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U.S. Department of Energy
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Process for reactivation of iridium-containing catalysts

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7359770
Process is described for reactivating a reforming catalyst, which includes an iridium component composited with a refractory porous inorganic oxide, previously inactivated by coke deposition thereon during contact with a hydrocarbon feed at hydrocarbon conversion conditions. The catalyst is regenerated by burning at elevated temperatures in the presence of oxygen containing gases to remove accumulated coke deposits therefrom. The improvement comprises: contacting, without interim contact with a substantially halogen-free, oxygen-containing gas at temperatures in excess of about 775/sup 0/F., a bed of the coke-depleted catalyst in a cycle which includes, in sequence, the steps of (a) contacting the coke-depleted catalyst with hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature sufficient to reduce the said iridium component and then (b) contacting said reduced catalyst at an elevated temperature from about 550/sup 0/F to about 1150/sup 0/F in a reaction zone provided with exposed ferrous metal surfaces with a gas comprising elemental halogen or halogen precursor and water in amount ranging from about 0.1:1 to 15:1 molar ratio of water:halogen, in a non-oxygen containing atmosphere, sufficient to suppress corrosion of the ferrous metal surfaces of the reaction zone and to effect redispersion of the iridium.
Assignee:
Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3941716
OSTI ID:
7359770
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English