abstract |
A noble metal hydrogenation catalyst suited for removal of acetylene by hydrogenating the same selectively as when it is in the presence of ethylene from which it is to be removed, e.g., palladium, which has been poisoned by arsenic is reactivated by purging the same with an arsenic-free gas, e.g., an arsenic-free ethylene containing acetylene together with hydrogen, in one embodiment at an elevated temperature, until substantial acetylene removal is occurring as one indication of restoration of activity and selectivity for removal of acetylene. The catalyst can then be employed for the selective removal of acetylene as from a gas containing it and ethylene. |