Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a catalyst suitable for the hydroprocessing of heavy hydrocarbon feeds, which process comprises the steps of(i) if necessary removing carbonaceous and sulphurous deposits from waste catalyst by subjecting the waste catalyst to a thermal treatment,(ii) grinding the waste catalyst obtained in step (i),(iii) mixing the ground material obtained in step (ii) with a binder and, optionally, additives, and(iv) shaping the mixture to form a new catalyst,wherein the loss on ignition of the catalyst composition mixture at any point in the steps (ii), (iii), and (iv) is not higher than 70%.The process according to the invention is suitable, int. al., for the production of ebullated bed catalysts. In that case, it is envisaged to incorporate a macroporous additive into the catalyst composition.

Abstract: A process for the production of a diesel fuel includes contacting a feedstock comprising cracked stocks in the presence of hydrogen under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure with a first catalyst comprising a Group VI hydrogenation metal component and a Group VIII hydrogenation metal component on a substantially non-acidic carrier, and then contacting at least a portion of the effluent from the first catalyst with a second catalyst comprising a Group VI hydrogenation metal component and a Group VIII hydrogenation metal component on an acidic carrier. This process can produce diesel fuels having an improved cetane index and API gravity. The effluent from the second catalyst bed may be contacted with a third catalyst bed which contains a catalyst comprising a Group VI hydrogenation metal component and a Group VIII hydrogenation metal component on a substantially non-acidic carrier.