Abstract: A new method for removing HF and related organic fluorides from fluid streams in which the fluoride species exist as impurities and, in particular, from hydrocarbon fluid streams containing no more than about 1.0% by weight total combined fluorides. The method consists of contacting the fluid stream with an adsorbent consisting essentially of activated alumina that has been treated with a promoter material selected from the oxides and phosphates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and mixtures thereof. This is preferably accomplished by providing a suitable absorber vessel charged with the adsorbent to form a fixed bed, and then conducting the fluoride-contaminated fluid through the fixed bed, either in a downflow or an upflow manner.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a new method for removing HF and related organic fluorides from fluid streams in which the fluoride species exist as impurities and, in particular, from hydrocarbon fluid streams containing up to 1000 ppm combined fluorides. The method of the invention consists of contacting the fluid stream with an adsorbent consisting essentially of activated alumina promoted with a compound selected from the oxides and phosphates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and mixtures thereof. Thus, in essence, the method of this invention utilizes a base-promoted alumina adsorbent in place of the prior art non-promoted aluminas.