Resumen del autor, extraído del trabajo. Disposal of refinery spent caustic has become an increasingly difficult problem for most refinery operations. The traditional practice of dilution and disposal at sea is prohibited in most locations now. Neutralization procedures release foul smelling mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide into the local environment, which is dangerous, polluting, and unpleasant. Several processes and procedures are available for disposal and treatment of spent caustic and they are described in the process section of this report. Because of its attractive economics and unique performance characteristics we have chosen to evaluate in more detail a new electrochemical oxidation process. This process, dubbed HUROX™ uses electricity to oxidize reduced sulfur compounds to sulfates while at the same time extracting the unused alkalinity for recycle to the gas washers. The regeneration of the free alkalinity as a clean, salt free sodium hydroxide solution (17-20 wt. % NaOH) not only results in reduced fresh caustic purchases but also produces a neutral oxidized spent caustic stream without the addition of mineral acids. The economic viability of spent caustic treatment options is quite variable and depends on local costs, refinery size and location. The price of caustic, water, sulfuric acid, labor, electricity, water treatment, local disposal contractors, and transportation will all vary depending on the refinery site. In this paper we will make a preliminary performance and economic evaluation of the electrolytic HUROX process. In addition we will review the analytical techniques necessary to ensure the quality of regenerated caustic. The new analytical procedures we developed, have revealed new information on the composition of spent caustic, which have been useful in developing handling, processing, and disposal strategies.