Reactivation of particulate catalyst masses

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method for the restoration of porosity and catalytic activity to a catalyst bed composed of a mass of solid particles where the, catalyst bed has been deactivated and occluded by the deposition of carbonized and polymerized hydrocarbons. The catalyst is repeatedly washed, at superatmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure with, a liquid phase hydrocarbon mixture containing aromatic hydrocarbon species. Deactivating materials are dissoved within the hydrocarbon mixture and are removed from the catalyst bed when washing mixture is withdrawn.