4. Conclusions and outlook

Hydrogenation reactions are essential for the upgrading of petroleum cuts from refining and the production of major intermediates for the petrochemical industry. They enable the elimination of the most unsaturated hydrocarbons. In addition, selective hydrogenation reactions make it possible to maintain a high added value to the cuts produced by limiting the subsequent hydrogenation of the olefins formed.

These reactions are implemented in catalytic refining processes which require the use of catalysts based on metals (noble or transition) or sulfides deposited on alumina. The catalysts developed for each of these applications have their own specific characteristics.

The implementation of these rapid, exothermic reactions requires appropriate reactor sizing to ensure that the heat produced by the reaction is dissipated, while minimizing limitations...