Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for relocating a reforming process heater service into the convection section rely on combining a flue gas recycle quench stream with the radiant section off gases entering the convection section. The uniformity of mixing influences the effectiveness of that quench stream. The more effective the quench stream is, the lower the equipment size required to manage the recycle design.

Abstract: A reforming reactor and process of using same in which the process gas is effectively and efficiently distributed through the non-reactive zone. The non-reactive zone has two portions, a first portion receiving a purge gas and having an outlet for an effluent from a reactive zone disposed beneath the non-reactive zone and a second portion receiving the feed and having an inlet. The inlet is located between the reaction zone and the outlet. A flow distributor separates the non-reactive zone into the two portions.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for relocating a reforming process heater service into the convection section rely on combining a flue gas recycle quench stream with the radiant section off gases entering the convection section. The uniformity of mixing influences the effectiveness of that quench stream. The more effective the quench stream is, the lower the equipment size required to manage the recycle design.

Abstract: A catalyst retainer includes an inner particle retention device having apertures and a first non-apertured section; and an outer particle retention device having apertures and a second non-apertured section. The inner and the outer particle retention devices are spaced apart to define a particle retaining space of the retainer. The first non-apertured section and the second non-apertured section define a blanked-off section of the particle retaining space, and the blanked-off section is spaced from an end of the particle retaining space. The catalyst retainer also includes a louver with at least a portion located between the blanked-off section and the end of the particle retaining space. The louver extends into the particle retaining space at an angle with respect to an inner surface of the inner particle retention device. The louver introduces the fluid to the top catalyst free surface in a more uniform manner and hence prevents particle movement and attrition.

Abstract: A system for radial flow contact of a reactant stream with catalyst particles includes a reactor vessel and a catalyst retainer disposed in the reactor vessel, the catalyst retainer including an inner particle retention device and an outer particle retention device, the inner particle retention device and the outer particle retention device being spaced apart to define a catalyst retaining space of the catalyst retainer, the inner particle retention device defining an axial flow path of the reactor vessel, the outer particle retention device and an inner surface of a wall of the reactor vessel defining an annular flow path of the reactor vessel. The system further includes an inlet nozzle positioned along a side of the reactor vessel and having an exit opening in fluid communication with the annular flow path of the vessel and an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the axial flow path.

Abstract: A catalyst retainer includes an inner particle retention device having apertures and a first non-apertured section; and an outer particle retention device having apertures and a second non-apertured section. The inner and the outer particle retention devices are spaced apart to define a particle retaining space of the retainer. The first non-apertured section and the second non-apertured section define a blanked-off section of the particle retaining space, and the blanked-off section is spaced from an end of the particle retaining space. The catalyst retainer also includes a louver with at least a portion located between the blanked-off section and the end of the particle retaining space. The louver extends into the particle retaining space at an angle with respect to an inner surface of the inner particle retention device. The louver introduces the fluid to the top catalyst free surface in a more uniform manner and hence prevents particle movement and attrition.

Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus includes a distributor pipe configured to carry a fluid and a continuously tapered, ring-shaped collar distributor connected to the distributor pipe. The collar distributor includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a continuous height along its circumference, the continuous height being at least as high as a diameter of the distributor pipe, the second portion extending from either end of the first portion and having a height that continuously tapers along its circumference from a height that is equivalent to the height of the first portion to a second height that is smaller than the height of the first portion. The distributor pipe connects to the collar distributor at the first portion. The apparatus further includes a plurality of inlet nozzles connected to the collar distributor. The second height is at least as great as a diameter of one the plurality of inlet nozzles.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of solids from gases in a mixture which is most particularly applicable to an FCC apparatus. The mixture of solids and gases are passed through a conduit and exit through a swirl arm that imparts a swirl motion having a first annular direction to centripetally separate the heavier solids from the lighter gases. The mixture then enters a gas recovery conduit in which at least one plate radially extending from an inner wall impedes rotational motion of the mixture. The mixture enters cyclones at the other end of the gas recovery conduit without substantial swirling motion.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a vessel. The vessel can include a body, an inlet, and an impermeable impingement plate. The body may include a substantially cylindrical structure orientated substantially horizontally, and first and second heads coupled at opposing ends of the substantially cylindrical structure. Generally, the body forms an interior space, and a lower portion of the body forms a trough having a length and a width. The inlet can communicate with the interior space of the vessel. Typically, the impermeable impingement plate has an impingement surface. The impermeable impingement plate may have a first side and a second side extending substantially the length of the trough. The first and second sides may be substantially parallel and spaced apart across at least a portion of the width of the trough.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a vessel. The vessel can include a body, an inlet, and an impermeable impingement plate. The body may include a substantially cylindrical structure orientated substantially horizontally, and first and second heads coupled at opposing ends of the substantially cylindrical structure. Generally, the body forms an interior space, and a lower portion of the body forms a trough having a length and a width. The inlet can communicate with the interior space of the vessel. Typically, the impermeable impingement plate has an impingement surface. The impermeable impingement plate may have a first side and a second side extending substantially the length of the trough. The first and second sides may be substantially parallel and spaced apart across at least a portion of the width of the trough.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of solids from gases in a mixture which is most particularly applicable to an FCC apparatus. The mixture of solids and gases are passed through a conduit and exit through a swirl arm that imparts a swirl motion having a first annular direction to centripetally separate the heavier solids from the lighter gases. The mixture then enters a gas recovery conduit in which at least one plate radially extending from an inner wall impedes rotational motion of the mixture. The mixture enters cyclones at the other end of the gas recovery conduit without substantial swirling motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the separation of solids from gases in a mixture which is most particularly applicable to an FCC apparatus. The mixture of solids and gases are passed through a conduit and exit through a swirl arm that imparts a swirl motion having a first annular direction to centripetally separate the heavier solids from the lighter gases. The mixture then enters a gas recovery conduit in which at least one plate radially extending from an inner wall impedes rotational motion of the mixture. The mixture enters cyclones at the other end of the gas recovery conduit without substantial swirling motion.

Abstract: A third stage separator vessel includes a diffuser to promote uniform flow among an array of separation cyclones in the vessel. The vessel has an inlet to receive a gas stream containing solid particles, and the diffuser is mounted at the inlet so that at least some of the stream passes through the diffuser. In an embodiment, a gap between the diffuser and the inlet causes some of the gas stream to flow over an outer surface of the diffuser. The diffuser preferably includes a perforated plate mounted across a wide end of a frustoconical portion. The plate has a plurality of openings through which the flow passes. The openings in the plate have various sizes and positions to direct a greater amount of flow through radially outward portions of the plate than from a central portion of the plate.