Method for removing hydrofluoric acid and organic fluorides from a fluid stream

Abstract

A method is provided for removing HF and organic fluorides from fluid streams in which the fluoride species exist as impurities and, in particular, from hydrocarbon fluid streams containing no more than about 1.0% by weight total fluorides. The method consists of first contacting the fluid stream first with a nonpromoted alumina and then with an adsorbent consisting essentially of activated alumina that has been treated with a promoter material selected from the oxides and phosphates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and mixtures thereof. This is preferably accomplished by providing a suitable absorber vessel charged with the adsorbent in a fixed bed, and then contacting the fluoride-contaminated fluid through the fixed bed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.