Abstract: Dewaxed fuel and lubricant base stocks are made by (a) producing a synthesis gas from natural gas, (b) reacting the H2 and CO in the gas in the presence of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, at reaction conditions effective to synthesize a waxy hydrocarbon feed boiling in the fuel and lubricant oil ranges, which is hydrodewaxed in a first stage to produce a dewaxed fuel and a partially dewaxed lubricant fraction. The partially dewaxed lubricant fraction is separated into heavy and lower boiling fractions each of which is separately hydrodewaxed, to produce lubricant base stocks. A hydrodewaxing catalyst comprising a hydrogenation component, binder and solid acid component used to hydrodewax at least one, and preferably at least two of the waxy feed and partially dewaxed heavy and lower boiling lubricant fractions.

Abstract: Dewaxed fuel and lubricant base stocks are made by (a) producing a synthesis gas from natural gas, (b) reacting the H2 and CO in the gas in the presence of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, at reaction conditions effective to synthesize a waxy hydrocarbon feed boiling in the fuel and lubricant oil ranges, which is hydrodewaxed in a first stage to produce a dewaxed fuel and a partially dewaxed lubricant fraction. The partially dewaxed lubricant fraction is separated into heavy and lower boiling fractions each of which is separately hydrodewaxed, to produce lubricant base stocks. A hydrodewaxing catalyst comprising a hydrogenation component, binder and solid acid component used to hydrodewax at least one, and preferably at least two of the waxy feed and partially dewaxed heavy and lower boiling lubricant fractions.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon wax product from a HCS slurry comprising liquid synthesis product and catalyst particles is purified by circulating the slurry from a synthesis zone with a first temperature through a treatment zone with a second temperature in which a hydrogen-containing treatment gas contacts the slurry. The gas treatment removes impurities from the hydrocarbon wax product and also removes catalyst de-activating species which may be present in the slurry. Purified wax product is separated and removed from the treated slurry via wax withdrawal means. This avoids or minimizes the need for further treating the wax product. Remaining treated slurry may be returned to the synthesis zone.

Abstract: A process for increasing the hydrogenation activity, particularly the carbon monoxide hydrogenation activity, of a catalyst or catalyst precursor comprised of a particulate solids support component and a catalytic metal, or metals component, preferably cobalt; cobalt alone or cobalt and an additional metal, or metals added to promote or modify the reaction produced by the cobalt. Treatment of the catalyst, or catalyst precursor is conducted at low temperature ranging from ambient to about 275° C. sufficient to form on the surface of a catalyst precursor, e.g., a cobalt catalyst precursor, a cobalt metal hydroxide, low valence cobalt metal oxide, or mixture of cobalt metal hydroxide and low valence cobalt metal oxide. Sometimes also metallic metal, e.g., cobalt, is also formed, and dispersed on the surface of the support.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon wax product from a HCS slurry comprising liquid synthesis product and catalyst particles is purified by circulating the slurry from a synthesis zone with a first temperature through a treatment zone with a second temperature in which a hydrogen-containing treatment gas contacts the slurry. The gas treatment removes impurities from the hydrocarbon wax product and also removes catalyst de-activating species which may be present in the slurry. Purified wax product is separated and removed from the treated slurry via wax withdrawal means. This avoids or minimizes the need for further treating the wax product. Remaining treated slurry may be returned to the synthesis zone.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthesis (HCS) process wherein a Fischer-Tropsch reactor is operated to maximize the selectivity to 371° C.+ boiling fraction while minimizing the production of less valuable products such as light gases (C1-C4), naphtha and diesel fractions. Inventive modes of operation to offset the effects of catalyst deactivation and maximize selectivity to 371° C.+ boiling fraction are utilized including (a) reducing gas inlet velocity to maintain an optimal CO conversion level, (b) introducing additional active catalyst until a maximum loading is reached, and (c) increasing reactor temperature until productivity reaches a predetermined cut-off level.