Coal liquefaction and hydroprocessing of petroleum oils

Claim 1

A process for obtaining enhanced demetallation of a petroleum oil containing soluble metal compounds during the hydroprocessing of the oil in a hydroprocessing zone and substantially eliminating the accumulation of coke in said zone comprising: (a) forming a mixture consisting essentially of petroleum oil containing soluble metal compounds and particulate coal to form a feed slurry so as to provide a concentration of coal ash in the hydroprocessing zone of from about 0.2 to 6% by weight; and (b) contacting the feed slurry with added hydrogen in the hydroprocessing zone in the absence of externally supplied catalyst under hydroprocessing conditions under which coke would tend to accumulate in the absence of the coal to dissolve at least 50% of the coal on a moisture- and ash-free basis to produce an effluent comprising a normally liquid portion having an enhanced reduction in soluble metals concentration and an undissolved solids portion containing metals from the petroleum oil whereby accumulation of coke in the hydroprocessing zone is substantially eliminated.