Catalytic reforming catalyst life

For example, in the case of light Arabian crude (Table 8.16), the sulfur content of the heavy gasoline, a potential feedstock for a catalytic reforming unit, is of 0.036 weight per cent while the maximum permissible sulfur content for maintaining catalyst service life is 1 ppm. It is therefore necessary to plan for a desulfurization pretreatment unit. Likewise, the sulfur content of the gas oil cut is 1.39% while the finished diesel motor fuel specification has been set for a maximum limit of 0.2% and 0.05% in 1996 (French specifications). 

Introduction of zeolites into catalytic cracking improved the quality of the product and the efficiency of the process. It was estimated that this modification in catalyst composition in the United States alone saved over 200 million barrels of crude oil in 1977. The use of bimetallic catalysts in reforming of naphthas, a basic process for the production of high-octane gasoline and petrochemicals, resulted in great improvement in the catalytic performance of the process, and in considerable extension of catalyst life. New catalytic approaches to the development of synthetic fuels are being unveiled. 

Naphtha to become a suitable component tor blending into finished gasoline pools must be further processed. The octane number will range from 40 to 50. Prior to introduction into a catalytic-reforming unit, most naphtha feedstocks are hydrotreated in the interest of prolonging the life of the reforming catalyst. 

Results showed that the two-stage TCH process could be used for upgrading Athabasca bitumen and for producing reformer naphtha feedstock, fuel oils, and catalytic cracking gas-oil feedstock. Product weight yields ranging from 86.4% to 93.0% were obtained. A 3 wt % CoO-15 wt % Mo03 on alumina catalyst was found to be sufficiently active to produce specification distillates. Comparison of various catalysts showed some differences in selectivities. However, extended life studies should be carried out to substantiate the differences. 

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