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.

1 . A process for removing nickel and vanadium from a nickel and/or vanadium containing hydrocarbon (Hydrocarbon) comprising admixing the Hydrocarbon with an Extractant Composition and separating the Extractant Composition from the Hydrocarbon wherein some or substantially all of the nickel and/or vanadium is transferred from the Hydrocarbon to the Extractant Composition. 
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein Extractant Composition includes a compound selected from the group consisting of thiocyanates, isocyanates, cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 2  wherein the Extractant Composition includes an isocyanate or a thiocyanate. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the Extractant Composition includes toluene diisocyanate. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the Extractant Composition includes potassium thiocyanate. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the Extractant Composition includes water. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  additionally comprising admixing with the Hydrocarbon at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon solvent, a corrosion inhibitor, a demulsifier, a scale inhibitor, metal chelants, wetting agents and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the Hydrocarbon is in the form of a water and Hydrocarbon emulsion. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the Hydrocarbon and Extractant Composition are admixed to form an emulsion. 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the Hydrocarbon and the Extractant Composition are separated using a Desalting Unit. 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 6  wherein the Extractant Composition includes a compound selected from the group consisting of thiocyanates, isocyanates, cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof; at a weight concentration of from about 30 to 10000 ppm. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11  wherein the Extract Composition includes a compound selected from the group consisting of thiocyanates, isocyanates, cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof; at a weight concentration of from about 75 to 5000 ppm. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 12  wherein the Extract Composition includes a compound selected from the group consisting of thiocyanates, isocyanates, cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof; at a weight concentration of from about 100 to 1000 ppm. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 9  wherein the Extractant Composition is admixed neat with the Hydrocarbon and water emulsion. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 9  wherein the Extractant Composition is admixed with the Hydrocarbon and water emulsion and wherein the Extract Composition includes a compound selected from the group consisting of thiocyanates, isocyanates, cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof; dissolved in a solvent. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 15  wherein a solvent is present in the Extractant Composition at a concentration of from about 10 percent to about 95 percent. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the process is performed at a pH of less than or equal to about 10. 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17  wherein the pH of water associated with the Hydrocarbon and/or the Extractant Composition is adjusted using a mineral acid. 
     
     
         19 . A process for removing nickel and vanadium from a nickel and/or vanadium containing hydrocarbon (Hydrocarbon) comprising admixing the Hydrocarbon with an Extractant Composition and separating the Extractant Composition from the Hydrocarbon wherein some or substantially all of the nickel and/or vanadium is transferred from the Hydrocarbon to the Extractant Composition and further comprising isolating the nickel and/or vanadium from the Extractant Composition. 
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 19  wherein the nickel and/or vanadium isolated from the Extractant Composition is recycled.