A comparison of the resistance to deactivation of Ni-Mo hydroprocessing catalysts supported on alumina, carbon and carbon-covered alumina in gas oil and model compound reactions

Abstract

Hydroprocessing catalysts with 3-15 wt% NiO-MoO 3 supported on alumina, carbon and carbon-covered alumina were used to examine what role the support may have in catalyst deactivation during gas oil and model compound reactions. The gas oil experiments were carried out in a batch reactor at 410°C and 1000 PSIG initial hydrogen pressure with gas oil unspiked and spiked with 5.3 wt% quinoline or 5 wt% thiophene. By using the properties of the hydroprocessed gas oil and the wt% carbon deposited on the catalyst and loss of catalyst surface area, insights were gained into the relationship between the catalyst support and deactivation properties. In addition, model compounds have also been used as a probe to determine the nature of deactivation for catalysts supported on alumina, carbon and carbon-covered alumina. The model compound results support the conclusions drawn from the gas oil studies demonstrating the utility of model compound testing.