GB315439A - Improvements in the desulphurization of hydrocarbons - Google Patents

Abstract

315,439. Johnson, J. Y., (I. G. Farbenindustrie Akt.-Ges.). Jan. 14, 1928. Mineral and tar oils. purifying.-Crude hydrocarbons are freed from sulphur-bearing impurities by treatment in liquid or vapour form with hydrogen or gases containing the same in the presence of metallic sulphides which are stable under the conditions of working employed, namely, that no hydrogenation will occur by operating at temperatures between 200‹-300‹ C., and simultaneously keeping the pressure applied lower than that at which hydrogenation occurs. The catalysts may be used alone, or admixed, or admixed with activators, such as compounds of metals of the 4th to 8th groups of the periodic system, especially their oxides, and if desired, deposited on carriers, e.g. pumice or active charcoal. The purified hydrocarbons may be employed in other catalytic processes, e.g. hydrogenation, a poisoning of the catalysts being avoided. In an example, benzene containing organic sulphur compounds is - mixed with sufficient hydrogen for desulphuration and subsequent hydrogenation, and passed over a mixture of molybdenum sulphide and cobalt oxide in equimolecular proportions at a temperature of 300‹ C. and under 60 atmospheres pressure. The pressure is decreased to 10 atmospheres, and the gases freed from sulphur compounds by washing with 60 per cent caustic soda solution at 100‹- 120‹ C. They are then passed over a hydrogenation catalyst. Alternatively, the hydrogen for hydrogenation may be added after the removal of sulphur. Other examples are given. Specification 258,576 is referred to.