Process for reducing a refining catalyst before use

Claim 1

A process for the reduction of a refining catalyst containing a support and an active phase based on at least one metal of group VIII of the periodic classification of elements, wherein before the catalyst is used in a refining reaction zone, a treatment of said catalyst is carried out comprising in the absence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide: (a) impregnating the catalyst at between 0° and 50° C. with an aqueous or organic solution of a compound that is a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of aldehydes having 2 to 14 carbon atoms, ketones having 3-18 carbon atoms polyketones having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, ethers having 2 to 14 carbon atoms, alcohols having 1 to 14 carbon atoms polyalcohols having 1 to 14 carbon atoms organic acids having 1 to 14 carbon atoms polyacids having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof in a manner so as to introduce from 10 ppm to 100% (by weight) of said compound onto the catalyst; (b) raising the temperature of the thus impregnated catalyst to a temperature between 100° and 150° C. and under a pressure of 1 to 10 bars, thereby reducing the catalyst; and (c) drying the catalyst to eliminate aqueous or organic solution.