DEVELOPMENT OF A PROCESS TO REJUVENATE THE SPENT HYDROPROCESSING CATALYSTS FROM KUWAIT REFINERIES

摘要

Kuwait refineries discard large quantities of spent catalyst (6000 Ton/Year). These catalysts are considered to be hazardous since they contain toxic materials. Disposal of spent catalyst without proper treatment is restricted by environmental legislation. Development of a cost effective method to utilize these catalysts from Kuwait Petroleum refineries was recognized in Kuwait. A research project entitled 'Development of a Process to Rejuvenate Spent Hydroprocessing Catalyst from Kuwait Refineries' was initiated with the aim of developing a process to use a major portion of the spent catalyst in the country by reclaiming partially deactivated portions by mechanical separation and by rejuvenating the heavily fouled catalysts by removing the foulant metals and coke. The spent, rejuvenated and reclaimed catalysts were characterized using several techniques such as surface area and porosity measurements, elemental analysis, electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction and activity tests. The results of the various steps involved in the rejuvenation process development including a comparison of the rejuvenated catalyst performance with that of the fresh catalyst will be presented and discussed.