Method of preparing a hydrocracking catalyst

Abstract

The invention, in one aspect, relates to a particular method for the preparation of a hydrocracking catalyst, using a high iron content bauxite as a basis. This bauxite is ground and screened to a specific size and mixed with up to three types of additives: a promoter additive of the P, Mo, Co, Ni, W type, optionally a hardener additive of the phosphoric acid type, and optionally a lubricant and pore-generating additive of the polyvinyl-alcohol, polyethylene-glycol, starch type. The additives are blended with the bauxite before, or during the extrusion of the blend for the formation of pellets. The pellets are subjected to drying and calcination under controlled conditions for their activation. The obtained catalyst offers a good mechanical strength, a high content in macropores and a high activity, specifically for the hydrocracking of heavy Venezuelan crudes or residues. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrocracking process utilizing the catalysts prepared by the aforesaid method for the conversion of such heavy crudes or residues, in the presence of added hydrogen to products of relatively lower boiling ranges and relatively lower sulfur and vanadium contents.