BLOCKED OPERATION FOR GROUP II AND GROUP III LUBRICANT PRODUCTION

Systems and methods are provided for block processing of a feedstock to produce multiple viscosity grades of lubricant base stocks with substantially different viscosity index values. The systems and methods can involve the use of a sweet stage hydrocracking catalyst that can maintain good aromatic saturation activity under conditions that produce substantially different levels of viscosity index uplift. Optionally, the reactor including the sweet stage hydrocracking catalyst can include additional aromatic saturation catalyst. The systems and methods can further involve using a combination of aromatic saturation catalyst and dewaxing catalyst in a second sweet stage reactor, so that additional aromatic saturation activity is available for saturation of aromatics for products that undergo lower amounts of conversion in the sweet hydrocracking stage. The systems and methods can also allow for increased control over the relative temperatures of reactors within a reaction system.