Conversion of Inorganic Chlorides into Organochlorine Compounds during Crude Oil Distillation: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

In this communication, we reinterpreted the experimental findings offered by Wu et al. about the presence and distribution of organic chlorides in crude oil distillates (Distribution and identification of chlorides in distillates from YS crude oilWuB.LiY.LiX.ZhuJ. Wu, B. Li, Y. Li, X. Zhu, J. Energy Fuels20152913911396 and Organochlorine compounds with a low boiling point in desalted crude oil: Identification and conversionWuB.LiY.LiX.ZhuJ.MaR.HuS. Wu, B. Li, Y. Li, X. Zhu, J. Ma, R. Hu, S. Energy Fuels20183264756481). The results proposed by Wu et al. were examined employing a mass balance approach. From our preliminary analysis, we concluded that crude oil distillation may induce (significant) conversions of inorganic chloride into organic chlorides. Such an alteration in chlorine speciation could be relevant for managing corrosion issues in oil refineries.

Organic Chlorides in Petroleum Crude Oil: Challenges for Refinery and Mitigations

“…In such instance, when a desalted crude oil was subjected to TBP distillation, no change in inorganic and organic chloride content was noted by Pagliano et al. 8, 24. In this context, Treese et al.…”

“…speculated that 105 % enhancement of organic chloride was attributed to an 86 % reduction of inorganic chloride content during the course of TBP distillation of non‐desalted YS crude oil 24. Meanwhile, addition reaction of HCl and olefinic carbons (present in the crude oil) is predicted to be the conversion mechanism of inorganic chloride to organic chlorides 24. However, decomposition/hydrolysis of NaCl (present as inorganic chloride contamination in YS crude oil) to HCl, and subsequent addition to olefins to yield organic chlorides under TBP distillation conditions could be ruled out owing to higher solubility of NaCl in water, easy removal through desalting, and higher decomposition temperature of the same 21.…”

“…In a recent article, Pagliano et al speculated the conversion of inorganic chlorides to organic chlorides [24]. The data was re-analyzed based on the chloride mass balance data of TBP distillation of YS crude oil as showcased by Wu et al [10].…”

“…The data was re-analyzed based on the chloride mass balance data of TBP distillation of YS crude oil as showcased by Wu et al [10]. Based on mass balance data, Pagliano et al speculated that 105 % enhancement of organic chloride was attributed to an 86 % reduction of inorganic chloride content during the course of TBP distillation of non-desalted YS crude oil [24]. Meanwhile, addition reaction of HCl and olefinic carbons (present in the crude oil) is predicted to be the conversion mechanism of inorganic chloride to organic chlorides [24].…”

“…Based on mass balance data, Pagliano et al speculated that 105 % enhancement of organic chloride was attributed to an 86 % reduction of inorganic chloride content during the course of TBP distillation of non-desalted YS crude oil [24]. Meanwhile, addition reaction of HCl and olefinic carbons (present in the crude oil) is predicted to be the conversion mechanism of inorganic chloride to organic chlorides [24]. However, decomposition/hydrolysis of NaCl (present as inorganic chloride crude oil was similar to the specific Chinese crude oil [8].…”