EFFECT OF WET-REDUCTION ON CATALYST STABILITY AND METHODS OF MAINTAINING CATALYST STABILITY

摘要

The present invention provides a method of increasing stability of a catalyst used in a dehydrogenation process. The method includes storing fresh catalyst in a reduction zone, passing a gas through the reduction zone, introducing hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas into a reactor positioned downstream from the reduction zone to facilitate a dehydrogenation reaction, and replenishing spent catalyst in the reactor with fresh catalyst from the reduction zone. The gas has a moisture content at or below 4000 ppmv and a temperature at or below 29O°C. The reactor includes catalyst for increasing the rate of the dehydrogenation reaction. The moisture content of the gas may be reduced to at or below 4000 ppmv by passing the gas through a drier or by using an inert gas stream. The temperature of the gas may also be reduced.