Study of hydrogen spillover effects on bi-noble metal modified Co-Clay catalysts for heavy oil upgrading

Hydrogen spillover effects on noble metal promoted Co-HPS (high porous saponite) catalysts were studied by TPR method and batch autoclave reactor evaluation. The addition of noble metal/metals on Co-HPS significantly decreased the reduction temperature of the cobalt oxides present on the support surface. A combination of two noble metals had more significant effects on the reducibility of Co species on HPS compared to the unpromoted and single noble metal promoted catalysts, with marked shifting of the TPR peaks to lower temperatures. Selected catalysts were evaluated in batch autoclave reactor at 400°C and 140 kg/sq cm using VGO as feedstock. Bi-noble metal promoted catalysts had higher activity for hydrocracking and HDS of the heavy feed than unpromoted and single noble metal promoted catalysts. Employing bi-noble metal hydrogen spillover effects on the Co-HPS catalyst also decreased the coke deposition.