Effect of the pore size distribution on the activities of alumina supported Co-Mo catalysts in the hydrotreatment of boscan crude

The effects of pore size and distribution on the activity of Co-Mo/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts in the hydrotreatment of asphaltenes have been studied using testing methodology designed to provide initial activities for the catalysis of the critical reactions in the process, hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodemineralization (HDM) (V,NI) and asphaltene conversion to resins and oils (HDA) suitable for subsequent use as refining feedstocks. Nine monomodal (micropores) and seven bimodal (micro- and macropores) were tested. Maximum HDS occurs with mono- and bimodal catalysts having an average pore diameter of 100 A/sup 0/. Maximum HDA and HDM activity appears at a pore diameter between 150 and 200 A/sup 0/ and increases with increasing macroporosity, macropores allowing more efficient access of the large asphaltene molecular units to active sites. Overall catalytic efficiency is dependent upon but HDS and asphaltene hydrogenation rates. Variation of pore structures allowed reaction selectivities to be varied and provided control a asphaltene product (resins, oils) composition.