Development and application of zeolite cracking catalysts with controlled content of rare earth elements

Abstract

The influence of the content of rare earth elements (REE) on the thermal stability and catalytic properties of HREEY zeolites embedded in catalyst matrices that consist of bentonite clay, amorphous silica-alumina, and aluminum hydroxide is studied. It is found that an increase in the REE content from 0,0 to 6,5 wt.% increases the thermal stability of the zeolite by about 100 °C. It is shown that the increase in the REE content from 0 to 2 wt.% raises the conversion of vacuum gas oil by 8 wt.%. The acceptable level of conversion (77–78 %) of raw materials can be achieved with the content of REE of about 0,5 wt.%. The dependence of hydrogen transfer reactions on the content of REE in the cracking catalysts is exemplified by changes in the amount of isobutane in produced C4-hydrocarbons. On the basis of laboratory data, a technology for production of bizeolite cracking catalysts with a low content of REE
(grades M, H) has been developed and implemented at JSC «Gazprom Neft–Omsk Refinery».