Research and Development of Hydroisomerization and Hydrocracking Catalysts in Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics

The research and development of catalysts and catalytic processes for hydroisomerization and hydrocracking of petroleum feedstocks in Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) are described. In the 1960s, on the basis of extensive investigations, DICP researchers summarized a series of rules for governing the preparation of hydroisomerization and hydrocracking catalysts. By utilizing these rules as guidelines, DICP investigators have developed hydrocracking catalysts suitable for use in a single-stage process of vacuum gas oil hydrocracking. The catalysts as well as the process were then commercialized successfully in the first hydrocracking unit of China, which was constructed in Daqing Refinery with a capacity of 400 kt/a in 1967. Starting from 2000, DICP investigators have developed new generations of zeolite-based hydroisomerization catalysts, which were deployed in the 200 kt/a isodewaxing unit of Daqing Refining and Chemical Co. for base-oil feedstocks in 2008.