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Options and processes for spent catalyst handling and utilization
1Petroleum Refining Department, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, Kuwait. mmarafi@prsc.kisr.edu.kw
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 21, 2003
Summary
Spent hydroprocessing catalysts, hazardous waste from refining, require safe handling. This study reviews disposal options and presents new methods for catalyst rejuvenation and creating non-leachable synthetic aggregates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Increasing hydroprocessing capacity leads to more spent hydroprocessing catalysts (SHPCs) as hazardous waste.
- Petroleum refineries face environmental pressure to manage toxic SHPCs safely.
- Current management options include metal reclamation, rejuvenation, landfilling, and material preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of SHPC management options.
- To present novel bench-scale processes for SHPC rejuvenation and synthetic aggregate production.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of SHPC management strategies.
- Development and description of two laboratory-scale processes: catalyst rejuvenation and synthetic aggregate formation.
Main Results:
- Evaluation of various SHPC disposal and reuse methods.
- Demonstration of processes for rejuvenating spent catalysts and producing non-leachable synthetic aggregates from them.
Conclusions:
- Safe and sustainable management of SHPCs is crucial for the petroleum refining industry.
- Developed processes offer promising alternatives for SHPC valorization, reducing hazardous waste and potentially recovering valuable resources.