REGENERATION AND STABILIZATION OF DEHYDROGENATION CATALYST

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for catalytically converting an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon into a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon by directing said alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and steam into a reactor containing dehydrogenation catalyst, said process comprising the steps of: (a) forming a mixed reactant stream consisting essentially of said alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and steam; (b) bringing said mixed reactant stream into contact with a dehydrogenation catalyst consisting essentially of iron oxide catalyst promoted with alkali metal and at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon to vinylaromatic hydrocarbon; wherein an effective amount of an alkali metal compound in the form of a powder is injected continuously or intermittently in at least one of the feedstocks sent to the dehydrogenation catalyst; said effective amount of alkali metal compound being sufficient to maintain substantially constant levels of conversion of alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and selectivity of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon.