Abstract: Alkali metal sulfides are regenerated from alkali metal hydrosulfides which are produced as a result of the hydroconversion of heavy carbonaceous feeds. The regeneration is effected by treating the spent solids from a hydroconversion reactor, said solids containing an alkali metal hydrosulfide, with water and carbon dioxide at a temperature and pressure sufficient to convert about 50% of the alkali metal hydrosulfide to an alkali metal carbonate, and heating a mixture of said alkali metal carbonate and unreacted alkali metal hydrosulfide with a quantity of coke to an elevated temperature sufficient to cause reaction of the hydrosulfide with the carbonate whereby an alkali metal sulfide is formed.

Abstract: Alkali metal sulfides are regenerated from alkali metal hydrosulfides which are produced as a result of the hydroconversion of heavy carbonaceous feeds. The regeneration is effected by contacting the alkali metal hydrosulfide with a metal oxide at elevated temperatures.