PROCESS FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM HYDROCARBONS

摘要

This invention provides a process for removing mercury, from a mercury-containing hydrocarbon fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for for the removal of mercury from a mercury-containing hydrocarbon fluid feed comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the mercury-containing hydrocarbon fluid feed with a metal perhalide having the following formula: [M]+[X]- wherein: [M]+ represents one or more metal cations wherein the metal has an atomic number greater than 36; an atomic radius of at least 50 pm and a 1st ionization energy of less than 750 kJmol-1; [X]- represents one or more perhalide anions;and (ii) obtaining a hydrocarbon fluid product having a reduced mercury content compared to mercury-containing hydrocarbon fluid feed.