LUBE OIL CATALYSTS GO COMMERCIAL

Engelhard Corp. says that 3 years of testing by lube oil manufacturers has shown that two catalysts, the first ones ever designed to operate in both stages of lube oil production, improve yields 35% over traditional catalysts, and enhance process flexibility. The results have led to the first commercial uses of these patented nickel/tungsten catalysts. One of the catalysts, Ni 4342, was recently loaded into units at two refineries. A third refinery will begin using the other catalyst, Ni

April 8, 1991

2 min read

The results have led to the first commercial uses of these patented nickel/tungsten catalysts. One of the catalysts, Ni 4342, was recently loaded into units at two refineries. A third refinery will begin using the other catalyst, Ni 4352, in mid-1991.

Lube oil production begins with mild hydrocracking that raises the viscosity index of gas oil to about 100. This is followed by less severe hydroprocessing to reduce aromaticity, which increases oxidative stability. The two steps have required separate catalysts until now.

The company says the catalysts increase first-stage selectivity and second-stage activity. Ni 4342 raises lube oil yield in the first stage by 3% over that of traditional lube oil catalysts. Ni 4352 raises first-stage yield by as much as 5%.

The catalysts allow the required second-stage temperature to be lowered 20-25 C., according to Engelhard. The catalysts also show promise for reducing aromatics in distillates. Plans are now being formulated to evaluate the catalysts for this purpose.