Mobil Oil Corporation

Robert T Hanlon

Thomas F Degnan

William S Borghard

Mae K Rubin

Minas R Apelian

Dominick N Mazzone

Grant G Karsner

Charles L Baker

Suzanne Elaine Schramm

Petroleum wax feeds are converted to high viscosity index lubricants by a two-step hydrocracking-hydroisomerization process in which the wax feed which exhibits branchingis initially subjected to hydrocracking under mild conditions with a conversion to non-lube range products of no more than about 30 weight percent of the feed. The hydrocracking is carried out at a hydrogen pressure of at least 1000 psig (7000 kPa) using an amorphous catalyst which preferentially removes the aromatic components present in the initial feed. The hydrocracked effluent is then subjected to hydroisomerization in a second step using a low acidity zeolite beta catalyst which effects a preferential isomerization on the paraffin components to less waxy, high VI isoparaffins. The second stage may be operated at high pressure by cascading the first stage product into the second stage or at a lower pressure, typically from 200 to 1000 psig. The second stage catalyst is preferably a noble metal containing zeolite beta catalyst which contains boron as a framework component of the zeolite to give a low alpha value, typically below 10 while maintaining an isomerizaiton selectiveity of no less than 48%. The second stage is carried out at relatively low temperature, typically from 600&deg; to 650&deg; F. with a 650&deg; F.&plus; conversion in the range of 10 to 20 weight percent of the second stage feed but with high selectivity for isomerization of the paraffins. A final dewaxing step to target pour point may be used with relatively low loss, typically no more than 15 weight percent, during this dewaxing. The final products typically have VI values in excess of 140 and usually in the range of 143 to 147 and are characterized by exceptional stability.

Production of high viscosity index lubricants

This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, and an alpha value of not greater than 20, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The catalyst further comprises a noble metal hydrogenation component. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The feed may be solvent dewaxed prior to isomerization. The effluent of the isomerization step may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.

Wax hydroisomerization process employing a boron-free catalyst

This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The alpha value of the catalyst is no greater than 20. The catalyst comprises a noble metal hydroisomerization catalyst such as Pt. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The effluent of the process may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.

Wax hydroisomerization process

The use of high silica to alumina ratio large pore zeolites, in combination with a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component, to convert Fischer-Tropsch heavy end products which may contain paraffins, olefins and oxygenates into low pour point distillates with high cetane number and extra high VI lube is described. The lube can be dewaxed by a conventional solvent process, by a catalytic process, or by increasing the severity of the hydroisomerization step.

Conversion of Fischer-Tropsch heavy end products with

This invention relates to the production of high viscosity index lubricants from mineral oil feedstocks, e.g., petroleum waxes, by hydrocracking in a first stage, followed by a combined hydroisomerization-hydrotreating process in a second stage, wherein the temperature in the second stage is closely controlled by regulating the amount of nitrogen-containing compounds which are permitted into the second stage.

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Glen Mills, PA, United States of America

Robert T Hanlon