Removal of metallic contaminants from hydrocarbon oils with a foaming agent

Abstract

Abstract <PICT:0830128/III/1> A process for the removal of surface-active constituents from a hydrocarbon oil comprises foaming a portion of the oil with a gas and separately recovering oil containing surfaceactive compounds and an oil containing a reduced amount of surface-active constituents. Gases which may be used include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, ethane, propane, propylene, butane, refinery gases, air, ammonia, oxygen and steam. Condensible gases are particularly suitable since they permit the separated foam to be collapsed by cooling. Foaming may be assisted by reducing the viscosity of the oil with a diluent, e.g. 200-400 DEG F. aliphatic fractions, kerosines and heavy naphthas, or by adding water. Whilst most surface-active contaminants occur in fractions boiling above 950 DEG F. the process is preferably applied to broad cut fractions with an I.B.P. well below 950 DEG F. A hydrocarbon oil having a F.B.P. above 950 DEG F. is introduced into foaming vessel 1 through line 2. A solvent, e.g. between 1 and 4 parts of kerosine, may be added to reduce the viscosity of the oil, either in admixture with the oil in line 2 or separately through line 4. Air or other gas is introduced through line 6 to distributer 7 and the oil level 8 is maintained at a point between the points of introduction of the feed and the gas by removal of product oil through line 9 from a point below distributer 7. Foam is taken from the top of the column by line 10 to defoaming zone 11 where it is separated into gas which is removed via line 12 and oil enriched in surface-active agents which is either removed via line 14 or recycled to the top of the column via line 15. Reflux ratios of 1 : 1 to 1 : 10 may be employed.

Inventors

• 👤 Herman Bieber
• 👤 Ibrahim A Eldib

Bibliographic Details