Factors influencing the deactivation of industrial catalysts 1. Co-Mo-A1₂0₃ hydrodesulfurization catalysts

Abstract

The changes that occurred in the physico-chemical properties of commercial Co-Mo-A1₂0₃ catalyst on industrial usage were examined. The catalyst under study had operated satisfactorily, meeting the full guarantees on its life, but had to be discarded after six regenarations due to shortened cycle lengths. It was observ- Ed that changes in the texture and structure of the support alumina and loss of the active components (Mo0₃ and Co0) had occurred. Also, the spent catalyst was found to be more acidic, resulting in faster coke pick up during reaction. Some evidence for the weakening of the Mo0₃ -A1₂0₃ interaction was also noticed. The reasons for the above changes in the physico-chemical properties, believed to be responsible for the short cycle lengths of the catalyst, are analysed.