GB917367A - Improved regeneration and activation of supported platinum catalysts as used in hydrocarbon conversion processes - Google Patents

Abstract

In a hydrocarbon conversion process in which a hydrocarbon is converted by contact with a bed of Pt-Al2O3-Cl2 catalyst, the spent catalyst is periodically regenerated by being freed of carbonaceous deposits by burning, activated with a hydrogen-containing gas and oxides are removed from the catalyst by contact with the hydrogen-containing gas the catalyst thereafter being dried with a drying gas until the water vapour partial pressure in the drying gas after contact with the regenerated catalyst is less than 1,2 mm. Hg. absolute, before the dried catalyst is contacted with hydrocarbon feedstock. Preferably the catalyst is burnt until its carbon content is less than 0,1%. Removal of carbon by burning results in agglomeration of Pt to crystals greater than 70 in size. Activation of the catalyst with chlorine however causes redispersion of platinum. Chlorine activation is effected until free chlorine is detected in gases emerging from the catalyst bed. An excess of chlorine is preferably left in contact with the catalyst bed, the latter thereafter being subjected to reduction, e.g. by contact with gradually increasing amounts of hydrogen at 800 DEG -1050 DEG F. After reduction the catalyst may be dried at 800 DEG -1050 DEG F. for 4 hours. An example is given.