Continuous process for the removal of other hydrocarbons from saturated

Abstract

Non-paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as aromatic hydrocarbons, in a stream of paraffinic hydrocarbons are removed in an operation adaptable for continuous operation by contacting the paraffinic hydrocarbon stream with an oxidation system comprising an aqueous solution of hypochlorite, such as sodium hypochlorite, and a ruthenium species, such as ruthenium dioxide, as the oxidation catalyst. The ruthenium species is oxidized by the hypochlorite to a higher oxidation state with resulting selective oxidation of the non-paraffinic hydrocarbons to water-soluble compounds and/or CO.sub.2. A stream of paraffinic hydrocarbons having a substantially reduced content of or substantially free of non-paraffinic hydrocarbons is recoverable and, if desired, a stream of recovered paraffinic hydrocarbons may be recycled for additional contact with the oxidation system. Also, the aqueous phase comprising the oxidation system, after separation from the treated paraffinic hydrocarbons, is recycled to contact additional paraffinic hydrocarbons to be treated and/or, from time to time, a portion is separated and treated to reduce the ruthenium species therein which is then recovered and recycled and to convert the hypochlorite in the aqueous phase to the corresponding chloride and for discharge, thereby avoiding build-up in the operation of conversion products, e.g. water-soluble oxygenation material derivable from the selective oxidation of the non-paraffinic hydrocarbons.