Isomerization of waxy lube streams and waxes

Abstract

Abstract Way hydrocarbons, per se or in a petroleum fraction in the lubricating oil boiling range, can be converted to oily, non-waxy hydrocarbons by contacting the wax or wax-containing stream with an acidic alumino-silicate zeolite catalyst (e.g., HL, HX, HY, CeHY, GdHX, CaHX, MgHY, NiHY, NiHL, etc.) preferably in combination with a hydrogenation catalyst (e.g., Ni, Co, Mo, W, Pt, Pd, Re, Ru, etc.) at temperatures above 300* F. and at elevated hydrogen pressure. Preferably, the zeolite contains polyvalent metal cations, is virtually free from alkali metal cations and is substantially anhydrous (containing about 1-10 percent H2O as determined by ignition analysis at 1,800* F.). Preferably, the isomerization is conducted at a temperature below the point where substantial hydrocracking will occur (e.g., below about 675* F.), More preferably, the temperature, space velocity, hydrogen pressure and gas recycle rate are so selected as to attain significant conversion of the waxy hydrocarbons to oils in the lubricating oil boiling range and with no appreciable conversion of the waxy hydrocarbons to materials boiling below the lubricating oil boiling range. Preferably, the hydrogen pressure is in the range of 400-6,000 p.s.i. (more preferably at least 1,500 p.s.i. of hydrogen) with the hydrogen being from 50100 percent pure.

Inventors

• 👤 Ib Steinmetz
• 👤 David S Barmby

Bibliographic Details