Catalytic isomerization of lube streams and waxes

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.) and combinations thereof (e.g., NiCo, NiW, CoMo, NiMo, etc.). The preferred conditions include temperatures above 300* F and elevated hydrogen pressure (e.g., 400-6,000 psi, more preferred at least 1,500 psi of hydrogen), the most preferred hydrogen purity being 50-100%). Preferably, the zeolite contains polyvalent metal cations, is virtually free from alkali metal cations and halide ions and can contain in the range of 0.0-18% H2O (preferably 1-10%, typically 1.5-5%) as determined by ignition analysis at 1,800* F. A preferred feed stock is a waxy ''''heavy gas oil,'''' of the type used as a charge to a lube oil hydrocracking process (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,427 issued May 16, 1972 to Thomas and the said Steinmetz); however, ''''waxfree'''' naphthenic lubes can also be converted to improve yields of lower viscosity lubes.

Inventors

• 👤 Ib Steinmetz
• 👤 David S Barmby

Bibliographic Details