| abstract |
The present invention pertains to a process for sulphiding a catalyst composition comprising at least one hydrogenation metal component of Group VI and/or Group VIII of the Period Table, and an organic additive wherein the catalyst composition is first contacted with an organic liquid, followed by the catalyst being contacted with hydrogen and a sulphur-containing compound in the gaseous phase, wherein less than 40 %, preferably less than 35 %, more preferably less than 25 %, most preferably less than 15 %, of the sulphur present in the sulphided catalyst is added with the organic liquid. The process of the present invention makes it possible to use additive-containing catalysts without loss of activity in units which cannot effect gas phase start-up or are required to carry out a pressure test. The organic liquid may be a hydrocarbon with a boiling range of 150-500 °C, preferably gasoline, white spirit, diesel, gas oil, mineral lube oil, or white oil. The step of contacting the catalyst with hydrogen and a sulphur-containing compound may take place in one step at a temperature of 150-450 °C. It may also take place in two steps, with the first step being performed at a temperature which is lower than that of the second step, with the first step being carried out at a temperature of 100-250 °C and the second step at a temperature of 150-450 °C. |