GEOFFREY DUBIN (Axens North America, Inc.) 

During the regeneration step of fixed-bed reformers, caustic is typically used to neutralize the regeneration effluent. Additional use of sodium bicarbonate to maintain the pH of the neutralization solution has also been utilized and is included for disposal.  

Often the neutralization solution is routed either the contaminat

ed drain or a contaminant tank with the wastewater treatment plant as the final destination. The use of an intermediate contaminant tank allows for the controlled flow of neutralization solution to the wastewater treatment plant. 

MICHAEL WINDHAM (Honeywell UOP) 

Caustic used for regeneration of Honeywell UOP fixed-bed Platforming™ units is typically drained to the refinery oily water/wastewater system. This usually occurs several times during the regeneration based on the need to control alkalinity and total dissolved solids. Depending on the refinery’s capacity to handle the spent caustic, it may be drained directly to the oily water system or pumped to “Baker” tanks from which it can be drained to the oily water system on a more controlled basis.