PURPOSE: To remove metal (Ni, V, etc.) effectively from heavy oil, by performing catalytic treatment of heavy oil by use of a titanium dioxide catalyst in the presence of hydrogen.
CONSTITUTION: A titanium dioxide catalyst in which TiO2/SiO2 is about 90/10W 97/3 is prepared by adding silica sol (binder) to a precipitate obtained by adding ammonia water to an aqueous solution of titanyl sulfate and molding the mixture by extrusion granulation, followed by drying and burning of the granules. The catalyst is filled in a tubular reaction vessel and heavy oil is brought into contact with it in the presence of hydrogen for metal removing treatment. Coke which adheres to the catalyst can be removed by known methods employing steam and oxygen. Ni and V which also adhere to the catalyst can be dissolved out with dilute nitric acid and thus the catalyst is regenerated readily. WO3 may be used together with TiO2 in less than an equivalent amount.
OOSHIMA MICHIO
IIDA KOUZOU
