Process, method, and system for removing heavy metals from fluids

Abstract

A process for removing non-volatile, particulate mercury from crudes and condensates is disclosed. Particulate mercury in crudes can be removed by a process of first adding a halogen, such as I2. The halogen converts at least 10% of the particulate mercury into an oil-soluble mercury compound that cannot be removed by filtration or centrifugation. This oil-soluble mercury compound can then be removed by adsorption onto a solid adsorbent. The process can operate at near ambient conditions. The adsorption step can be carried out by mixing a particulate adsorbent in the halogen-treated crude and then removing it by centrifugation, desalting, filtration, hydrocyclone or by settling.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.