Patent ID: 7384538
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for the hydroisomerization of a waxy feed having a major portion boiling above 650° F. to produce a lubricating base oil having a lower pour point, said process comprising: (a) passing the waxy feed along with hydrogen gas through a hydroisomerization zone maintained at a hydrogen partial pressure of between about 100 psia and about 400 psia, said hydroisomerization zone comprising a catalyst bed containing at least two active wax hydroisomerization catalysts, said catalysts comprising at least (i) a first catalyst comprising an active hydrogenation component and a 1-D, 10-ring molecular sieve having a maximum crystallographic free diameter of the channels equal to 6.2 Å units or greater and (ii) a second catalyst comprising an active hydrogenation component and a 1-D, 10-ring molecular sieve having a maximum crystallographic free diameter of the channels equal to 5.8 Å units or less, wherein the weight ratio of the molecular sieve contained in the first catalyst to the molecular sieve contained in the second catalyst in the hydroisomerization zone falls within the range between about 2 to 1 and about 12 to 1; and (b) recovering from the hydroisomerization zone a lubricating base oil having a lower pour point as compared to the waxy feed.