Process for the hydroconversion of petroleum feedstocks via slurry technology allowing the recovery of metals from the catalyst and feedstock using a leaching step

Abstract

A process for the hydroconversion of heavy oil feedstocks comprises a step for hydroconversion of the feedstock in at least one reactor containing a catalyst in slurry mode used to recover metals from the residual unconverted fraction, especially those used as catalysts. The process comprises a hydroconversion step, a gas / liquid separation step, a liquid / liquid extraction step, a grinding step, a leaching step, a combustion step, a metals extraction step and a step for the preparation of catalytic solutions which are recycled to the hydroconversion step.

Description

[0001]The invention relates to a process for the hydroconversion of heavy oil feedstocks into lighter products, which can be upcycled as fuels and / or raw materials for petrochemicals. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the hydroconversion of heavy oil feedstocks comprising a step for hydroconversion of the feedstock in at least one reactor containing a catalyst in slurry mode used to recover metals from the residual unconverted fraction, especially those used as catalysts, in order to upcycle them as catalytic solutions and recycle them upstream of the slurry conversion process. The process comprises a hydroconversion step, a gas / liquid separation step, a liquid / liquid extraction step, a grinding step, a leaching step, a combustion step, a metals extraction step and a step for the preparation of catalytic solutions which are recycled to the hydroconversion step.[0002]The conversion of heavy oil feedstocks into liquid products may be carried out by heat treatme...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a process for upgrading heavy oil and bitumen using a slurry catalyst and hydrogen. The slurry catalyst is formed outside the reactor and injected continuously with the feedstock. The process helps to reduce coke formation and increases the yield of liquid effluents for further treatment. The residual fraction is then concentrated through liquid-liquid extraction and combustion. Overall, this process improves the quality and yield of fuel bases and reduces the amount of residue requiring disposal.

Problems solved by technology

The characteristic of slurry processes is that the catalyst is finely divided and not supported on a mineral phase; this renders recovery of the metals much more complex than with the traditionally employed supported refining catalysts.

The issue in the industrial development of hydroconversion processes using slurry technology is the necessity of recovering and recycling the metals of the catalysts.

Images