Sorbent for heavy metals

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method for effecting removal of a heavy metal contaminant from a hydrocarbon solution containing same which comprises contacting said solution, with a sorbent for said metal contaminant comprising a cross-linked polystyrene resin modified by the presence therein of chemically bound sulfur having an oxidation state of less than + 6.
2.
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said sorbent is a cross-linked polystyrene resin modified by the presence therein of between about 2 and about 30 weight percent of chemically combined sulfur in combination with between about 5 and about 50 weight percent of stannic chloride.




Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many instances, it is desirable to effect removal of heavy metal contaminants from liquids.
Thus, the presence of metals such as nickel, copper and iron, even in minute quantities, in hydrocarbon charge stocks conducted to catalytic cracking units are known to poison and shorten the life of the cracking catalyst with which such metal contaminated stocks come into contact.
It is also desirable to remove trace metals from lubricating oils or to recover soluble metal catalysts from reactor effluents.
The removal of heavy metals such as mercury, silver, cadmium and the like from the water effluents of chemical or photographic plants is also highly desired from an ecological standpoint.
It is known that residues of alkyl lead from combustion of leaded gasoline tend to poison catalysts available for cleaning up automotive exhaust gas by oxidation of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
Such poisoning severely shortens the useful life of exhaust combustion catalysts.
It has heretofore been proposed that lead-free gasoline be supplied for use in automobiles equipped with emission control devices in the nature of combustion catalysts.
The normal network of petroleum product distribution involves railroad tank cars, pipelines, water borne tankers, tank trucks and bulk storage tanks