A PROCESS FOR THE REGENERATION OF SPENT CATALYST USED IN THE UPGRADING OF HEAVY HYDROCARBON FEEDSTOCKS

摘要

A process for the regeneration of a spent catalyst used in the upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks comprises roasting a spent natural iron base catalyst contaminated with carbon, sulfur and vanadium at a temperature of not more than 400 DEG C. in the presence of a carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and mixtures thereof so as to eliminate carbon from the catalyst and obtain a roasted product containing iron oxide and water soluble salts of sulfur and vanadium. The roasted product is thereafter water leached so as to dissolve the soluble salts of sulfur and vanadium. The regenerated catalyst is thereafter separated from the leaching liquor so as to obtain a catalyst substantially free of carbon and sulfur.