| abstract |
A process for producing a supported cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst includes, in a first activation stage, treating a particulate catalyst precursor with a reducing gas, at a heating rate, HR1, until the precursor has reached a temperature, T1, where 80°C≤T1≤180°C, to obtain a partially treated precursor. In a second activation stage, the partially treated precursor is treated with a reducing gas, at a heating rate, HR2, where 0≤HR2<HR1, for a time, t1, where t1 is from 0.1 to 20 hours, to obtain a partially reduced precursor. Thereafter, in a third activation stage, the partially reduced precursor is treated with a reducing gas, at a heating rate, HR3, where HR3>HR2 until the partially reduced precursor reaches a temperature, T2. The partially reduced precursor is maintained at T2 for a time, t2, where t2 is from 0 to 20 hours, to obtain an activated catalyst. |