Process for Removing Nickel and Vanadium From Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Nickel and / or vanadium can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase using an Extractant Composition selected from an isocyanate, a thiocyanate, a cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof. The Extractant Composition may also include at least one mineral acid, a solvent, and other additives. The invention permits transfer of vanadium and nickel from a hydrocarbon into an aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application having the Ser. No. 60 / 887,262; which was filed on Jan. 30, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a method for removing metals from hydrocarbons. The present invention particularly relates to removing vanadium and nickel from hydrocarbons.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]For the purposes of the present application, the terms “hydrocarbon” and “hydrocarbons” mean the large class of organic compounds containing primarily carbon and hydrogen that are produced from crude oil; from coal, lignite, tar sands, and the like; from recycled hydrocarbons; and from biological sources such as bio-diesel and the like; as well as from other alternative energy sources.[0004]The largest source of hydrocarbons currently used is crude oil. Crude oil is often contaminated with c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided, in one form, a method of transferring nickel and vanadium from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase involving adding to an emulsion of hydrocarbon and water, an effective amount of an Extrac...

Problems solved by technology

Nickel and vanadium can be a problem when present in hydrocarbons in at least two ways.

First, both metals are toxic in humans.

Ironically, both nickel and vanadium are also nutrients, but like many nutrients, they are toxic above a certain level or concentration.

Repeated exposures to nickel may lead to asthma and contact dermatitis, symptoms of which may worsen if the diet is high in nickel.

Under some conditions, large amounts of nickel may precipitate magnesium deficiency or cause accumulation of iron or zinc.

If follows then that levels that are 1000 times this may be toxic and thus excess nickel may be undesirable in hydrocarbons, especially hydrocarbons that are used to prepare foods or prepare objects that will be in contact with foods.

Another way that nickel and vanadium may be a problem is undesired chemical reactions.

The costs associated with purchasing new catalysts or regenerating contaminated catalysts can be very high.

Lost productivity of refinery units during the removal and replacement of spent catalysts is also a source of such undesirable costs.