Nickel based catalyst are widely used for aromatics saturation. A deciding criterion for the catalyst selection is the sulfur content of the feed. The main parameters that influence the performance of nickel catalysts are discussed. A sulfur tolerance study shows that Nickel catalyst deactivation is a function of process conditions and sulfur concentration in the feed. Catalyst tolerance to sulfur poisoning can be increased under certain conditions by well over a factor of threefold thereby greatly increasing cycle length. A new concept for enhanced performance in aromatics saturation is presented. The key of this concept is a dual catalyst/process combining guard bed and aromatics saturation technology minimizing the sulfur poisoning impact by driving the sulfur into the bulk of catalyst. Test results and commercial experience in aromatics saturation will be presented.

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