Isomerization of waxy lube streams and waxes using zeolite catalyst

Abstract

Abstract Waxy hydrocarbons, per se or in a petroleum fraction in the lubricating oil viscosity range, can be converted to oily, nonwaxy hydrocarbons by contacting the wax or wax-containing stream with an acidic alumino-silicate zeolite catalyst (e.g., CeHY, GdHX, CaHX, MgHY, NiHY, 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 (e.g., 400-6,000 p.s.i., more preferred at least 1,500 p.s.i. of hydrogen, the hydrogen purity being 50-100 percent). Preferably, the zeolite contains polyvalent metal cations, is virtually free from alkali metal cations and halide ions and is substantially anhydrous (containing about 1-10% H20 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.

Inventors

• 👤 I Steinmetz
• 👤 D Barmby

Bibliographic Details