The Harvey process is a method of separating oil from its natural gas during production. The spelling of "Harvey" is pronounced /ˈhɑːrvi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This means that the word is pronounced with a long "a" sound at the beginning, followed by an "r" sound and a short "i" sound. The "e" at the end is silent, but it helps to clarify the pronunciation of the word. This term is commonly used in the oil and gas industry and named after its inventor, Peter Harvey.
The Harvey process refers to a chemical treatment method used to remove hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S) from natural gas. Named after its creator, Robert L. Harvey, this process is widely employed in the petroleum industry to remove the highly corrosive and toxic H2S impurities from natural gas streams.
The Harvey process involves passing the natural gas through a liquid absorption medium, typically an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The solution is formed in a tower or a vessel, where it comes into contact with the gas stream. During this contact, the H2S reacts with the alkali metal hydroxide to produce a harmless solid byproduct known as an alkali metal sulphide (e.g., sodium sulphide in the case of NaOH). This reaction is exothermic, releasing heat in the process.
Both the absorption tower and the alkali metal sulphide-rich solution are part of the Harvey process. The depleted natural gas, free from H2S, exits the tower and can proceed to further processing or distribution. The alkali metal sulphide-rich solution is then regenerated by treating it with air or oxygen, resulting in the production of alkali metal hydroxide and elemental sulphur. This regenerated solution can then be reintroduced into the absorption tower for continued use in the H2S removal process.
Overall, the Harvey process is an effective and commonly used technique for the removal of hydrogen sulphide impurities from natural gas, ensuring environmental and safety compliance in the petroleum industry.