Mercury (Hg) in Crude Oil: Challenges and Solutions

Mercury (Hg) in crude oil exists in widely varying concentrations and chemical forms, associated with specific oil fractions. Hg concentrations in crude oil can range from less than 0.1 ppb to over 1000 ppb. While the combustion of oil and petroleum refining products contributes only a minor fraction of total anthropogenic atmospheric Hg emissions, these emissions occur at point sources and must be managed during extraction and refining to limit their environmental impact.

Managing the financial and operational risks associated with Hg in upstream and downstream crude oil operations is a significant challenge for the industry. Mercury can compromise the integrity of process equipment, pose threats to workers and the environment, poison precious metal catalysts, and complicate the disposal of contaminated equipment. Furthermore, new environmental regulations and government codes on the permissible levels of Hg in imported crude oil negatively impact its commercial value if concentrations exceed certain thresholds.

Currently, the technology to remove Hg from crude oil is underdeveloped. Only a few mercury removal plants are in operation today, and these tend to be large, expensive, and require significant investment. 

Hekma Petroserv has pioneered new concepts for mercury removal from flowing crude oil, reducing plant footprint, utilizing less equipment, and offering a cost-effective system. As your partner from feasibility studies to unit start-up and throughout the entire life cycle, Hekma Petroserv is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain.