Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process to yield product of improved properties is effected in the presence of a zeolite characterized by increased Secondary Pore Volume, decreased Lattice Constant, Secondary Pore Mode, Secondary Pore Diameter, increased Secondary Pore Volume, Surface Silicon to Aluminum Atom Ratio, and Acid Site Density.

Abstract: A catalyst is disclosed for hydrotreating heavy hydrocarbon oils, which catalyst comprises a catalyst component supported on an alumina carrier having an average fibrous particle length of 10-20 Nm and a specified proportion of fibrous alumina particle in that range of particle lengths. A process is also disclosed for preparing such hydrotreating catalyst.

Abstract: A method for making a hydrotreating catalyst wherein the catalyst is prepared by mixing a peptized hydrated supporting oxide with a hydrated Group IVB metal oxide gel promoter. The Group VIII metals are mixed in with the Group IVB metal oxide gel promoter. A solution containing a soluble Group VIB metal and a basic compound is added. The catalyst is used for hydrodenitrogenation and Ramsbottom Carbon Residue reduction of a hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: A method of making a hydrotreating catalyst wherein the catalyst is prepared by mixing a peptized alumina support containing soluble Group IVB and Group VIII metal compounds with a solution containing a soluble Group VIB metal compound and a basic compound. The catalyst is used for hydrodenitrogenation and Ramsbottom Carbon Residue reduction of a hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spent hydroprocessing catalyst regeneration process wherein the catalyst is subjected to an initial partial decoking step, followed by impregnation with a Group VIB metal-containing component, and then subjected to a final decoking step.

Abstract: A mixture of shaped catalysts, catalyst supports or sorbents comprising generally cylindrical, free flowing particles of regular geometric shape having substantially the same diameter and of varying length are length graded into a first group of particles having a length below a predetermined length, L.sub.1, in the range of fromn 0.8 to about 24 millimeters and an L/D greater than one, and a second group of particles having a length greater than L.sub.1, by feeding the mixture into a rotating cylindrical drum having inwardly opening indentations in its cylindrical wall having a transverse diameter of substantially L.sub.1. The drum is rotated about its longitudinal axis at speeds sufficient to entrap in the indentations and convey particles having a length below L.sub.1 comprising the first group upwardly to a height permitting the particles to fall into a fixed, upwardly opening trough, while retaining the second group of particles having a length above L.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for increasing the desulfurization activity of a catalyst prepared by incorporating an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, and a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, into an alumina hydrogel, wherein said catalyst is sulfided with the gaseous sulfur compound at a temperature of at least about 900.degree. F. at least one hour.

Abstract: Heavy crude oil emulsions are converted to lighter essentially sulphur-free and nitrogen-free hydrocarbons by Group VI B or Group VIII B metal compounds or complexes along with carbon monoxide, hydrogen or mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and broken without the necessity for prior emulsion treatment and separation.

Abstract: A process for converting a heavy hydrocarbonaceous chargestock to lower boiling products which process comprises reacting the chargestock with a catalyst concentrate in the presence of hydrogen, at hydroconversion conditions, said catalyst concentrate having been prepared by the steps comprising: (a) forming a precursor catalyst concentrate by mixing together: (i) a hydrocarbonaceous oil comprising constituents boiling above about 1050.degree. F.; (ii) a metal compound, said metal being selected from the group consisting of Groups II, III, IV, V, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, in an amount to provide from about 0.2 to 2 wt. % metal, based on said hydrocarbonaceous oil; (b) heating the precursor concentrate to an effective temperature to produce a catalyst concentrate, wherein elemental sulfur is used an a sulfiding agent in an amount such that the atomic ratio of sulfur to metal is from about 1/1 to 8/1.

Abstract: A heat integrated hydrotreating process has been invented. The feedstock is a cracked hydrocarbon stock which is mixed with hydrogen to suppress coking before heating in a multiple tube furnace to reactor inlet temperature. A minor portion of the feedstock is mixed with hydrogen and heated to reactor inlet temperature by quenching the hot reactor effluent. The minor portion is fed directly to the hydrogenation reactor, bypassing the furnace. By the process, high level heat is recovered.

Abstract: A process for regeneration of a deactivated hydroprocessing catalyst is provided. The process comprises exposing the catalyst to laser radiation in the presence of an oxidizing gas. The process may be used to regenerate supported or unsupported metal catalysts which have been fouled by coking.

Abstract: A slurry hydrotreating process is described in which a hydrotreating catalyst of small particle size is contacted with a heavy fossil fuel. High catalyst activity is maintained by circulating the catalyst between a hydrotreating zone and a reactivating zone where the catalyst is hydrogen stripped.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process of fuel oil hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation, wherein a cobalt-Molybdenum catalyst is prepared on a carrier of titanium-zirconium-vanadium mixed oxides, and the reaction is carried out in a fixed-bed reactor under reaction conditions. The present invention discloses the operating conditions of desulfurization and denitrogenation reactions, and the optimal compositions of said catalysts as well as its preparation method.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that certain transition metal containing complexes thermally decompose to form solids containing the transition metal, sulfur and carbon and that these transition metal, sulfur and carbon containing solids are particularly suitable as catalysts for hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and aromatics hydrogenation. The transition metal complexes that are thermally decomposed to novel catalysts are complexes of the type represented by the general formula ML.sup.n 3, wherein M is selected from Mo, W, Re and mixtures thereof, L is a dithiolene or aminobenzenethiolate ligand, and n represents the total charge of the metal complexes, and is 0, -1, or -2.

Abstract: A hydrotreating process if provided in which resid and resins are hydrotreated with hydrogen-rich gases in the presence of a hydrotreating catalyst in an ebullated bed reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the hydrodemetallization, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydroconversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing asphaltenes, metals and Shell hot filtration solids precursors. The process utilizes a catalyst mixture wherein one component of the mixture is a relatively small pore catalyst and another component is a catalyst that possesses a relatively large amount of macropore volume.

Abstract: A process of concurrently dedusting and upgrading particulate laden raw, whole retort oil is provided which comprises the steps of: retorting solid hydrocarbon-containing material such as oil shale to liberate an effluent stream of dust laden hydrocarbons; injecting the dust-laden retort effluent product stream into a catalytic hydrotreater; agitating the product stream in the hydrotreater to constantly maintain the particulates in suspension within the oil; catalytically hydrotreating the agitated product stream in the presence of a hydroprocessing gas at a pressure of from 500 to 3000 psi, a temperature of from 650.degree. to 850.degree. F. and a space velocity of from 0.1 to 6.0 hr.sup.-1, whereby the suspended particulates are agglomerated to facilitate solid-liquid separation and substantial amounts of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants are simultaneously removed from the resulting ungraded oil; and mechanically separating the agglomerated particulates from the upgraded whole oil.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an improved hydrorefining process which comprises contacting hydrocarbonaceous oil feed and hydrogen with a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation component selected from the group consisting of Group VIB metal component, Group VIII non-noble metal component and mixtures thereof, optionally comprising a phosphorous-containing component or compound, and an alumina-containing support, at hydrorefining conditions, wherein the improvement comprises heating the catalyst in substantially non-sulfided form at initial start-up from a temperature below about 450.degree. F. to hydrorefining temperature at an average rate of less than 30.degree. F. per hour in the presence of hydrogen and a start-up hydrocarbonaceous oil feed having a sulfur content in the form of organosulfides of greater than 0.5 moles (basis elemental sulfur) per kilogram of start-up feed.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an improved hydrorefining process which comprises contacting hydrocarbonaceous oil feed and hydrogen with a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation component selected from the group consisting of Group VIB metal component, Group VIII non-noble metal component and mixtures thereof, optionally comprising a phosphorous-containing component or compound, and an alumina-containing support, at hydrorefining conditions, wherein the improvement comprises heating the catalyst at initial start-up from a temperature below about 450.degree. F. to hydrorefining temperature at an average rate of less than 30.degree. F. per hour in the presence of hydrogen and said oil feed.

Abstract: This invention provides a fixed bed of nonuniformly sized grade catalyst particles for hydrocracking or hydrodesulfurization. The graded particles are arranged with the largest particles in either the upstream or the downstream portion of the bed. In either case, when compared with the conventional bed of uniformly sized particles, the graded bed of this invention shows enhanced hydrocarbon conversion activity for heavy oils over a useful range of conversion. Such catalyst bed is particularly useful in moderate hydrocracking operating at less than 1000 psig (7000 kPa) pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spent hydroprocessing catalyst regeneration process wherein the catalyst is subjected to an initial partial decoking step, followed by the addition of at least one rare earth metal, and then subjected to a final decoking step.

Abstract: This invention provides a layered catalyst system for hydro-denitrification of hydrocarbons, such as vacuum gas oil, used for hydrocracking to produce various fuels. The layered catalyst system of this invention comprises a first layer of a nickel-molybdenum-phosphorus/alumina catalyst or a cobalt-molybdenum-phosphorus/alumina catalyst and a second layer catalyst comprising a nickel-tungsten/silica-alumina-zeolite or a nickel-molybdenum/silica-alumina-zeolite catalyst. The preferred aspects of the combination of the layered catalysts disclosed herein are: (a) the first layer alumina catalyst has a molybdenum content greater than about 14% by wt.; (b) the first layer alumina catalyst has a relatively large pore size, such as at least about 60 .ANG.; and (c) the second layer catalyst contains at least about 2% of a zeolite component. The layered catalyst system of this invention and the attendant process produces improved denitrification of feedstocks, improved catalyst life and other advantages.

Abstract: A hydrocracking process employing a hydrocracking catalyst based on zeolite beta together with a metal hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component recycles the unconverted, hydrocracked bottoms fraction to the hydrocracking step for improvements in distillate selectivity and denitrogenation without loss of catalyst activity while improving dewaxing of the unconverted bottoms fraction. The process typically operates at low to moderate hydrogen pressures up to 1500 psig (10445 kPa) with low hydrogen consumptions typically below 800 SCF/Bbl (142 n.l.l..sup.-1). Denitrogenation is notably high at 90 weight percent or higher.

Abstract: There is disclosed a catalyst, which catalyst comprises a hydrogenation component comprising chromium, molybdenum, and at least one metal of Group VIII, a crystalline molecular sieve zeolite, and a porous refractory inorganic oxide. Suitable molecular sieve zeolites are those having pore diameters of at least 5 .ANG. (0.5 nm) and containing exchangeable cations, for example, faujasite-type crystalline aluminosilicates, mordenite-type crystalline aluminosilicates, ZSM-type crystalline aluminosilicates, and AMS-type crystalline metallosilicates.There are also disclosed processes for the hydrodenitrogenation and hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon stream containing a substantial amount of nitrogen compounds, which processes comprise contacting said stream under suitable conditions and in the presence of hydrogen with the aforesaid catalyst.

Abstract: Catalytic materials are modified by adding one or more electropositive and/or electronegative elements thereto in amounts sufficient to adjust the resultant geometric mean electronegativity to a value within a desired or predetermined range. The invention is particularly suited to the preparation of hydrocarbon hydroprocessing catalysts, particularly with respect to hydrodesulfurization catalysts comprising a support material containing a porous refractory oxide. With such catalysts, not only is the geometric mean electronegativity adjusted to a desired value, but if the electropositive or electronegative element added to the catalyst has pore growth promotion properties, the average pore size of the resultant catalyst is increased while its surface area, and usually also its total pore volume, is decreased.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon-containing oil contains at least one hydrogenation component on an amorphous, porous refractory oxide. The catalyst is prepared by impregnating support particles having a narrow pore size distribution and a mode pore diameter from abpit 70 to 80 angstroms with a solution containing a precursor of the hydrogenation components, followed by drying and calcining. The catalyst is useful for promoting a number of hydrocarbon hydroprocessing reactions, particularly hydrogenative desulfurization, dedemetallization and denitrogenation, and most particularly, hydrodesulfurization of residuum-containing oils.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstocks are selectively hydrodesulfurized by contacting the feedstock in the presence of hydrogen with a predecessor catalyst comprising molybdenum or tungsten sulfide which has been promoted by reaction with a transition metal containing organo-metallic complex wherein the valence of the metal is 0 or +1 at the time of reaction and the contacting is done at a temperature and pressure sufficient to substantially hydrodesulfurize the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a very high quality lube base stock is disclosed which comprises:(a) introducing an aromatic and nitrogen-and sulfur-containing feedstock selected from the group consisting of a dewaxed oil obtained from refining distillate fraction and having a 60-700 SUS at 100.degree. F. and a dewaxed oil obtained from refining vacuum resid and having a 2300-2700 SUS at 100.degree. F., and hydrogen, into a single stage hydrotreating reactor; and,(b) subjecting the feedstock to hydrotreating in said reactor in the presence of a sulfided cobalt/molybdenum hydrotreating catalyst at an average reactor temperature of from about 550.degree. to about 700.degree. F. at a hydrogen partial pressure of from about 1500 to about 3000 psia at the reactor outlet, an LHSV of from about 0.1 to about 1.

Abstract: A novel slurry hydrotreating process is described which employs a hydrotreating catalyst of small particle size having a quantity of catalyst sites in excess of those required for reaction and/or adsorption of nitrogen compounds in the petroleum or synfuel feed being treated. The excess catalyst sites can therefore in effect be contacted with a low nitrogen or essentially zero nitrogen feed, allowing rapid hydrogenation of aromatics at low temperatures where equilibrium is favored. In a further aspect of the invention, the catalyst which contains adsorbed nitrogen is activated by high temperature denitrogenation.

Abstract: A process for the removal of hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds comprising a component selected from the group consisting of halogen, metal, sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen from a hydrocarbonaceous stream which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the hydrocarbonaceous stream with an adsorbent to remove at least a portion of the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the hydrocarbonaceous stream to provide a hydrocarbonaceous stream having a reduced concentration of hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds; (b) contacting spent adsorbent with an elution solvent to remove the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the spent adsorbent thereby regenerating the adsorbent; (c) contacting the elution solvent in admixture with the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds in the presence of hydrogen with a hydrogenation catalyst; (d) contacting the effluent with an aqueous scrubbing solution; (e) introducing a resulting admixture of the reaction zone effluent and the aqueous scrubbing solu

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst for hydrotreating a coal liquefaction and circulation solvent, in which .gamma.-alumina carrier carries at least one metal of Group VI of the Periodic Table in an amount of from 15 to 15% by weight as the oxide thereof and at least one metal of Group VIII of the same Table in an amount of from 3 to 10% by weight as the oxide thereof and the pore distribution as measured by mercury pressure porosimetry satisfies the conditions that the pores having a diameter of from 40 to 600 .ANG. have a mean diameter of from 9 to 150 .ANG. and the capacty of the pores having a diameter falling within the range of the mean diametr plus/minus 10 .ANG. is 65% or more of the capacity of the pores having a diameter of from 40 to 600 .ANG.. The catalyst is highly active for both hydrogenation and denitrogenation of coal-liquefying solvents.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising alumina having greater than 0.4 cc/g pore volume in the range 30 to 200 Angstroms pore diameter and catalytically effective amounts of Ni and Mo.A catalyst comprising gamma alumina, but essentially no eta alumina; further containing catalytically effective amounts of Ni and Mo.The method of making a catalyst having Ni and Mo on a substrate, comprising first depositing the Ni on the substrate and then the Mo.

Abstract: A process for the hydrotreatment of a sulfur and metal-containing hydrocarbon feed comprises contacting said feed with hydrogen and a catalyst in a manner such that the catalyst is maintained at isothermal conditions and is exposed to a uniform quality of feed, where said catalyst has a composition comprising 3.0-5.0 wt. % of an oxide of a Group VIII metal, 14.5-24.0 wt. % of an oxide of a Group VIB metal and 0-2.0 wt. % of an oxide of phosphorus supported on a porous alumina support, and said catalyst is further characterized by having a total surface area of 150-210 m.sup.2 /g and a total pore volume of 0.50-0.75 cc/g with a pore diameter distribution such that micropores having diameters of 100-160A constitute 70-85% of the total pore volume of said catalyst and macropores having diameters of greater than 250A constitute 5.5-22.0% of the total pore volume of said catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon hydroprocessing using catalysts containing a Group VIB metal and a phosphorus component on a porous refractory oxide is prepared by impregnating support particles with a solution containing (1) phosphorus, and (2) citric acid in a mole ratio to Group VIB metal components of less than 1 to 1, followed by drying and calcining. The catalysts are useful for promoting a number of hydrocarbon hydroprocessing reactions, particularly those involving hydrogenative desulfurization, demetallization and most particularly, denitrogenation.

Abstract: A process is provided in which solvent-extracted oil or other deasphalted oil derived from hydrotreated resid is catalytically cracked to increase the yield of gasoline and other high value products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for hydrotreating a hydrocarbonaceous feed wherein the feed is treated with hydrogen, at hydrotreating conditions, in a first catalyst zone containing a conventional hydrotreating catalyst. The treated feed is then further treated in a second catalyst zone containing a catalyst represented MM'.sub.a S.sub.x where M is Cr or one or more divalent promoter metals selected from Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn; M' is one or both of Mo and W; x is 0.5 to 9, and a=1 when Cr is not one of metals represented by M, and 1<a.ltoreq.1.5 when Cr is one of the metals represented by M.

Abstract: A novel family of crystalline, microporus aluminophosphate compositions is synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization at elevated temperatures of aluminophosphate gels containing a molecular structure forming template. The family comprises a number of distinct species, each with a unique crystal structure. Calcination removes volatile extraneous matter from the intracrystalline void space and yields microporus crystalline adsorbents with uniform pores, the dimensions of which vary, among the individual species, from about 3A to 10A diameter. The composition exhibit properties somewhat analogous to zeolitic molecular sieves which render them useful as catalysts or catalyst bases in chemical reactions such as hydrocarbon conversions.

Abstract: Catalysts made by the Raney process (e.g., Raney process nickel) pelletized in matrix of polymer and plasticizer are activated by either (a) removal of plasticizer (e.g., by solvent extraction) followed by leaching out Al with caustic solution, leaving an active catalyst made by the Raney process in a polymer matrix; or (b) removal of plasticizer, then calcining to remove polymer, followed by leaching with caustic. The activated catalyst pellets have sufficient strength and attrition resistance for efficient use in fixed beds and packed columns for superior hydrogenation of toluene, heptene, butyraldehyde, and other conventional feedstockers used with catalysts made by the Raney process.

Abstract: Hydrotreating catalyst composition comprising a hydrogenating component consisting essentially of a metal component in which the metal is selected from Group VIB and a phosphorus component, deposed on the surface of a support comprising a porous refractory inorganic oxide and free of zeolite component exhibits excellent hydrotreating activity and lifetime, particularly in the hydrodenitrogenation of high nitrogen feeds, e.g., whole shale oils or fractions thereof, and in the hydrodesulfurization and hydrodemetallation of high sulfur feeds, e.g., vacuum or atmospheric residual.

Abstract: A heavy crude oil is fractionated into at least three liquid fractions which include a distillate fraction boiling in the 400.degree. F.-650.degree. F. range and a 650.degree. F.+ boiling range residuum. The distillate cut is hydrodesulfurized and the residuum is hydrodemetallized. The cuts thus hydrotreated, and at least a part of the third liquid fraction, are then combined to form an upgraded synthetic crude oil of relatively low sulfur content and relatively low vanadium and nickel content.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotreating with highly active catalysts prepared by incorporating from nickel and a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas at least about 300 m.sup.2 /g and at least about 70% of the pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotreating with highly active hydrotreating catalysts prepared by incorporating an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, into a phosphated alumina hydrogel. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas at least about 300 m.sup.2 /g, at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters greater than about 350 .ANG. and at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing highly active hydrotreating catalysts prepared by incorporating an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, and a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas at least about 300 m.sup.2 /g, at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters greater than about 350 .ANG. and at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotreating with highly active hydrotreating catalysts prepared by incorporating an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, and a stabilizing amount of phosphorus into an alumina hydrogel. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas at least about 300 m.sup.2 /g, at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters greater than about 350 .ANG. and at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotreating with highly active hydrotreating catalysts prepared by incorporating an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, a heavy metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, and a stabilizing amount of phosphorus into an alumina hydrogel. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas at least about 300 m.sup.2 /g, at least about 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters greater than about 350 .ANG. and at least 20% of the pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..

Abstract: A hydrocarbon hydroprocessing catalyst containing a Group VIB metal and a phosphorus component on a porous refractory oxide is prepared by impregnating support particles with a solution containing (1) phosphorus, and (2) citric acid in a mole ratio to Group VIB metal components of less than 1 to 1, followed by drying and calcining. The catalyst is useful for promoting a number of hydrocarbon hydroprocessing reactions, particularly those involving hydrogenative desulfurization, demetallization and most particularly, denitrogenation.

Abstract: There is provided an additive for the hydroconversion of a heavy hydrocarbon oil, which is obtained by suspending a fine powder of a carbonaceous substance and a solution of a heteropolymolybdic acid and/or transition metal salts thereof in a hydrocarbon oil. By the use of the additive of the present invention, the hydroconversion of a heavy hydrocarbon oil can be effectively performed at high conversion without occurrence of coking.

Abstract: A novel family of crystalline, microporous gallophosphate compositions is synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization at elevated temperatures from gallophosphate gels containing a molecular structure-forming template. The family comprises distinct species, each with a unique crystal structure. Calcination removed volatile extraneous matter from the intracrystalline void space and yields microporous crystalline adsorbents with pores, the dimensions of which vary, among the individual species, from about 3A to 10A in diameter. The compositions represent a new class of adsorbents of the molecular sieve type, and also exhibit properties somewhat analogous to zeolitic molecular sieves which render them useful as catalysts or catalyst based in chemical reactions such as hydrocarbon conversion.

Abstract: Hydrotreating with wide port-containing catalysts prepared by incorporating a metals solution containing an element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, and an element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt and mixtures thereof, into a phosphated alumina hydrogel support. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas greater than about 300 m.sup.2 /g, crush strengths greater than about 9 lbs and more than about 20% of their pores greater than 150 .ANG..

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing highly active hydrotreating catalysts prepared by incorporating nickel, an element selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and mixtures thereof, and a stabilizing amount of phosphorus into an alumina hydrogel support. The final calcined catalysts have surface areas greater than about 300 m.sup.2 /g, crush strengths greater than about 18 lbs and more than about 80% of their pore volume in pores having diameters less than about 70 .ANG..