Hydrocracking catalyst selection in Indian context

Hydrocracking of paraffinic vacuum gas oil of Bombay High origin (the major source in India) has been performed in a roeking-type high-pressure batch reactor (in laboratory scale) using zeolite-X based catalyst, with different metal loadings. The effect of temperature, total pressure, initial hydrogen pressure and residence time on conversion, selectivity and product characteristics have been studied in each case. Finally, a suitable catalyst composition and process condition is suggested for maximum production of Middle Distillate at a reasonable cost.