Texture of manganese nodules used as a catalyst for demetallizing and desulphurizing petroleum residua

Abstract

The porous texture of oceanic polymetallic nodules used as catalysts for demetallation and desulphurization of petroleum residua in a trickle bed reactor was studied after reaction. Four techniques were considered: analysis of nitrogen physical adsorption—desorption isotherms, X-ray diffractometry, mercury penetration and electronic microscopy. The nodules present a remarkable specific surface area and porosity, which are partially conserved at high temperatures even under the drastic conditions of hydrotreatment.