| abstract |
Nickel and/or vanadium can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase using an Extractant Composition selected from an isocyanate, a thiocyanate, a cyanides, mercaptides, nitrites, and mixtures thereof. The Extractant Composition may also include at least one mineral acid, a solvent, and other additives. The invention permits transfer of vanadium and nickel from a hydrocarbon into an aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil. |