Abstract:
A multiple-stage catalytic conversion system in which a hydrocarbonaceous charge stock is reacted in a plurality of catalytic reaction zones, through all of which the catalyst particles flow downwardly via gravity-flow. The charge stock, in the absence of added, or recycled hydrogen, is reacted in the last reaction zone, from which deactivated catalyst particles are withdrawn for regeneration. The reaction product effluent emanating therefrom is further reacted in an intermediate reaction zone. Additional reaction of the product effluent, from the intermediate zone, is effected in the first reaction zone, through which fresh, or regenerated catalyst particles are introduced into the system. The effluent from the first reaction zone is separated to recover the intended product. The system may comprise three or more reaction zones in side-by-side relationship, with the catalyst particles being transported from the lower end of one zone to the upper end of the next succeeding reaction zone. The reaction zones may assume a stacked configuration, sharing a common vertical axis, with the catalyst particles being movable from one zone to the next zone via gravity-flow.
Abstract:
Catalyst is transferred to and from a relatively high pressure moving-bed reactor through pressurized, liquid filled lock hoppers. A vertically segmented lock hopper is first filled with liquid and then raised to the pressure of the reactor and communicated with the reactor to allow equal portions of catalyst to slowly settle into each section of the lock hopper. Rapidly flowing liquid is then passed into the reactor to prevent catalyst from passing from the reactor while the lock hopper is emptied. The transfer method is used on reactors processing a heavy residual oil and the lock hoppers are pressurized with a lighter oil. Advantages include gentle catalyst transfer, ease of lock hopper pressurization and partial washing of the withdrawn catalyst.
Abstract:
A METHOD OF OPERATING A CONTINUOUS HYDROCARBON PROCESS EMPLOYING CATALYST PARTICLES WHEREIN CATALYST ACTIVITY IS MAINTAINE AT A PREDETERMINED LEVEL BY CONTINUOUS REGENERATION THEREOF WITHOUT REMOVAL OF ANY REACTOR FROM THE PROCESSING STREAMS. THE METHOD INCLUDES CONTINUOUS REDUCTION AND SULFIDING OF THE CATALYST PRIOR TO CONTACT WITH A REACTANT STREAM IN ONE OR MORE REACTORS IN WHICH A CONTINUOUS OR REASONABLY CONTINUOUS INPUT AND OUTPUT OF CATALYST IS REGULATED. THE SULFIDING AND REDUCTION STEPS TAKE PLACE IN AN UPPER PORTION OF A REACTION ZONE SO THAT THOSE STEPS OCCUR PRIOR TO CATALYST BEING CONTACTED WITH
A REACTANT PROCESSING STREAM. THE REGENERATION OF THE CATALYST IS CONTINUOUS AND INCLUDES A CARBON BURN-OFF AND REDUCTION AND SULFIDING STEP WHICH ALLOW THE CATALYST TO BE PASSED BACK INTO THE REACTOR SYSTEM THEREBY MAINTAINING CONTROLLED CATALYST ACTIVITY WITHIN THE REACTOR.
Abstract:
A PLURALITY OF SUPERPOSED REACTOR SECTIONS, WITH EACH HAVING AN ANNULAR-FORM CATALYST SECTION, ARE PROVIDED WITHIN A PARTITIONED VERTICALLY ELONGATED CHAMBER SUCH THAT CATALYST PARTICLES CAN READILY MOVE BY GRAVITY FROM THE UPPER SECTION DOWN THROUGH THE LOWERMOST SECTION. UNIFORMLY SPACED APART SMALL DIAMETER CATALYST TRANSFER CONDUITS PROVIDE FOR THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF CATALYST INTO AND OUT OF THE CHAMBER, AS WELL AS BETWEEN ADJACENT SECTIONS IN A MANNER TO SUBSTANTIALLY PRECLUDE REACTANT STREAM FLOW BETWEEN REACTOR SECTIONS THROUGH SUCH CONDUITS. ALSO, A PREFERRED CONSTRUCTION UTILIZES SPECIAL FLAT FACED, WEDGE-WIRE, TO FORM THE SCREENING FOR RETAINING THE CATALYST IN THE ANNULAR-FORM CATALYST ZONES AND THE FLATFACED WIRED FORMING THE SCREENING ARE POSITIONED VERTICALLY SUCH THAT DOWNWARDLY MOVING CATALYST WILL NOT HAVE TO RUB OVER A ROUGH SURFACE AND BE SUBJECTED TO ATTRITION.