Method for reprocessing spent nickel catalysts containing fat and/or fatty acids

摘要

The invention relates to a method for reprocessing spent nickel catalysts containing fat and/or fatty acids and possibly a carrier, with the recovery of the nickel in the form of its salts. The method is characterised in that the spent catalyst, with vigorous stirring, is mixed with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution for 5 to 30 minutes at temperatures from 50 to 100 DEG C, and the nickel-containing solid is separated immediately afterwards by centrifuging the dispersion. The separated nickel-containing fraction is leached with an inorganic acid and worked up in a conventional way. Sulphuric acid is added to the centrifugate, and the phase thus produced, which contains fat or fatty acid, is separated.