Process for improving the pour point of feeds containing paraffins using a catalyst based on a bridged dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate

Abstract

The invention concerns a process for improving the pour point of a feed comprising paraffins containing more than 10 carbon atoms, in which the feed to be treated is brought into contact with a catalyst. The catalyst comprises at least one dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate, preferably synthesised in a fluoride medium in the presence of the acid HF and/or a further source of fluoride anions, and preferably having an interplanar spacing of at least 20×10 m (2 nm) and comprising pillars based on at least one oxide of elements from groups IVB, VB, VIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIA or IVA or any combination of these oxides, and preferably selected from the group SiO , Al O , TiO , ZrO and V O , or any combination of these latter. The catalyst further comprises at least one hydrodehydrogenating element in the metallic form. The process is carried out at a temperature in the range 170° C. to 500° C., a pressure in the range 1 to 250 bar and at an hourly space velocity in the range 0.05 to 100 h , in the presence of hydrogen in an amount of 50 to 2000 1/1 of feed. The oils obtained have good pour points and high viscosity indices (VI). The process is also applicable to gas oils and to other feeds requiring a reduction in their pour point.