Process, Method, and System for Removing Heavy Metals from Fluids
AssigneeChevron U.S.A. Inc.
InventorsDarrell L. Gallup, Sujin Yean
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Abstract
Trace levels of heavy metals in fluids such as crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), wherein X is an anion of valency n, the number of phosphonium cations present. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a complexing additive comprising an amine or corresponding ammonium derivative. Upon contact with the crude oil, the heavy metals form soluble complexes with the compound of Formula (I) for subsequent removal from the crude oil via phase separation.
Claims20
A method for reducing a trace element of a heavy metal in a crude oil, comprising:
- a) mixing the crude oil containing the heavy metal with a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I) in an aqueous solvent for a sufficient amount of time for the compound to form a heavy metal complex in an oil-water emulsion;
- wherein X is an anion of valency n;
- b) separating the water containing the heavy metal complex from the crude oil in a phase separation device for the crude oil to have a reduced concentration of the heavy metal.
A method for reducing a trace element of mercury in a crude oil, comprising:
- a) mixing the crude oil containing mercury with a composition comprising an amine or ammonium derivative with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate for a sufficient amount of time to form a mercury complex in an oil-water emulsion;
- b) separating the water containing the mercury complex from the crude oil in a phase separation device for the crude oil to have a reduced concentration of mercury.
A method for reducing a trace element of mercury in a crude oil, comprising:
- a) mixing the crude oil containing mercury with a composition comprising an amine or ammonium derivative with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride for a sufficient amount of time to form a mercury complex in an oil-water emulsion;
- b) separating the water containing the mercury complex from the crude oil in a phase separation device for the crude oil to have a reduced concentration of mercury.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.