Catalysts for the hydrotreatment of hydrocarbons and a process for the preparation and utilization thereof

In a process for the preparation of a hydroreforming non-platinum-metal-group containing catalyst, which comprises a non-cracking refractory-mineral carrier having the following metals in a free or combined state on said carrier:

• a. from 0.05 to 5%, based on the total catalyst weight, of at least one first metal, and
• b. at least one second metal, said catalyst being adapted for use in the reduced state,
• the improvement in said process comprising:
• said first metal being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel;
• and said second metal being selected from the group consisting of tin, germanium and lead whose weight percentages, based on the total catalyst weight, are between 0.02 and 5%, 0.01 and 4%, and 0.01 and 10% respectively;
• said refractory carrier being impregnated by at least one impregnation solution containing cations and/or anions formed from at least one of said first metals and by the same or at least a second solution containing cations and/or anions formed from at least one of said second metals;
• each second metal being deposited on said carrier, dried if necessary, and calcined between 400 and 700.degree. C, and
• said catalyst being dried after deposit of the first metals and any calcination of any of the first metals not exceeding 500.degree. C.