Enhancement of aromatic hydro-upgrading on a Pt catalyst by promotion with Pd and shape-selective supports

The effect of the composition of the metallic function (Pt and Pt–Pd) and acid function (HUSY and Hβ zeolites) in the catalysts has been studied in the hydrocracking of LCO in the 350–400 °C range. The remaining operating conditions are: 50 bar; H2/LCO molar ratio (nH2), 8.90 molH2 (molLCO)− 1; space velocity (WHSV), 4 h− 1; time on stream (TOS), 0–24 h. The reaction indices studied are the conversions of hydrocracking and hydrodesulphurization and the yields of naphtha, medium distillates, LPG and dry gases. It has been proven that the metallic function, the acidity of the acid function and temperature increase give way to an increase in the activity remaining in the catalyst in the pseudo-stable state (subsequent to deactivation for 5 h time on stream). Likewise, these conditions enhance the production of naphtha and medium distillates with a lower content of aromatics and a higher one of paraffins and naphthenes. Pt–Pd/HY catalyst is very stable and has a high capacity for producing naphtha and medium distillates at 400 °C.