Abstract: A process for enhancing metal catalysts for carbon monoxide hydrogenation comprising reducing the catalyst so that at least a portion is in the metallic state, impregnating under a non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution of a salt of at least one metal, optionally in combination with at least one of an ammonium salt, an alkyl ammonium salt, a weak organic acid and ammonia, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution, and reducing to form an active catalyst. Used catalysts enhanced by the process are initially treated to decrease their hydrocarbon content. The treatment may be carried out in a single reactor, or by carrying out up to all steps after catalyst may be withdrawn from a reactor and returned to at least one reactor, both preferably during operations. Up to all steps may be effected in a subsequent reactor, or in specialized apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a process for renewing the activity of used, supported metal catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons comprising decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst, impregnating said catalyst under an non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution at least one weak organic acid, preferably a mono- or di-carboxylic acid, to the point where it has absorbed a volume of said solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume, oxidizing the catalyst with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Optionally, the catalyst is calcined after the oxidation step, and passivated after the activation step. A preferred means of decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst is contacting it with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A process for activating a supported metal catalyst or catalyst precursor useful for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons, comprising reducing with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperature so that at least a portion is in the metallic state, impregnating under a non-oxidizing atmosphere with a solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, alkyl ammonium salts and weak organic acids, optionally further including ammonia, to the point where it has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and reducing with hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form an active catalyst. The steps beginning with the impregnation may be repeated. Optionally, the catalyst may be calcined after the oxidation step and/or passivated after activation.

Abstract: There is provided a process for hydrocarbon synthesis wherein a supported metal catalyst for hydrogenating carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons is regenerated by decreasing its hydrocarbon content, impregnating under a non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, alkyl ammonium salts and weak organic acids, optionally including ammonia, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution, activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures and reusing the catalyst. The treatment may be carried out in a single reactor, or by carrying out up to all steps after catalyst has been withdrawn therefrom and returned to at least one reactor. Up to all steps subsequent to decreasing the hydrocarbon content may be effected in a subsequent reactor, or in specialized apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the regeneration of a catalyst, said catalyst comprising at least one precious metal on an amorphous silica-alumina support, in which process the catalyst is impregnated with an acid, followed by reduction or oxidation of the impregnated catalyst at a temperature above 200° C.

Abstract: A process for activating a cobalt-containing catalyst by contacting the catalyst with hydrogen in a reaction system suitable for use in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis wherein a first gaseous stream comprising 0.25 to 5% by volume of hydrogen and 95 to 99.75% by volume of inert gas is continuously introduced into the reaction system and a second gaseous stream is continuously withdrawn from the reactor system wherein the activation procedure comprises the steps of: (A) heating the contents of the reactor system to a temperature which is in a range of 25 to 5° C. below a critical activation temperature; (B) thereafter increasing the temperature at a rate of up to 20° C. per hour to a first hold temperature which is in a range of from the critical activation temperature to a temperature which is at most 20° C. above the critical activation temperature; and (C) maintaining the contents of the reactor system approaches the hydrogen content of the first gaseous stream.

Abstract: A process of treating a catalyst composition containing palladium, an inorganic support, and a catalyst component, such as silver and/or a modifier such as alkali metal fluoride, is provided. The process involves contacting a catalyst composition with a first treating agent comprising carbon monoxide under a first treating condition to provide a treated catalyst composition. As an option, such treated catalyst composition can then be contacted with a second treating agent comprising a hydrogen-containing fluid under a second treating condition. The treated catalyst composition can be used in a selective hydrogenation process in which highly unsaturated hydrocarbons such as diolefins and/or alkynes are contacted with such treated catalyst composition in the presence of hydrogen to produce less unsaturated hydrocarbons such as monoolefins.

Abstract: A process to regenerate iron-based hydrogen sulfide sorbents using steam. The steam is preferably mixed with hydrogen-containing gas and/or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent is first exposed to the steam and then exposed to a hydrogen-containing gas at regeneration conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related towards the regeneration of hydrocarbon synthesis catalysts. In particular, the present invention is directed towards the regeneration of deactivated Fischer-Tropsch type catalysts using a two step process wherein the catalyst is first prepared using a dry gas and then regenerated using a hydrogen rich gas. The regeneration process is carried out at temperatures and pressures that are generally different than the operating temperatures and pressures for a typical hydrocarbon synthesis reaction.

Abstract: Process for the regeneration of a solid catalyst or of a solid adsorbent wherein the catalyst or the adsorbent is used in the form of a bed in a regeneration zone, in which bed the catalyst is in motion, said process comprising at least one heating step under a reductive atmosphere.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide removing catalyst such as a ruthenium supporting catalyst is provided for removing, through oxidation thereof, carbon monoxide from an alcohol reformed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide to be supplied to a fuel cell. For its activation, the catalyst is caused to contact an inactive gas or a hydrogen-containing inactive gas consisting of less than 50 volume % of hydrogen gas and the remaining volume of inactive gas, thereby to avoid poisoning of the electrode of the fuel cell with carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The hydrogenation activity of a heteroatom removal catalyst, having activity for both heteroatom removal and hydrogenation, is selectively suppressed by a treatment which comprises contacting the catalyst with (i) hydrogen, (ii) a selectively deactivating agent that suppresses the catalyst's hydrogenation activity, and (iii) a protective agent, such as CO, that preserves and protects the heteroatom removal activity during the treatment. This may be achieved in a reactor while it is on-line and removing heteroatoms from a hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: A deactivated sorbent composition is reactivated by contacting the deactivated sorbent with a reducing stream under activation conditions sufficient to reduce the amount of sulfates associated with the sorbent composition.

Abstract: A process to regenerate metal oxide desulfurization sorbents using an oxidizing and reducing atmosphere. The sorbents may be mono- or multi-metallic in nature, and preferably comprise Cu, Ni and/or Co. If desired, secondary metals may be incorporated to increase regeneration efficiency and/or capacity. Other additives may be used to suppress hydrocarbon cracking. A sorbent containing Zn may be combined with an Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, or W catalyst or a noble metal catalyst and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating a coked catalyst by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas, where the coke is not removed from the catalyst via combustion with an oxygen-containing gas, are disclosed. The hydrogen-containing gas can be hydrogen itself, syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), or, if the catalyst is a dehydrogenation catalyst or if a dehydrogenation catalyst is in-line with the coked catalyst, the reaction product of the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2-5 alkane, preferably ethane. The method is an improvement over conventional catalyst regeneration methods which first oxidize the coke to form carbon monoxide and an oxidized form of the catalyst, and then reduce the oxidized form of the catalyst so it can be re-used. The present method removes the coke without requiring an oxidation step.

Abstract: In a desulfurization process for the removal of organosulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon fluid stream such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel wherein a bifunctional sorbent system is employed, surface treatment of the bifunctional sorbent during the use of same for desulfurization results in an extension of the useful life of the bifunctional sorbent prior to the regeneration and reactivation of same for further use in the desulfiurization of the hydrocarbon fluid stream.

Abstract: The present invention integrates a gasification unit into a catalyst/absorber process for removing pollutants from the combustion product of a gas turbine. A small slipstream of syngas from the gasification unit is cleaned in an acid gas removal unit to remove H2S. The syngas is then processed in a shift unit where the carbon monoxide and any COS present in the syngas are converted into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The shifted syngas, still containing trace amounts of H2S, is then processed in a zinc oxide bed, where the trace H2S is removed. The resultant stream is hydrogen and carbon dioxide rich, making it ideal for use in regenerating the catalyst/absorber system.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a zeolite catalyst comprises thermal treatment of the catalyst at above 120° C. in the presence of a gas stream comprising hydrogen.

Abstract: A process to regenerate a spent hydrogen sulfide sorbent comprised of a sorbent metal selected from Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu on a refractory oxide support using hydrogen gas. The sorbent metal component may be mono- or multi-metallic in nature, and preferably comprise Ni and/or Co. If desired, secondary metals may be incorporated to increase regeneration efficiency and/or capacity. Other additives suppress hydrocarbon cracking.

Abstract: There is provided a process for renewing the activity of used, supported metal catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons comprising decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst, impregnating said catalyst under an non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution at least one weak organic acid, preferably a mono- or di-carboxylic acid, to the point where it has absorbed a volume of said solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume, oxidizing the catalyst with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Optionally, the catalyst is calcined after the oxidation step, and passivated after the activation step. A preferred means of decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst is contacting it with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A deactivated sorbent composition is reactivated by contacting the deactivated sorbent with a reducing stream under activation conditions sufficient to reduce the amount of sulfates associated with the sorbent composition.

Abstract: A method for catalytic production of hydroxylated aromatics by exposing zeolite catalyst to a reducing atmosphere to activate said catalyst, and reacting an aromatic with nitrous oxide in the presence of said activated catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancement of the cycle life of a zinc chromium based catalyst used in the synthesis of 2-methylpyrazine by increasing the reaction temperature step-wise, starting from a low temperature, while monitoring the levels of total conversion and selectivity towards pyrazine. The catalyst can be regenerated after each cycle of use without substantial loss of activity.

Abstract: A process of treating a catalyst composition containing palladium, an inorganic support, and a catalyst component, such as silver and/or a modifier such as alkali metal fluoride, is provided. The process involves contacting a catalyst composition with a first treating agent comprising carbon monoxide under a first treating condition to provide a treated catalyst composition. As an option, such treated catalyst composition can then be contacted with a second treating agent comprising a hydrogen-containing fluid under a second treating condition. The treated catalyst composition can be used in a selective hydrogenation process in which highly unsaturated hydrocarbons such as diolefins and/or alkynes are contacted with such treated catalyst composition in the presence of hydrogen to produce less unsaturated hydrocarbons such as monoolefins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the decontamination of fluid ammonia are described. Liquid or gaseous ammonia is purified of contaminants by passage through an adsorbent bed, the contaminants accumulating in the bed. A portion of the purified ammonia discharged from the bed is decomposed to hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is used to regenerate an adsorbent bed which has accumulated sufficient contaminants to reduce its ability to further decontaminate incoming ammonia satisfactorily. Preferably there are a plurality of interconnected adsorbent beds, with some being operated for ammonia decontamination while others are being regenerated, with their operations being reversed as needed to maintain a continual production of decontaminated ammonia from the plurality of beds. Computers or other controllers can be used to control such bed operations and interchanges. Internal production of hydrogen makes the system self-contained and no addition of hydrogen is needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the activation of a catalyst in the presence of a hydrocarbon liquid, which catalyst comprises a Group Ib, VIIb or VIII metal compound, by contacting the catalyst with a hydrogen-containing gas at a hydrogen partial pressure of at least 15 bar abs. The present invention further relates to a hydrocarbon synthesis process which comprises activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst in the presence of a hydrocarbon liquid by contacting the catalyst with a hydrogen-containing gas at a hydrogen partial pressure of at least 15 bar abs., and, subsequently, contacting the catalyst with a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at hydrocarbon synthesis reaction conditions.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with hydrogen while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound into a reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to add from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine to the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst resulting in a reforming system having increased activity and providing enhanced RON values with reduced cracking of feedstock.

Abstract: A method for restoring lost activity and selectivity of fresh cesium-promoted catalysts which comprises heating the catalyst at an elevated temperature in the presence of a sweep gas immediately prior to using the catalyst. The catalysts are particularly useful for the selective epoxidation of olefins to their corresponding olefin epoxides. Also described is a method for inhibiting or preventing deactivation of fresh Cs-promoted catalysts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the decontamination of fluid ammonia are described. Liquid or gaseous ammonia is purified of contaminants by passage through an adsorbent bed, the contaminants accumulating in the bed. A portion of the purified ammonia discharged from the bed is decomposed to hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is used to regenerate an adsorbent bed which has accumulated sufficient contaminants to reduce its ability to further decontaminate incoming ammonia satisfactorily. Preferably there are a plurality of interconnected adsorbent beds, with some being operated for ammonia decontamination while others are being regenerated, with their operations being reversed as needed to maintain a continual production of decontaminated ammonia from the plurality of beds. Computers or other controllers can be used to control such bed operations and interchanges. Internal production of hydrogen makes the system self-contained and no addition of hydrogen is needed.

Abstract: Process for the regeneration of a solid catalyst or of a solid adsorbent wherein the catalyst or the adsorbent is used in the form of a bed in a regeneration zone, in which bed the catalyst is in motion, said process comprising at least one heating step under a reductive atmosphere.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with a sustained hydrogen flow through the multiple reactor system while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound serially into each reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to add from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine to the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst prior to commencing use of the treated catalyst system for reforming hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for fluidising a catalyst or an adsorbent in a furnace which is fixed but the fluidised bed advances, optionally with rotation, in the presence of another inert solid with a granulometry which is different from that of the catalyst or the adsorbent, in the presence of a fluidisation gas, to carry out either stripping of a catalyst or an adsorbent or regeneration of a catalyst or an adsorbent in the furnace.

Abstract: A process for pretreating a catalyst material for catalysing a chemical reaction in a reactor, in particular for a reforming catalyst material for catalysing a methanol reforming reaction to obtain hydrogen, includes (1) subjecting the catalyst material to a hydrogen-containing gas mixture in a forming step, and (2) subsequently subjecting the catalyst material to an oxygen-containing gas mixture in a deactivating step.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization, and reactivation of a sulfur deactivated catalyst constituted of cobalt composited with a titania support. The sulfur deactivated cobalt titania catalyst is first contacted with a gaseous stream of molecular oxygen at temperature sufficiently high to oxidize the sulfur component of the catalyst. The sulfur oxidized catalyst is next contacted with a liquid, preferably water, to remove the oxide, or oxides of the sulfur. The catalyst is then contacted with a reducing agent, suitably hydrogen, to restore the activity of the catalyst. During the treatment there is no substantial loss, if any, of cobalt from the catalyst.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with hydrogen while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound into a reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to add from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine to the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst resulting in a reforming system having increased activity and providing enhanced RON values with reduced cracking of feedstock.

Abstract: Catalyst activation of a platinum reforming catalyst system contained in a multiple reactor system by simultaneously reducing the catalyst with a sustained hydrogen flow through the multiple reactor system while introducing a nonmetallic chlorine-containing compound serially into each reactor of the multiple reactor system in an amount to add from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent chlorine to the catalyst and thereafter purging the system with about 100 to about 50,000 cubic feet of hydrogen per cubic foot of catalyst prior to commencing use of the treated catalyst system for reforming hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: A slurry catalytic hydrocarbon synthesis process which employs a catalyst comprising a supported cobalt component achieves a short term catalyst half life of more than 10 days, by using a syngas feed which contains less than fifty parts per billion of a combined total amount of HCN and NH3.

Abstract: A reduction-treated copper-based catalyst obtained by reducing a copper-based catalyst with hydrogen in the presence of a liquid phase and a process for producing &agr;-phenylethyl alcohol, which comprises hydrogenating acetophenone in the presence of the same.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization, and reactivation of a sulfur deactivated catalyst constituted of cobalt composited with a titania support. The sulfur deactivated cobalt titania catalyst is first contacted with a gaseous stream of molecular oxygen at temperature sufficiently high to oxidize the sulfur component of the catalyst. The sulfur oxidized catalyst is next contacted with a liquid, preferably water, to remove the oxide, or oxides of the sulfur. The catalyst is then contacted with a reducing agent, suitably hydrogen, to restore the activity of the catalyst. During the treatment there is no substantial loss, if any, of cobalt from the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a &ggr;-Al2O3 sorbent impregnated with alkali salt and CuO, which has a superior SO2 sorption capacity and a high regeneration conversion rate. A &ggr;-Al2O3 sorbent of the present invention is impregnated with alkali salt and copper oxide, whose alkali salt and copper oxide(CuO) contents are 1 to 10 wt. % and 5 to 20 wt. % against 100 wt. % &ggr;-Al2O3 carrier, respectively. The &ggr;-Al2O3 sorbent of the invention has a superior SO2 sorption capacity and a high regeneration conversion rate, which facilitates efficient removal of SO2 by the conventional dry method.

Abstract: In a liquid phase carbonylation process for the production of acetic anhydride by reacting a feed stream which includes methyl acetate, methanol and carbon monoxide using a Group VIII metal-containing catalyst, and preferably a rhodium containing material, a liquid reaction product is continuously withdrawn from the carbonylation zone and fed to an evaporation/separation zone for separating volatile constituents of the reaction from the non-volatile constituents which, includes a portion of the Group VIII metal catalyst from the carbonylation reactor. The Group VIII metal catalyst is contacted with a gas stream which includes hydrogen for a period of from about 0.001 seconds to about 200 seconds as it is being returned to the carbonylation zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the regeneration of a catalyst of titanium silicalite type, used in particular in reactions for the oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons or for the epoxidation of olefins, by heat treatment under a gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering cobalt carbonyl catalysts used in the preparation of N-acyl-alpha-amino acid derivatives by amidocarbonylation comprising the process steps:adding aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution to the reaction solution present after the preparation of the N-acyl-.alpha.-amino acid derivative,then separating the aqueous phase containing water-soluble cobalt(II) salt from the nonaqueous product-containing phase,subsequently adding an alkali metal salt of the N-acyl-alpha-amino acid derivative to the aqueous phase from the previous process step,then separating off the precipitated cobalt salt of the N-acyl-alpha-amino acid derivative, andfinally converting the resulting cobalt salt of the N-acyl-alpha-amino acid derivative into the cobalt carbonyl catalyst in the presence of a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Continuous process for the production of prevalently heavy hydrocarbons starting from synthesis gas in the presence of a gas phase, a liquid and a solid catalyst, the above process being carried out using a bubble column, characterized in that the bubble column internally has: (a) at least one draft-tube; (b) at least one device for the inlet of the synthesis gas; (c) at least one device for the inlet of the regenerating gas; (d) at least one device for activating/interrupting the stream of regenerating gas; (e) optional devices suitable for minimizing the mixing of the synthesis gas with the regenerating gas.

Abstract: Process for the regeneration of a fluorination catalyst based on Cr(III) compounds optionallay supported comprising a) the treatment at 350.degree. C.-400.degree. C. with an air/inert gas mixture and b) treatment at 300.degree. C.-380.degree. C. with a mixture of an inert gas containing from 1 to 10% by volume of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing water from a recycle gas stream in a catalyst regeneration process. A recycle gas stream contacts catalyst and the catalyst sorbs water from the recycle gas. Some of the now-dried recycle gas recirculates to the regeneration process, thereby decreasing the water content in the regeneration process. The catalyst containing sorbed water passes to a desorption zone, where water is desorbed from the catalyst and the desorbed water is rejected from the process. This method and apparatus are useful for extending the life of catalyst in catalytic hydrocarbon processes that employ continuous or semi-continuos catalyst regeneration zones.

Abstract: A cobalt- or ruthenium-containing hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, subjected to short term, reversible, partial deactivation in a slurry synthesis process can be rejuvenated, i.e., at least about 80+% catalyst activity recovery, by treating the catalyst in the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, preferably the slurry hydrocarbons, with hydrogen at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: Catalyst in a slurry phase reactor is rejuvenated and uniformly distributed in said reactor using a substantially vertical draft tube fully immersed in the slurry which utilizes a rejuvenating gas injected substantially near the bottom of the substantially vertical draft tube whereby catalyst near the bottom of the slurry phase reactor is drawn up the draft tube and discharged from the top of the draft tube near the top of the slurry phase in said reactor.

Abstract: A method for countering the adverse effect of contaminating metals on a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst comprising contacting the catalyst with a reducing gas under suitable conditions.In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst contains antimony.

Abstract: A method for countering the adverse effect of contaminating metals on a cystalline aluminosilicate catalyst comprising contacting the catalyst with a metallic passivating agent to effect some passivation of the effects of the contaminant metals and with a reducing gas under suitable conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst contains antimony.