Abstract: Assemblies and methods to enhance hydrotreating and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes associated with a refining operation, during the processes, may include supplying a hydrocarbon feedstock to a cat feed hydrotreater (CFH) processing unit to produce CFH unit materials. The assemblies and methods also may include conditioning material samples, and analyzing the samples via one or more spectroscopic analyzers. The assemblies and methods further may include prescriptively controlling, via one or more FCC process controllers, based at least in part on the material properties, a FCC processing assembly, so that the prescriptively controlling results in causing the processes to produce CFH materials, intermediate materials, the unit materials, and/or the downstream materials having properties within selected ranges of target properties, thereby to cause the processes to achieve material outputs that more accurately and responsively converge on one or more of the target properties.

Abstract: Hydrocracked bottoms fractions are treated to separate HPNA compounds and/or HPNA precursor compounds and produce a reduced-HPNA hydrocracked bottoms fraction effective for recycle, in a configuration of a single-stage hydrocracking reactor, series-flow once through hydrocracking operation, or two-stage hydrocracking operation. A process for separation of HPNA and/or HPNA precursor compounds from a hydrocracked bottoms fraction of a hydroprocessing reaction effluent comprises contacting the hydrocracked bottoms fraction with an effective quantity of a oxidizing agent to produce corresponding oxidized HPNA compounds and/or oxidized HPNA precursor compounds, and to form an oxidized hydrocracked bottoms fraction. The oxidized hydrocracked bottoms fraction is separated into an HPNA-reduced hydrocracked bottoms portion and an oxidized HPNA portion. All or a portion of the HPNA-reduced hydrocracked bottoms portion is recycled within the hydrocracking operation.

Abstract: Hydrocracked bottoms fractions are treated to separate HPNA compounds and/or HPNA precursor compounds and produce a reduced-HPNA hydrocracked bottoms fraction effective for recycle, in a configuration of a single-stage hydrocracking reactor, series-flow once through hydrocracking operation, or two-stage hydrocracking operation. A process for separation of HPNA and/or HPNA precursor compounds from a hydrocracked bottoms fraction of a hydroprocessing reaction effluent comprises contacting the hydrocracked bottoms fraction with an effective quantity of a sulfonation agent to produce corresponding sulfonated HPNA compounds and/or sulfonated HPNA precursor compounds, and to form a sulfonated hydrocracked bottoms fraction. The sulfonated hydrocracked bottoms fraction is separated into an HPNA-reduced hydrocracked bottoms portion and a sulfonated HPNA portion. All or a portion of the HPNA-reduced hydrocracked bottoms portion is recycled within the hydrocracking operation.

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for improving the yield from reforming processes. Aromatic complex bottoms, or a heavy fraction thereof, are subjected to catalytic conversion to produce additional gasoline and higher-quality aromatic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous material in the form of microspheres based on iridium and/or iridium oxide, its preparation process, its use as anodic catalyst in a water electrolyser based on a solid polymer electrolyte, also called PEM water electrolyser (with PEM meaning “Proton Exchange Membrane” or “Polymer Electrolyte Membrane”) or for the manufacture of light-emitting diodes for various electronic devices or for cars, and a PEM water electrolyser comprising such a material as an anode catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a porous support-zeolite membrane composite, which comprises forming a CHA type zeolite membrane on a porous support by a hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of seed crystals, wherein an FAU type zeolite is used as the seed crystals.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming high temperature coating over ceramic components, such as ceramic turbomachine components. In various embodiments, the method includes the step or process of at least partially filling a reactor vessel with a reaction solution containing a solution-borne rare earth cation source. A silicon-containing surface region of a ceramic component is submerged in the reaction solution, and a solvothermal growth process is carried-out. During the solvothermal growth process, the reaction solution is subject to elevated temperature and pressure conditions within the reactor vessel in the presence of a silicate anion source, which reacts with the solution-borne rare earth cation source to grow a rare earth silicate layer over the silicon-containing surface region of the ceramic component.

Abstract: A unique process and catalyst is described that operates efficiently for the direct production of a high cetane diesel type fuel or diesel type blending stock from stochiometric mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This invention allows for, but is not limited to, the economical and efficient production high quality diesel type fuels from small or distributed fuel production plants that have an annual production capacity of less than 10,000 barrels of product per day, by eliminating traditional wax upgrading processes. This catalytic process is ideal for distributed diesel fuel production plants such as gas to liquids production and other applications that require optimized economics based on supporting distributed feedstock resources.

Abstract: Generally, regenerable, encapsulated metal oxide catalysts comprising a ceramic matrix and metal catalysts may be used to convert alkanes to alkenes. The encapsulated metal oxide catalyst may be tailored to produce a variety of alkenes including ethylene, butylene, and propylene. Further, the encapsulated metal oxide catalysts advantageously allow for regeneration and reactant recovery for cost effective and environmentally friendly processes.

Abstract: A method for reducing the level of occluded alkali metal cations from an MSE-framework type molecular sieve comprises either (a) contacting the molecular sieve with a solution containing ammonium ions at a temperature of at least about 50° C. to ammonium-exchange at least part of the occluded potassium ions or (b) contacting the molecular sieve with steam at a temperature of at least about 300° C. and then subjecting the steamed molecular sieve to ammonium exchange.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes designed to convert DME and/or methanol and hydrogen (H2) to desirable liquid fuels are described. These catalysts produce the fuels efficiently and with a high selectivity and yield, and reduce the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons by incorporating H2 into the products. Also described are process methods to further upgrade these fuels to higher molecular weight liquid fuel mixtures, which have physical properties comparable with current commercially used liquid fuels.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes designed to convert DME and/or methanol and hydrogen (H2) to desirable liquid fuels are described. These catalysts produce the fuels efficiently and with a high selectivity and yield, and reduce the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons by incorporating H2 into the products. Also described are process methods to further upgrade these fuels to higher molecular weight liquid fuel mixtures, which have physical properties comparable with current commercially used liquid fuels.

Abstract: A method for producing aromatic hydrocarbons, the method including: (a) bringing a feedstock oil such as an LCO into contact with an aromatic production catalyst to obtain a reaction product containing aromatic hydrocarbons, (b) separating the reaction product into a tower top fraction and a tower bottom fraction using a distillation tower, (c) separating the tower top fraction into a crude aromatic fraction containing an LPG fraction, and an off-gas containing hydrogen, (d) separating the crude aromatic fraction containing an LPG fraction into an LPG fraction and a crude aromatic fraction, (e) separating the off-gas containing hydrogen into hydrogen and an off-gas, and (f) using the hydrogen obtained in step (e) to hydrotreat the crude aromatic fraction, thereby obtaining an aromatic fraction.

Abstract: The fluid catalytic cracking process according to the present invention includes a first step of feeding a feedstock to a first fluid catalytic cracker, and catalytically cracking the feedstock in the first fluid catalytic cracker, so as to produce a fraction (LCO) having a boiling range of 221 to 343° C. and having a total aromatic content of 40 to 80 volume %; and a second step of feeding an oil to be processed containing the fraction to a second fluid catalytic cracker having a reaction zone, a separation zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone, and catalytically cracking the oil in the reaction zone of the second fluid catalytic cracker, in the presence of a cracking catalyst, at an outlet temperature of the reaction zone of 550 to 750° C., a contact time between the oil and the catalyst of 0.1 to 1 second, and a catalyst/oil ratio of 20 to 40 wt/wt.

Abstract: A process for catalytic conversion of low value hydrocarbon streams to light olefins in comparatively higher yields is disclosed. Propylene is obtained in amounts higher than 20 wt. % and ethylene higher than 6 wt. %. The process is carried out in a preheated cracking reactor having a single riser and circulating an FCC catalyst. The riser is divided into three temperature zones in which different hydrocarbon feeds are introduced. An oxygenate feed is introduced in the operative top zone in the riser. Heat for the endothermic cracking is obtained by the exothermic reaction of converting the oxygenate feed into gas and/or from a regenerator in which the spent FCC catalyst is burnt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making a catalyst for hydroprocessing a carbonaceous feedstock under hydroprocessing conditions, and the use of that catalyst. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting rapid decomposition of ammonium nitrate during calcination of the catalyst following metal impregnation, wherein ammonium nitrate is formed when a nitrate-containing composition and an ammonium-containing component is used in the deposition of metal onto the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing a product stream consisting primarily of the lower olefins ethylene, propylene and butylenes, and of gasoline is provided. The process includes cracking a mixture of paraffinic naphtha feedstream and regenerated catalyst in a downflow reactor. The reaction product stream is separated from the spent catalyst and subsequently fractionated into individual product streams, while the spent catalyst is regenerated and recycled.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for regenerating catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking unit. Generally, the process includes providing a feed to a riser of a reaction vessel, and providing a stream to a distributor positioned within a void proximate to an inlet receiving unregenerated catalyst in a regenerator. The feed can include at least one of a gas oil, a vacuum gas oil, an atmospheric gas oil, a coker gas oil, a hydrotreated gas oil, a hydrocracker unconverted oil, and an atmospheric residue.

Abstract: In a process for producing phenol, benzene is hydroalkylated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst under conditions effective to produce a hydroalkylation reaction product comprising cyclohexylbenzene and cyclohexane. At least a portion of the cyclohexane from said hydroalkylation reaction product is then dehydrogenated to produce a dehydrogenation effluent comprising benzene, toluene and hydrogen. At least a portion of the dehydrogenation effluent is washed with a benzene-containing stream to transfer at least a portion of the toluene from the dehydrogenation effluent to the benzene-containing stream.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feed to a catalytic reactor can be heat exchanged with flue gas from a catalyst regenerator. This innovation enables recovery of more energy from flue gas thus resulting in a lower flue gas discharge temperature. As a result, other hot hydrocarbon streams conventionally used to preheat hydrocarbon feed can now be used to generate more high pressure steam.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking system. The system can include a reaction zone, in turn including a reactor receiving, a fluidizing stream, a fuel gas stream, a fluidizable catalyst, a stream having an effective amount of oxygen for combusting the fuel gas stream, and a feed.

Abstract: A supported catalyst comprises a zeolite having a silica to alumina molar ratio of 500 or less, a first metal oxide binder having a crystallite size greater than 200 ? and a second metal oxide binder having a crystallite size less than 100 ?, wherein the second metal oxide binder is present in an amount less than 15 wt % of the total weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic conversion process for producing more diesel and propylene, comprising contacting the feedstock oil with a catalyst having a relatively homogeneous activity in a reactor, wherein the reaction temperature, weight hourly space velocity and weight ratio of the catalyst/feedstock oil are sufficient to obtain a reaction product containing from 12 to 60% by weight of a fluid catalytic cracking gas oil relative to the weight of the feedstock oil; the fluid catalytic cracking gas oil is fed into the fluid catalytic cracking gas oil treatment device for further processing. Catalytic cracking, hydrogenation, solvent extraction, hydrocracking and process for producing more diesel are organically combined together, and hydrocarbons such as alkanes, alkyl side chains in the feedstock for catalysis are selectively cracked and isomerized.

Abstract: A process for producing propylene, which including feeding at least one of dimethyl ether and methanol to a reactor to be reacted in the presence of a catalyst; supplying an obtained reaction product to a separator by which low-boiling compounds having a boiling point of ?50° C. or lower at atmospheric pressure among the reaction product are separated; and recycling a proportion of at least 70% of a total amount of the separated low-boiling compounds to said reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulphur reduction catalyst additive composition comprising an inorganic porous support incorporated with metals; an alumino silicate or zeolite component; an alumina component and clay. More particularly the present invention relates to sulphur reduction catalyst additive composition comprising refinery spent catalyst as support. The primary sulphur reduction catalyst additive component of the catalyst composition contains metals of Period III or IV of the Periodic Table, preferably Zinc or Magnesium or combination thereof or one of the transition metals along with other metals.

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilized aggregates of small primary crystallites of zeolite Y that are clustered into larger secondary particles. At least 80% of the secondary particles may comprise at least 5 primary crystallites. The size of the primary crystallites may be at most about 0.5 micron, or at most about 0.3 micron, and the size of the secondary particles may be at least about 0.8 micron, or at least about 1.0 ?m. The silica to alumina ratio of the resulting stabilized aggregated Y zeolite may be 4:1 or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials used as electrodes and/or catalysts, as well as methods associated with the same. The materials may comprise an alloy or intermetallic compound of a transition metal (e.g., Ni) and a metal additive (e.g., Sn). The transition metal and additive are selected to provide improved electrode and/or catalytic performance. For example, the materials of the invention may have a high catalytic activity, while being less susceptible to coking than certain conventional electrode/catalytic materials. These performance advantages can simplify the equipment used in certain applications, as well as reducing energy and capital requirements. Furthermore, the materials may be manufactured using traditional ceramic processing methods, without the need for complex, unconventional fabrication techniques. The materials are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells (e.g., SOFCs electrodes) and in reactions that use or produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a siliceous zeolite component, either in separately formed catalyst particles or dispersed in the same binder or matrix as other zeolites of the compositions, are described. The catalyst compositions, for example as blends of three different bound zeolite catalysts, are particularly useful in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes due to the reductions in coke and dry gas yields that allow FCC throughput, which is normally constrained by gas handling and/or catalyst regeneration capacity, to be increased.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain catalyst compositions and processes that are capable of reducing sulfur compounds normally found as part of the gasoline fraction streams of fluid catalytic cracking processes. The present invention is a cracking catalyst composition comprising a zeolite in combination with a Lewis Acid containing component, wherein the cracking catalyst composition comprises 0.2% Na2O or less. It has been found that sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon feeds to fluid catalytic cracking processes can be reduced by at least 15% compared to the same composition, which does not comprise the aforementioned Lewis Acid containing component.

Abstract: ITQ-34 (INSTITUTO DE TECNOLOGÍA QUÍMICA number 34) is a new crystalline microporous material with a framework of tetrahedral atoms connected by atoms capable of bridging the tetrahedral atoms, the tetrahedral atom framework being defined by the interconnections between the tetrahedrally coordinated atoms in its framework. ITQ-34 can be prepared in silicate compositions with an organic structure directing agent. It has a unique X-ray diffraction pattern, which identifies it as a new material. ITQ-34 is stable to calcination in air, absorbs hydrocarbons, and is catalytically active for hydrocarbon conversion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microporous crystalline material characterized in that it has the following chemical composition in the calcined from: xX2O3:nYO2:mGeO2 in which (n+m) is at least 5, X is one or more trivalent elements, Y corresponds to one or more tetravalent elements other than Ge, “x” may have any value, including zero, and the ratio Y/Ge is greater than 0.1, and it has a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern. Its also relates to a method for preparing it and to its use in the conversion of organic-compounds supplies.

Abstract: A supported catalyst comprises a zeolite having a silica to alumina molar ratio of 500 or less, a first metal oxide binder having a crystallite size greater than 200 ? and a second metal oxide binder having a crystallite size less than 100 ?, wherein the second metal oxide binder is present in an amount less than 15 wt % of the total weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new cracking process, preferably a fluid catalytic process, characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing ERS-10 zeolite. The invention also relates to a new catalytic composition containing said ERS-10 zeolite, which can be used as catalyst in catalytic cracking processes, in particular in fluid catalytic cracking processes (FCC).

Abstract: Processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via amine treatment and employing fractionation processing are provided.

Abstract: Alumina binder obtained from aluminum sulfate, the process of preparing the binder and the process of using the binder to prepare catalyst compositions are disclosed. Catalytic cracking catalyst compositions, in particularly, fluid catalytic cracking catalyst composition comprising zeolites, optionally clay and matrix materials bound by an alumina binder obtained from aluminum sulfate are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is described for fluid catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons with high levels of basic nitrogen, where hydrocarbon feedstocks A and B with different levels of basic nitrogen are injected in a segregated fashion, into different risers of a multiple riser FCCU that possesses at least two risers. The injection of the feedstocks is made in such a way that feedstock A, to be injected in the riser with greater volume—main riser 7—possessing a level of basic nitrogen at least 200 ppm lower than the level of feedstock B to be injected into the riser with lower volume—secondary riser (8).

Abstract: A process for the fluid catalytic cracking of mixed hydrocarbon feeds from different sources is described, such as feeds A and B of different crackability, the process being especially directed to obtaining light fractions such as LPG and comprising injecting feed A in the base of the riser reactive section and feed B, of lower crackability, at a height between 10% and 80% of the riser, with feed B comprising between 5% and 50% of the total processed feed. The process requires that the feeds present differences in the contaminant content, improved dispersion of feeds A and B and feed B injection temperature same or higher than that of feed A.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing light olefins from hydrocarbon feedstock. The process is characterized in that a porous molecular sieve catalyst consisting of a product obtained by evaporating water from a raw material mixture comprising a molecular sieve with a framework of Si—OH—Al— groups, a water-insoluble metal salt, and a phosphate compound, is used to produce light olefins, particularly ethylene and propylene, from hydrocarbon, while maintaining excellent selectivity to light olefins. According to the process, by the use of a specific catalyst with hydrothermal stability, light olefins can be selectively produced in high yield with high selectivity from hydrocarbon feedstock, particularly full-range naphtha. In particular, the process can maintain higher cracking activity than the reaction temperature required in the prior thermal cracking process for the production of light olefins, and thus, can produce light olefins with high selectivity and conversion from hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: Provided are a catalyst which inhibits light paraffins form being produced in catalytic cracking of heavy hydrocarbons and which effectively produces olefins and a process in which the above catalyst is used to produce olefins from heavy hydrocarbons at a high yield. The catalyst is a catalytic cracking catalyst for catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon raw material, comprising (A) pentasil type zeolite modified with a rare earth element and zirconium and (B) faujasite type zeolite, and the process is a production process for olefin and a fuel oil, comprising bringing a heavy oil containing 50 mass % or more of a hydrocarbon fraction having a boiling point of 180° C. or higher into contact with the catalyst described above to crack it.

Abstract: The invention provides an unsupported catalyst composition which comprises one or more Group VIb metals, one or more Group VIII metals, one or more zeolites, and, optionally, a refractory oxide material. A (co)precipitation preparation process is described and also use of the composition in hydrocracking.

Abstract: Compositions for reduction of NOx generated during a catalytic cracking process, preferably, a fluid catalytic cracking process, are disclosed. The compositions comprise a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst composition, preferably containing a Y-type zeolite, and a particulate NOx composition containing particles of a zeolite having a pore size ranging from about 3 to about 7.2 Angstroms and a SiO2 to Al2O3 molar ratio of less than about 500. Preferably, the NOx reduction composition contains NOx reduction zeolite particles bound with an inorganic binder. In the alternative, the NOx reduction zeolite particles are incorporated into the cracking catalyst as an integral component of the catalyst. Compositions in accordance with the invention are very effective for the reduction of NOx emissions released from the regenerator of a fluid catalytic cracking unit operating under FCC process conditions without a substantial change in conversion or yield of cracked products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making middle distillate and lower olefins. The process includes catalytically cracking a gas oil feedstock within a riser reactor zone by contacting under suitable catalytic cracking conditions within the riser reactor zone the gas oil feedstock with a middle distillate selective cracking catalyst that comprises amorphous silica alumina and a zeolite to yield a cracked gas oil product and a spent cracking catalyst. The spent cracking catalyst is regenerated to yield a regenerated cracking catalyst. Within an intermediate cracking reactor such as a dense bed reactor zone and under suitable high severity cracking conditions a gasoline feedstock is contacted with the regenerated cracking catalyst to yield a cracked gasoline product and a used regenerated cracking catalyst. The used regenerated cracking catalyst is utilized as the middle distillate selective catalyst.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst composition having improved hydrothermal stability for the catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock to selectively produce propylene. The catalyst composition comprises a first crystalline molecular sieve selected from the group consisting of IM-5, MWW, ITH, FER, MFS, AEL, and AFO and an effective amount of a stabilization metal (copper, zirconium, or mixtures thereof) exchanged into the molecular sieve. The catalyst finds application in the cracking of naphtha and heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks. When used in the catalytic cracking of heavier hydrocarbon feedstocks, the catalyst composition preferably comprises a second molecular sieve having a pore size that is greater than the pore size of the first molecular sieve. The process is carried out by contacting a feedstock containing hydrocarbons having at least 4 carbon atoms is contacted, under catalytic cracking conditions, with the catalyst composition.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a tungstated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a phosphorus component, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum. The catalyst has a structure other than a heteropoly anion structure.

Abstract: A Composition comprising one or more metal hydroxy salts and a matrix, binder or carrier material, wherein the metal hydroxy salt is a compound comprising (a) as metal either (i) one or more divalent metals, at least one of them being selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Ca, Zn, Mg, Fe, and Mn, or (ii) one or more trivalent metal(s), (b) framework hydroxide, and (c) a replaceable anion. This composition has various catalytic applications.

Abstract: Described is a hydrocarbon cracking process for converting a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock selectively to middle distillate and lower olefins by catalytically cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock within a riser reactor zone by contacting the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with both a middle distillate selective cracking catalyst in combination with a shape selective zeolite additive under suitable catalytic cracking reaction conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermo catalytic process to produce diesel oil from vegetable oils, in refineries which have two or more Catalytic Cracking (FCC) reactors. At least one reactor processes heavy petroleum or residue in conventional operation conditions while at least one reactor processes vegetable oils in proper operation conditions to produce diesel oil. This process employs the same catalyst employed in the FCC process, which processes conventional feedstocks simultaneously. This process transforms high heat content raw materials into fuel hydrocarbons. It may improve efficiency for the obtainment of highly pure products and may not yield glycerin, one by-product of the transesterification process. The diesel oil produced by said process may have superior qualities and/or a cetane number higher than 40. Once cracking conditions occur at lower temperatures, it may form a less oxidized product, which is consequently purer than those obtained by existent technology.

Abstract: A process for producing olefin by catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon material characterized in employing zeolite of penta-sil type comprising rare earth elements and at least one of manganese or zirconium as a catalyst. It enables to produce light olefin such as ethylene, propylene, and so on with selectively high yield and with long term stability, by catalytic cracking of gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon as ingredients under lower temperature than the conventional method and suppressing by-product such as aromatic hydrocarbon or heavy substances.

Abstract: Increased yields of naphtha and increased catalyst activity are obtained in a hydrocracking process by the use of a catalyst containing a beta zeolite and a Y zeolite having a unit cell size from 24.38 to 24.50 angstrom. The catalyst has a relatively high amount of Y zeolite relative to beta zeolite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cracking hydrocarbon oils. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon oil with a catalyst that has been contacted with an atmosphere containing a reducing gas, separating cracked products and the catalyst, and regenerating the catalyst. The catalyst is a cracking catalyst containing a metal component, or a catalyst mixture of a cracking catalyst containing a metal component and a cracking catalyst free of metal component. The catalyst is contacted with the atmosphere containing a reducing gas at a temperature of 100 to 900° C. for at least 1 second, and the amount of the atmosphere containing a reducing gas is not less than 0.03 cubic meters of reducing gas per ton of the cracking catalyst containing a metal component per minute, at a pressure of 0.1-0.5 MPa in the reduction reactor. The process has enhanced capability for desulfurizing and cracking heavy oils.