METHOD OF START-UP OF A CONTAMINATED HYDROCARBON-CONVERSION SYSTEM USING A CONTAMINANT-SENSITIVE CATALYST

摘要

A hydrocarbon conversion process that uses a contaminant-sensitive catalyst and a conversion system that has been contaminated through contact with a contaminant-containing prior feed is started up by utilizing a hydrocarbon solvent in the absence of the contaminant-sensitive catalyst to purge contaminants, such as sulfur, from the conversion system. Complementary contaminant-removal steps may include oxidation, reduction, and contaminant removal with a sacrificial particulate bed. This solvent purge avoids deactivation of a subsequently loaded contaminant-sensitive catalyst, such as a reforming catalyst selective for dehydrocyclization.