Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recycling waste cemented carbide by molten salt chemistry, comprising the steps of: (1) carrying out vacuum dehydration on a molten salt media; (2) carrying out oxidation-dissolution reaction on waste cemented carbide in the molten salt media; (3) carrying out deoxidation treatment on a molten salt system; (4) carrying out thermal reduction reaction on the molten salt system; and (5) washing, filtering and vacuum drying obtained mixture by thermal reduction reaction to carry out separation and collection of the molten salt media and waste cemented carbide nanopowder. Compared with existing method for recycling waste cemented carbide, the invention has the advantages of short flow, simple equipment, low energy consumption, and excellent recycled products. Moreover, the invention doesn't produce solid/gas/liquid harmful substances to pollute the environment, and can create enormous economic and social benefits.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing sodium tungstate by supplying an oxidant made of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite to bring a tungsten containing material and the oxidant into contact with each other in an atmosphere containing oxygen to thereby continuously produce a reaction product; a method for collecting tungsten using the method; and an apparatus for producing sodium tungstate. Also provided are a method for producing a sodium tungstate aqueous solution in which a reductant is introduced into a melt containing the above-described reaction product which is then dissolved in water; and a method for collecting tungsten using the method.

Abstract: Provided are a method for producing sodium tungstate by supplying an oxidant made of sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite to bring a tungsten containing material and the oxidant into contact with each other in an atmosphere containing oxygen to thereby continuously produce a reaction product; a method for collecting tungsten using the method; and an apparatus for producing sodium tungstate. Also provided are a method for producing a sodium tungstate aqueous solution in which a reductant is introduced into a melt containing the above-described reaction product which is then dissolved in water; and a method for collecting tungsten using the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing chromates, especially for producing alkali metal chromates. The method comprises following steps: the obtaining of a mixture of alkali metal hydroxide, alkali metal chromate, and ferrous residue after the reaction of chromite ore with an oxidant in the reactor in the presence of molten salt or in aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, the obtaining of a leaching slurry by leaching the reaction products with aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, the separating of the primary chromate product from the leaching slurry, the obtaining of pure chromate crystal by purifying the primary chromate product. Both the primary chromate product and the pure chromate crystal can be used as the raw materials to manufacture other chromium compounds. Compared with the currently-used roasting method, the method has the advantages of decreasing the reaction temperature by about 700° C.

Abstract: A coating powder based on chemically modified titanium suboxides, for use in various coating techniques. Coatings produced from this powder are characterized by high electroconductivity, good solid lubricating properties and resistance to wear. For these reasons, there are numerous possibilities of use of components which were coated by suitable processes with this powder, especially as functional layers for fuel cells in electrochemical installations, in the new car industry, in mechanical engineering and in other economic activities. The coating powder based on titanium suboxides having a defined defect structure is characterized in that it is modified by at least one metallic alloying element and described by general formula: Tin-2Me2O2n-1.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relaxor material lead iron tungstate which has been synthesized in doped and undoped conditions by single and two step heat treatment. The relaxor material is seen to exhibit almost negligible hysteresis and a transducer made thereby shows pressure measurement capability over a wide range from 0.5 MPa to 415 MPa with accuracy of ±0.05%.

Abstract: A method and system for decreasing the concentration of at least one metal in an aqueous solution. The metal may be molybdenum, tungsten, or both. An aqueous solution is introduced into at least one reaction zone, and at least one source of hydroxide ions is provided into the at least one reaction zone in an amount sufficient to precipitate at least some of the mass of the at least one metal. The aqueous solution includes a mass of the at least one metal and a mass of at least one reducing agent. The at least one reducing agent includes at least ferrous iron from at least one source of the at least one reducing agent. A composition of tungsten ferrite or molybdenum tungsten ferrite may be formed. The method may be used for purifying water, for the refining of metals, or to facilitate a chemical analytical determination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of a manganese sulfide (MnS) compound useful as additives for making a sintered product. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the composistions in which molybdenum (Mo) or Fe—Mo is added to the MnS compound to improve machinability and to obtain a more stable MnS compound, thereby reducing any change in weight and size in a sintering process. The compositions can suppress erosion of parts in a sintering furnace during a sintering process, prevent sooting on a surface of the sintered product from occurring, and enhance resistance to moisture in the air to keep the sintered product in the air for a long time.

Abstract: This invention concerns catalysts comprising a molybdenum compound of formula I, II, III, IV or V I VqMoAyOz II NiMoxByOz′ III VNiwMoxCy′Oz″ IV CoNiwMoxDyOz′″ V VNiwCorMoxEyOz″″ wherein: A is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Cr, Sb, Co, Ce and Pb; B is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Sb, Al and W; C is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Fe, Zn, Al, Sb, Bi, W, Li, Ba, Nb and Sn; D is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Ba, Mn, Al, Sb, Sn, and W; E is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of cations of: Fe, Ca, Mn, Sr, Eu, La, Zr, Ga, Sn and Pb; q, r, w, x and y are each independently a number from 0.1 to 10 and y′ is a number from 0 to 10, z, z′, z″, z′″, and z″″ are determined using the amounts and oxidation states of all cations present in each formula.

Abstract: The process of the present invention relates to a process for recovering the carbide metal from metal carbide scrap wherein the metal is tungsten, titanium, vanadium, chromium or molybdenum, and this process comprises (A) providing a mixture comprising the metal carbide scrap and at least a stoichiometric amount, based on the amount of carbide metal present in the scrap, of an alkali metal hydroxide, (B) heating the mixture in the presence of oxygen at an elevated temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient to form a water soluble alkali metal salt of the carbide metal, and (C) recovering the water soluble alkali metal salt.

Abstract: Molybdenum trioxide is produced from molybdenite by a pressure oxidation process comprising of the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of molybdenite, pressure oxidizing the slurry to form soluble and insoluble molybdenum species, converting the insoluble molybdenum species to soluble molybdenum species by alkaline digestion, separating the soluble molybdenum species from insoluble residue contaminants (if present), removing the molybdenum species from the aqueous media through solvent extraction, and recovering the molybdenum values as molybdenum trioxide from the organic solvent. Low grade molybdenite concentrates, including concentrator slimes containing talc and sericite, can be used as a feed. The process produces technical grade molybdenum trioxide.

Abstract: A high performance W--Cu composite powder is provided which is composed of individual particles having a tungsten phase and a copper phase wherein the tungsten phase substantially encapsulates the copper phase. The tungsten-coated copper composite powder may be pressed and sintered into W--Cu pseudoalloy articles having a homogeneous distribution of W and Cu phases without experiencing copper bleedout or it may be used in ceramic metallization for the electronics industry.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of sodium tungstate by the oxidation of hard metal scrap and/or heavy metal scrap in a molten salt mixture of hydroxide and sodium sulfate.

Abstract: A method for recovering tungsten from a tungsten containing spent catalyst comprises digesting the catalyst in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution wherein the mole ratio of the sodium hydroxide to the tungsten contained in the spent catalyst is from about 2.6 to about 4.2 and wherein the amount of water is sufficient to dissolve the subsequently produced sodium tungstate, at a temperature of at least about 90.degree. C. for a length of time of at least about 1 hour to convert greater than about 77% by weight of the tungsten contained in the spent catalyst to sodium tungstate and form a sodium tungstate solution thereof and a residue containing the balance of the starting tungsten, and separating the sodium tungstate solution from the residue. Essentially all of the tungsten is recovered as sodium tungstate by first grinding the catalyst prior to the digestion and by using a mole ratio of sodium hydroxide to tungsten of about 3.8 to 4.2.

Abstract: A new tungsten compound is formed by reacting ammonium metatungstate with guanidine carbonate. Such a compound can be converted to metallic tungsten, tungsten carbide or oxycarbide, and tungsten nitride or oxynitride. One can also make multiphase composite particles based on molybdenum, tungsten or their compounds (such as carbide or nitride), and at least one other metallic phase, such as cobalt, copper, nickel, iron or silver. The process involves first dispersing particles of a refractory metal or its compounds in a liquid medium, followed by inducing a chemical reaction in the liquid phase to generate a new solid phase which coats or mixes with the dispersed particles. The solid phase includes elements required in the final composite. After removing the liquid phase, the remaining solid is converted by hydrogen reduction into the final products.

Abstract: A process for forming a salt, such as sodium tungstate, using a pyrometallurgical operation is provided. A slagging operation is performed in which a metal-containing material is melted in the presence of slag formers such as sodium metasilicate and silica. The metal predominantly reports to a denser metal-containing phase. The denser metal-containing phase may then be subjected to gas sparging with a carbon-containing gas in order to form metal carbide, preferably tungsten carbide.

Abstract: Phase-pure, crystalline tungstates of general composition Me(II)WO.sub.4, where Me(II)=Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mg, Ca, Sr and/or Ba. These are prepared by wet mixing tungsten components (preferably ammonium paratungstate or metatungstate) with corresponding sponding Me(II) oxides and used, preferably, in making perovskites and X-ray intensifier phosphors.

Abstract: A simple, cost effective method for reclaiming tungsten values from tungsten-thoria has been invented. The method involves reacting the tungsten-thoria with molten sodium hydroxide to form a soluble sodium tungstate and an insoluble residue of thoria, cooling the melt, dissolving the melt in water, and filtering to separate the insoluble residue of thoria from the dissolved sodium tungstate. The method resulting in substantially all of the tungsten values being reclaimed as sodium tungstate and acutely reducing the amount of radioactive material for disposal.

Abstract: Amorphous tungsten, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, iron and alloys thereof can be formed by reducing metal-containing compositions to form the elemental metal wherein the particle size of the elemental metal is less than about 80 microns. This is oxidized in an oxygen-starved environment containing less than 3% oxygen and an inert gas to slowly oxidize the elemental metal. By oxidizing the metal under these conditions, the normal exotherm occurring during oxidation is avoided. The slow oxidation of the metal continues forming an amorphous metal oxide. The amorphous metal oxide can then be reacted in a reducing environment such as hydrogen to form the amorphous elemental metal. This amorphous elemental metal can then be reacted with a carburizing gas to form the carbide or ammonia gas to form the nitride or hexamethylsilane to form the silicide. This permits gas/solid reactions. The amorphous metal can also be used in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of chromium ore in a directly heated revolving tube is described, in which oxygen-containing gases are introduced into the revolving tube by means of below-bed nozzles.

Abstract: According to the invention there is now provided a simple method of preparing a powder containing WC and cobalt and/or nickel. APT-powder and a powder of a basic salt of cobalt and/or cobalt are mixed in water or in mixed solvents. The suspension is stirred to react at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of the solution whereby a precipitate is formed, which precipitate is filtered off, dried and finally reduced to a metallic powder.

Abstract: A process for the decomposition of chrome ore by alkaline oxidation bymixing finely divided chrome ore with alkaline compounds,heating the mixture in an indirectly heated rotary kiln to between 800.degree. and 1,200.degree. C.,introducing oxygen or gases enriched with oxygen countercurrently to the mixture, whereinthe mixture of chrome ore and alkaline compound is divided into a large number of individual streams,each individual stream is fed into a separate indirectly heated rotary kiln,the large number of rotary kilns is combined in the form of a bank of kilns,the theoretical distance covered by the particles of the mixture through the rotary kiln is 5 to 30 m, andthe resulting average coverage of the inner surface of the rotary kiln is 1 to 5 kg of mixture/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing alkali chromates by the reacting of chromium ore with alkali compounds and oxidation in an atmosphere containing at least 50% oxygen is described, in which the mixture consisting of chromium ore, alkali compound and optionally leaning materials is heated in a first stage in an atmosphere containing not more than 5 vol. % oxygen to a temperature between 1000.degree. and 1 400.degree. C., and in a second stage is oxidized at a lower temperature of 900.degree. to 1 070.degree. C. with supply of an atmosphere containing at least 50% oxygen.

Abstract: Epoxidate from the molybdenum catalyzed epoxidation of an olefin such as propylene with a hydroperoxide such as ethylbenzene hydroperoxide is treated with 2 to 15 times the stoichiometric equivalent of aqueous base such as sodium hydroxide to form Na.sub.2 MoO.sub.4 and the resulting mixture is phase separated to separate an organic phase reduced in molybdenum and a net aqueous stream containing removed molybdenum, the mass ratio of the organic phase to the net aqueous stream being 450-3,000/I.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the low-waste production of sodium dichromate from the mineral chromite with simultaneous recovery of low-carbon ferrochromium.

Abstract: A method for making a tungsten-copper composite oxide wherein an amount of an ammonium tungstate and an amount of an oxide or hydroxide of copper are combined without milling to form a mixture. The unmilled mixture is then dehydrated and fired at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the tungsten-copper composite oxide.

Abstract: A method of making a tungsten-copper composite oxide wherein an amount of an oxide of tungsten and an amount of an oxide of copper are combined to form a mixture, the oxide of tungsten or the oxide of copper, or both, being in a hydrated form. The mixture is then milled, dehydrated and fired at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the tungsten-copper composite oxide, the time sufficient to form the tungsten-copper composite oxide being at least about one-half the time sufficient to form the tungsten-copper composite oxide from a mixture of tungsten trioxide, WO.sub.3, and cupric oxide, CuO, under substantially similar conditions.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkaline chromates by means of oxidative disaggregation in a reactor of substances containing trivalent chromium compounds in admixture with alkali. The oxidative disaggregation is carried out in dry phase by moving the mixture within the reactor while heating the mixture by indirect heat exchange in the absence of combustion gases and under mechanical stress, and feeding to the interior of the reactor oxidizing gas. The mixture is heated to a temperature of between 500.degree. and 1500.degree. C. The oxidizing gas is fed with an oxygen concentration in a range between 8 and 100%. Gases leaving the reactor are used for the acidification of an aqueous solution of alkaline chromates which is then dried and supplied to the reactor. The reactor is a rotating tubular reactor and the mixture moves continuously through the rotating reactor.

Abstract: Aluminum is removed from ammonium molybdate solution by the use of Mg.sup.+2 in the solution to precipitate out the aluminum.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of sodium dichromate and sodium dichromate solutions by alkaline oxidizing roasting of chromium ores, leaching resulting roast with water, adjustment of the pH to 7 to 9.5, removal of the insoluble constituents by filtration, a sodium monochromate solution containing 300 to 400 g/l of Na.sub.2 CrO.sub.4 being obtained, conversion of the monochromate ions of this solution into dichromate ions by addition of an acid and/or by electrolysis and/or by reaction with carbon dioxide under pressure and crystallization of sodium dichromate by concentration of this solution. The improvement wherein before the conversion into a sodium dichromate solution, the sodium monochromate solution is concentrated to contents of 700 to 1000 g/l of Na.sub.2 CrO.sub.4, the monochromatic ions, the solution is subsequently freed as far as possible from sodium sulphate by cooling to a temperature of below 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture. The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of sodium dichromate and sodium dichromate solutions by oxidative roasting of chrome ores under alkaline conditions, leaching of the furnace clinker obtained with water or an aqueous chromate-containing solution, adjustment of the pH to from 7 to 9.5, removal of the insoluble constituents by filtration, a sodium monochromate solution being obtained, conversion of the monochromate ions of this solution into dichromate ions by acidification and crystallization of sodium dichromate by concentration of this solution, characterized in that the acidification is carried out with carbon dioxide under pressure with removal of sodium hydrogen carbonate, the remaining solution is then very largely freed from sodium monochromate by cooling to a temperature below 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture. The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A powdered admixture of a boron, carbon, nitrogen or silicon derivative of a first metal is combined with a source of a second metal and, optionally, a source of a third metal or an iron-group metal, subjected to densification conditions (heat and pressure), partially reacted and converted to a hard, wear resistant material. The wear resistant material contains an amount of the first metal derivative as well as a material of varying stoichiometry which is the partial reaction product of components of the powdered admixture The material may also contain residual, unreacted portions of components other than the first metal derivative. Articles formed from this material can be useful as, for example, nozzles in abrasive or nonabrasive waterjet cutting machines and various parts of wire drawing apparatus.

Abstract: Potassium impurity is removed from ammonium molybdate by dissolving the ammonium molybdate in hot acid, allowing the acid solution to cool whereby the ammonium molybdate precipitates out of the solution as molybdenum trioxide and then separating, washing and drying the molybdenum trioxide.

Abstract: Methods of making Chevrel-phase materials suitable for use as battery cathodes by heating a precursor composition comprising one or more heat labile compounds of one or more non-molybdenum metals capable of forming a Chevrel-phase material, forming a reaction mixture with molybdenum and a chalcogen or compounds thereof, and further heating said reaction mixture. Chevrel-phase materials having two non-molybdenum metals in which one serves as a filler metal resistant to intecalation. Electrochemical cells incorporating the Chevrel-phase materials disclosed.

Abstract: Hazardous waste containing inorganic compounds which contain heavy metals or particular hazardous anionic groups or which are hazardous halides or non-metal oxides or sulfides is contacted with molten aluminum to provide reduction to lower less hazardous oxidation state.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing potassium from relatively impure molybdenum trioxide. The process involves contacting the impure molybdenum trioxide containing greater than about 600 weight parts potassium per million with a first acid leach which consists essentially of nitric acid and ammonium nitrate at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C. for a sufficient time and at above a 2 molar concentration of said nitric acid and an ammonium nitrate concentration of from about 1.5 to about 2 molar in said first acid leach to solubilize the major portion of the potassium and form a once leached molybdenum trioxide containing the remaining portion of the potassium which is separated from the resulting potassium containing acid leach and contacted with a second leach solution substantially similar to the first acid leach followed by separating the resulting twice leached molybdenum trioxide from the resulting potassium containing second leach.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering a tungsten compound from a waste liquor containing a high-boiling organic compound and the tungsten compound, which process comprises the steps of spray-burning said waste liquor at an air ratio of 1.05 or higher under conditions of a temperature and a residence time which lie within the region of a pentagon defined by points A, B, C, D, and E in FIG. 1; quenching the combustion product by immediately bringing it into direct contact with water; and recovering the tungsten compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple process for the recovery of pure tungsten at a high yield from cemented tungsten carbide or tungsten alloys scrap. According to the invention the process consists of a series of steps characterized by certain critical parameters.

Abstract: Processes are described for preparing pure ammonium molybdate from impure roasted molybdenum concentrates. An aqueous solution of nitric acid and ammonium nitrate is contacted with impure molybdenum concentrate to solubilize a major portion of the impurities. The resulting molybdenum concentrate is digested in ammonium hydroxide under conditions that maximize iron precipitation and removal. The resulting ammonium molybdate solution is separated from the sludge and further purified by chelating cation exchange resin in the ammonium form.

Abstract: Processes are described for preparing pure ammonium molybdate from impure roasted molybdenum concentrates. An aqueous solution of nitric acid, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate is contacted with impure molybdenum concentrate to solubilize a major portion of the impurities. The resulting molybdenum concentrate is digested in ammonium hydroxide under conditions that maximize iron precipitation and removal. The resulting ammonium molybdate solution is separated from the sludge and further purified by chelating cation exchange resin in the ammonium form.

Abstract: A process for converting tungsten bearing material to sodium tungstate by adding an oxidizing reactant in small increments to a heated mixture of fused sodium hydroxide and the tungsten bearing material while the temperature is maintained at from about 500.degree. C. to about 700.degree. C.

Abstract: Processes are described for preparing pure ammonium molybdate from impure roasted molybdenum concentrates. An aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and ammonium nitrate is contacted with impure molybdenum concentrate to solubilize a major portion of the impurities. The resulting molybdenum concentrate is digested in ammonium hydroxide under conditions that maximize iron precipitation and removal. The resulting ammonium molybdate solution is separated from the sludge and further purified by chelating cation exchange resin in the ammonium form.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering molybdenum from molybdenum disulfide. The process involves forming a slurry of the molybdenum disulfide in a solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, the amount of hydroxide being sufficient to react with at least a portion of the molybdenum disulfide to form an alkali metal molybdate and an alkali sulfate, heating the slurry in an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to effect the conversion to the molybdate, and separating the pregnant liquor containing the molybdate from any residue. To the pregnant liquor is then added a sufficient amount of a hexamine to form a hexamine-molybdenum compound containing the major portion of the molybdenum, followed by adjusting the pH to from about 1.5 to about 3.8 to precipitate the major portion of the hexamine-molybdenum compound, and separating the compound from the resulting mother liquor.

Abstract: Processes are described for preparing pure ammonium molybdate from impure roasted molybdenum concentrates. An aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium persulfate is contacted with impure molybdenum concentrate to solubilize a major portion of the impurities. The resulting molybdenum concentrate is digested in ammonium hydroxide under conditions that maximize iron precipitation and removal. The resulting ammonium molybdate solution is separated from the sludge and further purified by chelating cation exchange resin in the ammonium form.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing ammonia from a sodium tungstate solution. The process involves heating the solution at from about 80.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C., while at the same time maintaining the pH above about 9.4 by addition of sodium hydroxide to the sodium tungstate solution. The heating is carried out for a period of time sufficient to allow the essentially complete removal of the ammonia.

Abstract: Processes are described for preparing pure ammonium molybdate from impure roasted molybdenum concentrates. An aqueous solution of nitric acid, ammmonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate is contacted with impure molybdenum concentrate to solubilize a major portion of the impurities. The resulting molybdenum concentrate is digested in ammonium hydroxide under conditions that maximize iron precipitation and removal. The resulting ammonium molybdate solution is separated from the sludge and further purified by chelating cation exchange resin in the ammonium form.

Abstract: An inorganic composition adapted for use in bonding a high temperature resistant polymeric material to an aluminum base substrate is provided. The composition is obtained by reacting a first inorganic compound containing chromium and oxygen with a second inorganic compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting essentially of calcium, barium and strontium to form a reaction product containing chromium, oxygen and at least one element selected from the group essentially consisting of calcium, barium and strontium. A method of bonding a high temperature resistant polymeric material to an aluminum base substrate using the above composition is also provided.

Abstract: A slurry hydroconversion process is provided in which a carbonaceous chargestock such as a hydrocarbonaceous oil or coal comprising a catalyst containing vanadium or molybdenum or mixtures thereof, is converted to a hydroconverted oil product. A heavy oil portion comprising metal-containing solids is separated from the oil product and partially gasified to produce a carbon-free metal-containing ash which is extracted with oxalic acid. The resulting metal-containing oxalic acid extract is recycled to the hydroconversion zone as catalyst precursor.