ABSTRACT
Given the importance of reforming as a refinery process, significant quantities of noble metal-containing catalysts are installed worldwide in the operating oil refineries. The value of these catalysts is quite significant, so it is without any doubt that at the end of a catalyst life cycle, when the oil refineries produce a spent catalyst, the precious metals recovery and other related aspects have to be handled with corresponding attention [1]. The modern petroleum-processing industry would not exist without precious metals catalysts, but the associated investment value brings with it special concerns. Most oil refineries already have installed a special care program incorporating guidelines beginning with the purchase of the fresh catalyst until the metals are recovered from the spent one. For each of the precious metals refiners, dealing with spent catalysts goes beyond showing the best possible recovery performance, but also acting as a consultant for the customer in respect to all precious metals-related technical procedures, including fine-metal and precious metals compounds handling, analytical procedures, sampling statistics, logistics, and book-keeping. This chapter explains some of the practical aspects to this high-value part of the naphthareforming operation. Certain perspectives were presented in the first edition of this book [2]. Further perspectives are added in this chapter.
