| abstract |
A process for the catalytic hydro-demetallization of a hydrocarbon feedstock over a fixed bed of hydro- demetallization catalyst particles, the process comprising contacting the heavy hydrocarbon oil and hydrogen at elevated temperature and elevated pressure with the catalyst particles in the fixed bed, the catalyst particles being extruded catalyst particles of one or more catalytically active metals on a porous carrier, the extruded particles comprising three protrusions each extending from and attached to a central position, wherein the central position is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the particle, the cross-section of the particle occupying the space encompassed by the outer edges of six circles around a central circle, each of the six circles touching two neighbouring circles whilst three alternating circles are equidistant to the central circle and may be attached to the central circle, minus the space occupied by the three remaining outer circles and including the six interstitial regions. |