Non-destructive process for the elimination of silicon from alumina based materials

Abstract

A method for eliminating silicon or silicon compounds in alumina based materials without destroying such alumina based materials enabling reutilization particularly in catalysts for hydrotreating processes, comprising: a) mixing alumina based solid material which contains silicon with an alcohol extraction agent at a temperature between 10 and 300° C., for 10 minutes to 96 hours to form a mixture; b) separating solids from the mixture by centrifugation, decantation or filtration to obtain separated solids; c) washing the separated solids with at least one of water, alcohol or an ammonium hydroxide solution to form washed solids; and d) drying the washed solids to obtain regenerated alumina based solid material.