Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for activating an hydrotreating catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal oxide and a Group VIII metal oxide which process comprises contacting the catalyst with an acid and an organic additive which has a boiling point in the range of 80-500° C. and a solubility in water of at least 5 grams per liter (20° C., atmospheric pressure), optionally followed by drying under such conditions that at least 50% of the additive is maintained in the catalyst. The hydrotreating catalyst may be a fresh hydrotreating catalyst or a used hydrotreating catalyst which has been regenerated.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for activating an hydrotreating catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal oxide and a Group VIII metal oxide which process comprises contacting the catalyst with an acid and an organic additive which has a boiling point in the range of 80-500° C. and a solubility in water of at least 5 grams per liter (20° C., atmospheric pressure), optionally followed by drying under such conditions that at least 50% of the additive is maintained in the catalyst. The hydrotreating catalyst may be a fresh hydrotreating catalyst or a used hydrotreating catalyst which has been regenerated.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for activating an hydrotreating catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal oxide and a Group VIII metal oxide which process comprises contacting the catalyst with an acid and an organic additive which has a boiling point in the range of 80-500° C. and a solubility in water of at least 5 grams per liter (20° C., atmospheric pressure), optionally followed by drying under such conditions that at least 50% of the additive is maintained in the catalyst. The hydrotreating catalyst may be a fresh hydrotreating catalyst or a used hydrotreating catalyst which has been regenerated.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon feed using at least two reactors in which a heavy hydrocarbon feed is subjected sequentially to the steps of hydroprocessing in a first hydroprocessing reactor, in which it is subjected sequentially to a hydrodemetallization step, a hydrodesulfurization step carried out at a temperature higher than that of said hydrodemetallization step, and an asphaltene removal step carried out at a temperature higher than that of said hydrodesulfurization step, hydroprocessing in a second hydroprocessing reactor, in which it is subjected sequentially to a hydrodesulfurization step and an asphaltene removal step, which latter is carried out at a temperature higher than that of said hydrodesulfurization step.