Catalytic reforming catalyst activation

Abstract

A reforming catalyst containing a Group VIII metal, or a Group VII B metal, or tin, or germanium, or copper, or selenium or combinations of any two or more metals or oxides thereof is activated by: a) continuously flowing a reducing gas over the catalyst for contact with the catalyst; (b) during step a), flowing a halogen-containing compound over the catalyst for contact with the catalyst for a first time period, wherein the first time period is greater than about 1 minute, and wherein the first time period is less than about 60 minutes; and (c) following step b), and during step a), substantially discontinuing the flow of the halogen-containing compound over the catalyst for a second time period, wherein the second time period is greater than about 1 minute. Alternatively, the catalyst can be activated in an activation zone by: 1) removing water from the activation zone; 2) reducing iron oxide contained in the activation zone in the presence of a reducing gas thereby forming reduced iron and water; 3) removing water from the activation zone; 4) reducing the metal oxide of the catalyst in the presence of a reducing gas thereby forming reduced metal and water; 5) removing water from the activation zone; 6) during step 4), flowing a halogen-containing compound over the catalyst for contact with the catalyst for a first time period; and 7) following step 6) and during step 4), substantially discontinuing the flow of halogen-containing compound over the catalyst for a second time period.