Catalyst and method of preparation from a naturally occurring material

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A method for producing a catalyst for use in the hydrotreatment, hydrodemetallization and hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks containing high metal levels of vanadium, nickel and sulfur comprises the steps of preparing a carrier from a naturally occurring material consisting essentially of magnesium silicate having a sheet-type structure, iron and nickel wherein the carrier is prepared directly from the above naturally occurring material or, in the alternative it, can be prepared from the naturally occurring material in combination with a catalyst component. In the event the carrier for the catalyst is prepared from the above naturally occurring material without the addition of …