Hydrothermal regeneration typically involves subjecting the deactivated catalyst to an aqueous environment at elevated temperatures and pressures. This can dissolve or oxidize the contaminants, such as carbon deposits or metal impurities, that have accumulated on the catalyst's surface. The process might involve additional chemical agents to enhance the removal of specific poisons. The key steps usually include:
Preparation: The spent catalyst is first prepared by removing loose contaminants. Hydrothermal Treatment: The catalyst is treated with hot water or steam, potentially with added chemicals. Recovery: The cleaned catalyst is recovered, dried, and sometimes re-calcined to restore its structure.
