkaline solution produced in this manner is then passed into an oxidation zone in admixture with a mercaptan-rich alkaline solution withdrawn from an extraction zone. This process flow has operational and cost advantages compared to the passage of the stripped warm alkaline solution into the extraction zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing liquid-liquid contacting operations, such as the extraction of mercaptans from hydrocarbons. The apparatus comprises a metal sphere which is retained in position above a mating valve seat in the upper open end of a vertical collar by a vertical retention cage. The collar extends through a horizontal plate, and a first liquid passes upward through a vertical bore in the collar to lift the sphere and contact a second liquid retained above the horizontal plate.