Simplified regeneration procedure

In a process for the catalytic conversion of a naphtha feed stock wherein said naphtha feed stock and hydrogen are contacted with a catalyst comprising from about 0.01 to about 3.0 wt. % of an iridium component contained on a refractory inorganic oxide support at reforming conditions, the catalyst having been at least partially deactivated during contact with said naphtha feed stock by the deposition of carbonaceous residues thereon, a method for regenerating said catalyst comprising:

• 1. contacting said carbonaceous residue-containing catalyst, after being contacted with said naphtha feed stock but prior to contact with oxygen at a temperature greater than about 775.degree. F., with a chlorine-containing reagent in an amount sufficient to increase and maintain the catalyst chlorine content to from 0.8 to 1.5 wt. %, based on anhydrous, carbonaceous residue-free catalyst, to inhibit the agglomerated iridium on said catalyst during the subsequent burn operation;
• 2. contacting said chlorinated carbonaceous residue-containing catalyst with a substantially halogen-free and sulfur-free gaseous mixture containing oxygen at a maximum temperature varying from about 775.degree. to 900.degree. F. for a time sufficient to burn a substantial portion of said carbonaceous residues from said catalyst while maintaining at least 0.7 wt. % chlorine on said catalyst during contact with said gas mixture;
• and
• 3. contacting said carbonaceous residue-depleted catalyst from step (2) with said naphtha feed stock at reforming conditions without having previously contacted said catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature in excess of about 900.degree. F.

In a process for the catalytic conversion of a naphtha feed stock wherein said naphtha feed stock and hydrogen are contacted with a catalyst comprising from about 0.01 to about 3.0 wt. % of an iridium component and a chlorine component contained on a refractory inorganic oxide support at reforming conditions, the catalyst having been at least partially deactivated during contact with said naphtha feed stock by the deposition of carbonaceous residues thereon, a method for regenerating said catalyst comprising:

• 1. contacting said carbonaceous, residue-containing catalyst during contact with said naphtha feed stock with a chlorine-containing reagent in an amount sufficient to increase and maintain the catalyst chlorine content to from about 0.7 to 2.0 wt. %, based on anhydrous, carbonaceous residue-free catalyst, to inhibit the agglomeration of nonagglomerated iridium on the catalyst during the subsequent burn operation;
• 2. contacting said carbonaceous, residue-contaminated catalyst that contains from about 0.7 to 2.0 wt. % chlorine, based on anhydrous, carbonaceous residue-free catalyst, with a substantially halogen-free and sulfur-free gaseous mixture containing oxygen at a maximum temperature of from about 775.degree. to 900.degree. F. for a time sufficient to burn a substantial portion of said carbonaceous residues from said catalyst while maintaining at least 0.7 wt. % chlorine on said catalyst during contact with said gas mixture;
• and
• 3. contacting said carbonaceous residue-depleted catalyst from step (2) with said naphtha feed stock and hydrogen at reforming conditions without having previously contacted said catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature in excess of about 900.degree. F.

In a process for the catalytic conversion of a naphtha feed stock wherein said naphtha feed stock and hydrogen are contacted with a catalyst comprising from 0.01 to 3.0 wt. % iridium and a chlorine component contained on a refractory inorganic oxide support at reforming conditions, the catalyst having been at least partially deactivating during contact with said naphtha feed stock by the deposition of carbonaceous residues thereon, a method for regenerating said catalyst comprising:

• 1. contacting said carbonaceous residue-containing catalyst in the absence of said naphtha feed stock but prior to contact with oxygen at a temperature of greater than about 775.degree. F., with a chlorine-containing reagent in an amount sufficient to increase the catalyst chlorine content to from 0.7 to 2.0 wt. %, based on anhydrous, carbonaceous residue-free catalyst, to inhibit the agglomeration of non-agglomerated iridium on the catalyst during the subsequent burn operation;
• 2. contacting said carbonaceous, residue-contaminated catalyst that contains from about 0.7 to 2.0 wt. % chlorine, based on anhydrous, carbonaceous residue-free catalyst, with a substantially halogen-free and sulfur-free gaseous mixture containing oxygen at a maximum temperature of from about 775.degree. to 900.degree. F. for a time sufficient to burn at least a portion of said carbonaceous residue from said catalyst while maintaining at least 0.7 wt. % chlorine on said catalyst during contact with said gas mixture;
• and
• 3. contacting said carbonaceous residue-depleted cagalyst from step (2) with said naphtha feed stock and hydrogen at reforming conditions without having previously contacted said catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature in excess of about 900.degree. F.