Process for the activation of oxidised catalysts

A process for activation of a catalyst comprising:

• (a) providing a reactor comprising a solid catalyst which is to be activated by reduction;
• (b) supplying a liquid feed stream and a reducing agent to the reactor;
• (c) operating the reactor such that the reducing agent causes activation of the catalyst;
• (d) recovering a liquid stream and a gas stream from the reactor;
• and wherein, a peak water concentration in the liquid stream recovered in step (d) is substantially maintained at less than 1.5 wt % by one or more of:
• controlling a water concentration of the liquid feed stream supplied in step (b);
• controlling a rate of recovery of the liquid stream recovered in step (d);
• and,
• removal of water produced within the reactor.