Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Temperature on Regeneration of Deactivated Catalytic Reforming Catalyst (Pt/Al2O3).

Okonkwo PC, Aderemi BO and Olori TO

Catalytic reforming process will continue play an important role in meeting the world?s demands for high octane gasoline, petrochemicals and hydrogen hence the need to embark on continued improvement of the process. This work examined the effect of temperature on the regeneration of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst employed in semi regenerative fixed bed process. Samples of the catalyst were obtained from a running process (on line) at targeted periods of 10000 and 14000 hours of operation when the catalyst would have been deactivated to a degree. The catalyst samples which have undergone deactivation were regenerated at varying temperature conditions. The range of temperature studied is 400-800�C. The deactivated, regenerated and fresh catalyst samples were analyzed using FTIR, XRD and XRF to establish the extent of deactivation and regeneration. The progress of the regeneration was also monitored with gravimetric measurement of the weight losses. The work established an optimum regeneration temperature of 500�C. The optimum temperature can be employed as is a firm basis for regeneration process control and optimization.