| abstract |
The invention pertains to a process for activating a hydrotreating catalyst comprising a Group VIII hydrogenation metal oxide and a Group VI hydrogenation metal oxide on a carrier in which the hydrotreating catalyst is contacted with an additive which is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds comprising at least two hydroxyl groups and 2-10 carbon atoms, and the (poly)ethers of these compounds, after which the catalyst is dried under such conditions that at least 50 % of the additive remains in the catalyst. The additive, is preferably at least one compound selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol, or a saccharide or polysaccharide. The invention additionally pertains to the catalyst obtainable by this process, which shows high activity in hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodenitrogenation reactions, and to the use of the catalyst in hydrotreating. |