Self-activating hydroprocessing catalyst and process for treating heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks

Abstract

A self activating catalyst for treating heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks that comprises a calcined particle comprising a co-mulled mixture made by co-mulling inorganic oxide powder, molybdenum trioxide powder, and a nickel compound and then forming the co-mulled mixture into a particle that is calcined to thereby provide the calcined particle. The calcined particle comprises from 1 to 10 weight percent molybdenum and nickel that is present in an amount such that the weight ratio of said nickel-to-molybdenum is less than 0.4. The calcined particle has a pore size distribution that contributes to the unique properties of the catalyst. The calcined particle and catalyst also exhibits a unique Raman spectrum. The self activating catalyst is activated when contacted under suitable process conditions with a heavy residue feedstock having high nickel, vanadium and sulfur concentrations.