Multi-stage process for demetalation and desulfurization of petroleum oils

A process for catalytically demetalizing and desulfurizing a residual oil which process comprises passing a mixture of hydrogen and residual oil at a

• pressure of about 500-3000 psig, a temperature of about 600.degree.-800.degree. F. and a space velocity of 0.1-5.0 LHSV through three or more beds of catalyst particles;
• said catalyst particles comprising the oxides or sulfides of a Group VIB metal and an iron group metal on an alumina support;
• said catalyst beds containing catalyst particles having a sequentially decreasing average pore diameter and sequentially increasing surface areas, the first catalyst having at least about 60% of its pore volume in pores with diameters within the range from about 100-200 A, up to 5 percent of its pore volume in pores greater than 500 A, and a surface area of up to about 120 m.sup.2 /g, the second catalyst has a surface area of about 120 to 180 m.sup.2 /g and at least 40 percent of its pore volume in pores with diameters of 50-100 A and the last catalyst having a surface area of at least 200 m.sup.2 /g and at least 60 percent of its pore volume in pores with diameters of 30-80 A.