Merox

Merox stands for Mercaptan Oxidation. This process is used to "sweeten" end product streams by rendering any mercaptan sulphur compounds inactive.

This process can be used for treating LPG, gasoline and heavier fractions.

The method of treatment is the reaction of caustic (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) with the feed stream. The oxidation of mercaptans (thiols) converts them to disulphides, which are soluble in petroleum products and are not corrosive.