Catalyst component for reducing the total acid number in refinery feedstocks

Abstract

A catalyst component is described for reducing the total acid number of a refinery feedstock. A solid catalyst material that is pretreated with a caustic base solution form the catalyst component effective for contacting a refinery feedstock to reduce the total acid number.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A catalyst component for reducing the total acid number of a refinery feedstock containing naphthenic acids comprising one or more solid catalyst materials selected from the group consisting of zinc aluminates and layered double hydroxides including magnesium/aluminum, wherein the solid catalyst material is pretreated with an aqueous caustic base prior to use. 
     
     
         33 . The catalyst component of  claim 32 , wherein the aqueous caustic base comprises sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. 
     
     
         34 . The catalyst component of  claim 32 , wherein the colic catalyst material is pretreated in situ h contacting with the aqueous caustic base in a neutralization vessel used for contacting a refinery feedstock. 
     
     
         35 . The catalyst component of  claim 32 , wherein the solid catalyst material is pretreated ex situ by contacting with the aqueous caustic base in a vessel separate from a neutralization vessel used for contacting a refinery feedstock. 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . The catalyst component of  claim 32 , wherein the solid catalyst comprises zinc aluminates. 
     
     
         41 . The catalyst component of  claim 32 , wherein the solid catalyst comprises layered double hydroxides including magnesium/aluminum.