naphthenic acid reaction

[Hydrotreaters]

Is the reaction of naphthenic acid with sodium hydroxide (caustic) reversible? One issue in our investigation of the tube leak inone of our exchangers is the reversibility of the above reaction which caused a caustic stress corrosion cracking.

 

[nosaMgiarC]

Not sure about the reversible nature of the reaction. However in an alternate oil process involving Nap Acid neutralisation by caustic we found two problems. Firstly calculating the correct dosage level of caustic and secondly obtaining sufficient mixing to neutralise all the Nap Acid. The mixing problem was fixable however to obtain total neutralisation normally required an excess of caustic resulting in alkaline downstream conditions. Could this also be the cause of your problems?