HYDRODEMETALLATION CATALYST DEACTIVATION—EFFECT OF METALS ACCUMULATION ON HYDROGENATION AND HYDROGENOLYSIS ACTIVITIES

The deactivation of hydrodemetallation catalyst was investigated in diffusion-free conditions using a model oil system. The hydrodemetallation activity of a CoMo/γ-alumina catalyst was studied using nickel or vanadyl etioporphyrins as model compounds and the hydrodesulfurization and hydrogenation activity using dibenzothiophene and naphthalene. The experiments were carried out over sulfided catalysts at 320°C and 4.83 MPa total pressure. The catalyst activity for nickel etioporphyrin hydrodemetallation was maintained at least up to 50% metal loading. The hydrogenolysis activity decreased with increasing nickel and vanadium on the catalyst but the hydrogenation activity increased. The changes in activity were attributed to the different activities of the various sulfide phases present in the catalyst system.