Predicted Effects of Heavy Feeds on the Deactivation of a Commercial Atmospheric Residue Desulfurization Catalyst System

The effect of three atmospheric residual oils on the deactivation of a commercial atmospheric residue desulfurization (ARDS) catalyst system was assessed using a commercial catalyst system consisting of five catalysts loaded inside a two-reactor pilot plant. The hydrodemetalation (HDM) and hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reactions of the three residues over the catalyst system were studied. A deactivation model considering metals and carbon deposition was used to fit the life test data. Experimental and simulated data were compared. The effect of the residual oils on each of the catalysts was evaluated, and the catalyst contribution was calculated highlighting the importance of predicting different catalyst activities during the design of a composite catalyst bed.