Case study: Optimization of LPG process at Ju’aymah NGL fractionation plant

Optimization initiatives for the LPG Merox process were implemented to reduce operating cost and spent caustic generation at Saudi Aramco’s Ju’aymah NGL fractionation plant. These initiatives included an increase in fresh caustic concentration and reuse of extractor spent caustic in the Merox process. Also, a new catalyst was successfully used in the Merox system, with higher activity than a conventional catalyst. Benefits were derived from the new catalyst with regard to consumption rate, fresh caustic use and spent caustic generation. The implementation of these initiatives contributed significantly to enhanced treatment efficiency, with a lower operating cost of $0.5 MM/yr, both from fr