Filtering process

摘要

A process for separating finely divided, electrically conductive materials from hot liquid hydrocarbons. The process is particularly valuable in the treatment of a liquid hydrocarbon feed stock for a fixed bed catalytic process such as hydrodesulfurization of gas oils or heavier petroleum fractions, or for hydrocracking. The feed stock is made to flow longitudinally through a bed of spherical glass particles between electrodes. A voltage gradient of 5 to 25 kv per inch is applied to the electrodes. Periodically the filter is cleaned by backflushing with filtered product. The backflush liquid and entrained solids are delivered into a thickener consisting of a hollow vessel having a pair of vertical electrodes between which the backflush liquid is passed downwardly. Suspended particles aggregate and rapidly settle from the liquid.