Processes for regenerating catalysts useful in fischer-tropsch processes

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to processes for regenerating catalysts. In certain aspects, a process for regenerating a deactivated catalyst disposed in a first organic material includes removing a substantial portion of the first organic material from the catalyst to provide a dewaxed catalyst having less than about 40 wt % (e.g., less than about 20%) organic material disposed thereon. The dewaxed catalyst is then contacted with a flow of a substantially inert gas at a temperature of at least about 200° C. to provide an inert gas-treated catalyst having less than about 10 wt % organic material disposed thereon. The inert gas-treated catalyst is then contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of at least about 200 ° C. to form an oxidized catalyst (e.g., having less than 2 wt % carbonaceous material disposed thereon). The oxidized catalyst is then contacted with a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature of at least about 200° C. to form a regenerated catalyst. Finally, the regenerated catalyst can be disposed in a second organic material. The regenerated catalysts can be useful, for example, in Fischer-Tropsch processes.