Abstract: Methods are provided herein for co-processing of biocomponent feeds as well processing of mineral feeds in a reaction system at hydrogen partial pressures of about 500 psig (3.4 MPag) or less. The methods include using stacked beds of both CoMo and NiMo catalysts. The stacked catalyst beds provided unexpectedly high catalyst activity as the input feed to a reaction system was switched between a mineral feed and a feed containing both mineral and biocomponent portions. Additionally, use of stacked catalyst beds can allow for maintenance of the activity for the catalyst system in a reaction system while still achieving a desired activity for both types of feeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for hydroprocessing feedstreams containing both sulfur-containing mineral oils and biomass-derived feedstocks in a single reactor configuration. The process produces a desulfurized, deoxygenated and dewaxed hydrocarbon product having reduced oxygen content, increased iso-paraffin content, low n-paraffin content, and good cold flow properties. In preferred embodiments, the processes herein utilize water tolerant hydrodewaxing catalysts in order to prevent deactivation and/or catalyst loss due to water produced during the deoxygenation reactions in the biomass components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon fuel or fuel precursor feedstream, such as methods comprising contacting a hydrocarbon fuel or fuel precursor feedstream having a relatively low sulfur content with a sulfur sorbent material comprising an active copper component disposed on a zeolitic and/or mesoporous support under conditions sufficient to reduce the sulfur content by at least 20 wt % and/or to about 15 wppm or below, thus forming a hydrocarbon fuel product. In some advantageous embodiments, the contacting conditions can include a temperature of about 392° F. (about 200° C.) or less.