Abstract: Petroleum wax feeds are converted to high viscosity index lubricants by a two-step hydrocracking-hydroisomerization process in which the wax feed which exhibits branchingis initially subjected to hydrocracking under mild conditions with a conversion to non-lube range products of no more than about 30 weight percent of the feed. The hydrocracking is carried out at a hydrogen pressure of at least 1000 psig (7000 kPa) using an amorphous catalyst which preferentially removes the aromatic components present in the initial feed. The hydrocracked effluent is then subjected to hydroisomerization in a second step using a low acidity zeolite beta catalyst which effects a preferential isomerization on the paraffin components to less waxy, high VI isoparaffins. The second stage may be operated at high pressure by cascading the first stage product into the second stage or at a lower pressure, typically from 200 to 1000 psig.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The alpha value of the catalyst is no greater than 20. The catalyst comprises a noble metal hydroisomerization catalyst such as Pt. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The effluent of the process may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.

Abstract: The use of high silica to alumina ratio large pore zeolites, in combination with a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component, to convert Fischer-Tropsch heavy end products which may contain paraffins, olefins and oxygenates into low pour point distillates with high cetane number and extra high VI lube is described. The lube can be dewaxed by a conventional solvent process, by a catalytic process, or by increasing the severity of the hydroisomerization step.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of high viscosity index lubricants from mineral oil feedstocks, e.g., petroleum waxes, by hydrocracking in a first stage, followed by a combined hydroisomerization-hydrotreating process in a second stage, wherein the temperature in the second stage is closely controlled by regulating the amount of nitrogen-containing compounds which are permitted into the second stage.