Enhancement of zeolite catalytic activity

Abstract

A method is provided for increasing the catalytic activity of acid zeolite catalysts characterized by a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 12 and a constraint index within the approximate range of 1 to 12, comprising contacting said zeolite catalysts with water for a sufficient treating time, temperature and water partial pressure to bring about said increased activity. The increase in catalytic activity is within a zone of enhanced activity, said zone is defined as encompassing all those conditions of treating time, temperature and water partial pressure and combinations thereof which yield catalytic activities greater than initial catalyst activity. The zeolite of enhanced activity of the method of the present invention can be utilized in improved acid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes such as cracking, hydrocracking, alkylation, dealkylation, transalkylation, isomerization, dimerization, oligomerization, polymerization, addition, disproportionation, aromatization and hydration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.