Catalytic Dewaxing Process

Abstract

In a catalytic dewaxing process, a catalyst comprising from 40 to 80 wt % of ZSM-48 having a silica to alumina molar ratio of less than 200:1 and from 0.3 to 1.5 wt % of a metal or metal compound from Groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements is provided in a reaction zone. The catalyst is periodically contacted in the reaction zone under dewaxing conditions with a first hydrocarbon feedstock having a wax content of less than 50 wt % and with a second hydrocarbon feedstock having a wax content of 50 wt % or more.

1 . A catalytic dewaxing process comprising:
 (a) providing in a reaction zone a catalyst comprising from 40 to 80 wt % of ZSM-48 having a silica to alumina molar ratio of less than 200:1 and from 0.3 to 1.5 wt % of a metal or metal compound from Groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements; and   (b) periodically contacting said catalyst in said reaction zone under dewaxing conditions with a first hydrocarbon feedstock having a wax content of less than 50 wt % and with a second hydrocarbon feedstock having a wax content of 50 wt % or more.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from 50 to 70 wt % of ZSM-48 having a silica to alumina molar ratio of less than 200:1. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the ZSM-48 has a silica to alumina molar ratio of 100:1 or less. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.3 to 0.8 wt % of a metal or metal compound from Groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said metal or metal compound from Groups 8 to 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements comprises platinum. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst further comprises an inorganic oxide binder. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said dewaxing conditions include a temperature of 365° C. or less. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said dewaxing conditions include a temperature of 290° C. to 365° C. 
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said dewaxing conditions include a liquid hourly space velocity on the hydrocarbon feed of at least 0.4 hr −1 . 
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said dewaxing conditions include a liquid hourly space velocity on the hydrocarbon feed of 0.95 to 2 hr −1 . 
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of said first and second hydrocarbon feedstocks has a nitrogen content of up to 150 ppm. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of said first and second hydrocarbon feedstocks has a sulfur content of up to 1000 ppm.