Residual oil hydrotreating catalyst rejuvenation by leaching of foulant metals: Effect of metal leaching on catalyst characteristics and performance

Abstract

The effects of metal leaching on catalyst characteristics are reported and discussed. Samples of spent catalyst and chemically treated catalysts were characterized for surface area, porosity and chemical composition. The influence of chemical treatment on the distribution of the foulant metals (V and Ni) and the active metals (Co and Mo) within the catalyst pellet was examined by electron microprobe analysis. The samples were also tested for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity recovery as a result of the rejuvenation process and the relationship between the amount of vanadium removed and the recovery of surface area, pore volume and HDS activity was examined.