Two series of zeolite-based hydrocracking catalysts were prepared to study
the effects of the support type, preparation method and metal loading on ca
talyst properties and hydrocracking activity for hydrotreated vacuum gas oi
l (HT-VGO). The support used was gamma -Al2O3 and beta -zeolite in the firs
t series and gamma -Al2O3 and USY-zeolite in the second series. Nickel and
tungsten were loaded as active metals on these supports. The prepared catal
ysts were characterized as to their surface area, pore volume, thermal stab
ility, reducibility and acidity characteristics. The characterization resul
ts revealed that catalysts displayed significant differences in properties
dependent on the preparation method and the type of support used. Catalysts
from both series showed promising results for HT-VGO hydrocracking in the
batch reactor. A correlation exists between the reducibility of oxidic form
and the hydrogenation activity of the sulfided form of the catalysts. The
higher the reducibility, the higher the hydrogenation activity. Catalysts p
repared on mixed supports gave higher amounts of saturates. (C) 2001 Elsevi
er Science B.V. All rights reserved.