Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow strippping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separator of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: A vented cup ballistic separation device and method of use for achieving rapid separation of a suspension of fluidized solid particulate and gasiform material. The vented cup ballistic separation apparatus is useful in a wide variety of vapor-solid contacting devices where rapid separation of solids from vapor is desired e.g. in fluidized catalytic cracking systems. The vented cup ballistic separation apparatus particularly comprises annular chamber about the outer periphery of an open ended riser conduit. The annular chamber is open in the upper end and one or more open end conduits extend outwardly from the annular chamber to provide means for discharging vapors and also for attachment of cyclone separation means if desired. The riser with vented cup or annular chamber preferably terminates within a larger diameter chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow stripping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating a heavy oil in a hydrogenation reactor of the suspension bed type by the use of catalyst particles and subjecting a catalyst slurry consisting of the used catalyst and the product oil withdrawn from the hydrogenation reactor to solid/liquid separation to recover the product oil and then regenerating by oxidation the used catalyst, the improvement being that the solid/liquid separation step includes at least a step of heat drying oil-containing catalyst particles.In accordance with the process of the present invention, the rate of recovery of oil in the catalyst slurry is high and the yield of product oil can be increased.

Abstract: A succession of low profile catalyst chambers each housing a reservoir or catalyst are alternately connected in sequence by openings below the levels of the catalyst reservoirs and openings thereabove. The catalyst in all reservoirs is fluidized by a gas moving upwardly therethrough. Separate portions of the sequence of chambers are operated as reactor and regenerator sections according to the gas used to fluidize the catalyst in those sections. Other portions of the sequence of chambers are used to create inert atmospheric seals between the reactor and regenerator sections. The entire apparatus is configured as a low-profile catalytic cracker wherein the fluidized flow of the catalyst moves throughout the apparatus in an alternating lifting and dropping sequence.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process and apparatus which employs relatively more elutriatable catalyst particles comprising intermediate pore zeolite, particularly ZSM-5, and relatively less elutriatable catalyst particles comprising large pore zeolite, preferably zeolite Y. The process and apparatus employ a first stripping vessel which also separates a more elutriatable first portion of catalyst from a less elutriatable second portion of catalyst. The more elutriatable first portion passes to a second stripping vessel, and subsequently recycles to a fluid catalytic cracking reactor riser. The second portion of less elutriatable catalyst passes from the first stripping vessel to a fluid catalytic cracking regenerator vessel and, after being regenerated, recycles to the reactor riser. The more elutriatable first portion contains a higher ratio of intermediate pore catalyst particles to large pore catalyst particles than does the second portion.

Abstract: The use of lift gas for FCC risers is improved by the direct use of reactor vapors as the source of the lift gas. Reactor vapors recovered primarily from the stripping section of an FCC reactor/regenerator section provide an excellent source for lift gas material. These reactor vapors contain high concentrations of light paraffinic materials often with an equal weight percent amount of steam. The recovery of the stripping vapors independent from the product stream allows such gaseous mixtures to be readily processed for use as lift gas. The only processing requirements are the removal of particulate material and the compression of the gas to pressure conditions at the bottom of the riser. Compression of the gas requires a reduction in its temperature to suitable compressor inlet conditions. This invention is readily practiced in the most recent FCC reactor designs that separate the majority of product vapors from the catalyst in a closed riser cyclone arrangement.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking process wherein a hydrocarbon charge-stock is atomized and injected, in a contactor/reactor, into a vertical curtain of hot regenerated catalyst to vaporize and crack hydrocarbons in the charge-stock, wherein the catalyst preferably contains at least 40% by weight of a zeolitic cracking component and the contact time of the hydrocarbon vapors and the catalyst in the contactor/reactor is ultra-short, preferably not greater than 0.5 second.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the stripping of hydrocarbons from catalyst particles in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. A stripper vessel is located directly adjacent the exhaust barrel of a separator and immediately begins stripping hydrocarbon from catalyst particles. The stripper is sealed at the catalyst exit by a catalyst seal pot, with the drain sized so as to permit only a portion of catalyst flow to pass therethrough, with the remainder catalyst overflowing the seal pot. The location of the stripper adjacent the separator exhaust and the provision of a catalyst seal pot, in other embodiments, can be combined either separately or together with a short contact time (SCT) stripper and/or a catalyst particle deflector in order to reduce the "residence" time of hydrocarbons with catalyst particles.

Abstract: The present invention describes improved FCC and TCC stripper operations by incorporating a stripper operated at a reduced pressure. The improved strippers of the invention will increase total liquid hydrocarbon yield while reducing the coke load on the regenerator. Novel porous TCC bead catalysts are disclosed wherein at least 1/3 of the pore volume of catalyst pores having a pore diameter of at least 3000 Angstroms. These macropores facilitate flash vaporization of hydrocarbons in a stripping zone of the spent catalyst upstream of a regeneration zone.

Abstract: A method for separating particulate solids from a gaseous stream laden with the solids includes discharging the gaseous stream with a swirling movement downwardly into a containment vessel, and impinging the stream on a bed of the separated solids maintained at the lower end of the vessel to reverse the direction of gas flow upwardly through a return zone which encircles the core zone. The gaseous stream is withdrawn from the return zone at the upper end of the vessel and, optionally, may be passed from the return zone to a second stage separation zone, such as one or more cyclone separators, for removal of residual particulate solids from the gaseous stream. Apparatus of the invention includes a flow-constricting nozzle mounted on a containment vessel and having flow guide vanes and/or gas injection nozzles associated therewith to impart a swirling motion to the gaseous stream which is discharged from the nozzle downwardly into the containment vessel.

Abstract: In an ebullated bed process, a residual hydrocarbon oil and a hydrogen containing gas is passed upwardly through an ebullated bed of catalyst in a hydrocracking zone at a temperature in the range of 650.degree. F. to 950.degree. F. and pressure of 1000 psia to 5000 psia. FCCU catalyst fines are added to the ebullated bed in an amount of 15 wt % to 21 wt % of total catalyst comprising hydrocracking catalyst and fines. A hydrocracked oil is recovered characterized by having a reduced sediment content.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for solids-fluid (e.g. cracking catalyst/hydrocarbon vapor) separation is disclosed having a plurality of substantially vertical tubular elements disposed within a housing. Inlet means are arranged in the bottom section of the housing and communicate with the space between the tubular elements and the housing. A plurality of tubular fluid outlet means are provided, the lower sections of which are arranged substantially coaxially within the upper sections of said tubular elements and define annular spaces therebetween in which swirl imparting means are arranged. The upper sections of the tubular fluid outlet means cooperate with opening(s) in the upper section of the housing, and the lower sections of the tubular elements communicating with solids outlet means. The invention further relates to a process for separating fluid cracking catalyst particles from gaseous hydrocarbon conversion products and/or flue gases using said apparatus.

Abstract: A process for separating finely divided petroleum cracking catlyst from a mixture of the finely divided catalyst particles with a high boiling refractory hydrocarbon oil by intimately contracting said mixture with a concentrated aqueous solution of a basic alkali metal compound at a temperature above 170.degree. F., the quantity of aqueous solution employed being substantially greater than the quantity of said mixture with which it is contracted.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons in a fluidized bed wherein the catalyst particles are injected in a fully fluidized suspension into an elongate reaction zone. In accordance with the process, the feedstock to be cracked is injected in a state of small droplets less than 200 microns in diameter countercurrently to the flow of the fully fluidized suspension of catalyst particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and vapors from a suspension of the two materials is disclosed. The solids are directed through a conoid element to enhance directional flow and to prevent return of solids to the separation apparatus.

Abstract: A multistage process for reducing NO.sub.x in flue gas from fluid catalytic cracking catalyst regeneration. Flue gas is preferably removed after each stage. NO.sub.x formed in each regeneration stage is converted to N.sub.2 prior to discharge from a stage by operating at least the downstream ends of each regeneration stage at oxygen-lean conditions. Staged regeneration can be achieved by passing spent catalyst through a transport reactor in plug type flow and sequentially contacting the catalyst with a plurality of oxygen-containing streams.

Abstract: A continuous fluidized process for upgrading a heavy liquid hydrocarbon charge-stock containing solid or solid-forming contaminants, e.g., inorganic solids, metals and asphaltenes. The charge is atomized to provide a stream of liquid particles introduced horizontally into a horizontal contacting zone to contact a vertical curtain of fluidized hot solid particles so as to vaporize hydrocarbons in the charge without substantial cracking, the solid particles being solely derived from the contaminants in the charge. The mixture of hydrocarbon vapors and solid particles are rapidly separated, carbon is burned from the separated particles, and the resulting hot solid particles are recycled to the contacting zone. The hydrocarbon vapors are condensed and there is recovered a liquid product having a substantially reduced content of contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fine particulates from gases, such as fly ash, from syngas, at high temperatures and pressure using a two-stage cyclonic separator-stripper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in either a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be withdrawn from the temporary retaining area, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The withdrawing of catalyst "fines" reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenerator and in the main column bottom (MCB) products from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.

Abstract: An improved hydrocarbon conversion process is disclosed of the type employing circulating solids between a reactor (contactor) and regenerator (combustor). The entire process is in the dilute phase and is characterized by all the catalyst passing through the cyclones and never returning to a dense bed in either the reactor or regenerator.

Abstract: The invention relates to carrying out thermal cracking of hydrocarbons, or other thermal conversions of organic substances in a reactor, for which a suitable reaction time is extremely short, e.g. of the order of milliseconds. Particulate solids are used as heat carrier and as feed an organic substance is used in the form of a gas which may contain some liquid; the hot particulate solids are introduced at low or no velocity into contact with the gas, which is at substantially higher velocity; the solids accelerate in passing through the reactor but the reaction is terminated substantially before the solids attain the velocity of the product gas. Contact times are short so that the solids do not accelerate to erosive speeds. The velocity differential enhances the heat transfer rate which makes short reaction times feasible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be intermittently withdrawn from the temporary retaining area in order to achieve particle flow at a low volume rate, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The intermittent withdrawing of catalyst "fines"]reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenreator and in the main column bottom (MCB) produces from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include intermittent withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) of a hydrocarbon feed. The process and apparatus includes a riser which upwardly discharges into a deflector baffle located within a stripping vessel. The stripping vessel is located within a disengaging vessel. The deflector baffle is spaced from the riser and the stripping vessel. Preferably, the deflector baffle is shaped similarly to a large bubble cap. Catalyst passes downwardly from the baffle into a stripping zone within a lower portion of the stripping vessel. Hydrocarbons stripped from the catalyst pass upwardly aaway from the stripping zone, then pass to a cyclone located outside the stripping vessel and then discharge from the disengaging vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and vapors from a suspension of the two materials is disclosed. The solids are directed through a conoid element to enhance directional flow and to prevent return of solids to the separation apparatus.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of apparatus employed is described for regenerating solid particles comprising carbonaceous deposits. At least three sequential stages of separation of flue gases from entrained solids are provided in association with an upflow catalyst regeneration operation.

Abstract: Vacuum gas oil is catalytically cracked in the presence of a fluid zeolite catalyst in a riser reactor and then quenched before discharging into the disengaging section of a stripper vessel. The quench fluid is injected into the last 10 vol % of the riser reactor to prevent over cracking. In this manner, the amount of cracking which takes place in the disengaging vessel is reduced. The quench injection nozzles should be located at a point near the riser outlet but far enough from the outlet that the mixture in the riser and the quench fluid have come to temperature equilibrium by the time the mixture reaches the riser outlet. The quench fluid should be essentially inert to cracking, e.g. water or selected hydrocarbon fractions such as an intermediate cycle gas oil or heavy recycle naphtha.

Abstract: This process discloses a reduction in the content of ammonia in a regeneration zone off gas of a fluid catalytic cracking unit by the select recycle of certain sized ammonia decomposition catalyst particles. The ammonia decomposition may be aided by injection of NO.sub.x into the off gas. The particles are acquired from a separation means through which is passed the regeneration zone off gas. A solid-free regeneration zone off gas and a stream of solid particles, including a noble metal dispersed on an inorganic support, having a size of from 10 to 40 microns, are acquired. The latter segregated particles are then injected into the regeneration zone at a predetermined make-up rate to insure a very short residence time in the dense phase of the regeneration zone and to provide a relatively constant concentration of the NH.sub.3 decomposition catalyst in the dilute phase of the regeneration zone to convert NH.sub.3 to N.sub.2 and water vapor.

Abstract: Solids e.g. catalysts are separated from suspensions in gases e.g. products from catalytic cracking of crude oil fractions a discharging of suspensions against a surface positioned above the outlet of a riser conduit through which the suspensions are flowing and collecting the displaced gases for passage to cyclones.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for improving the flow of catalyst particles from a riser conversion zone to a separator in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, the exit of the riser conversion zone is equipped with a deflector mounted so as to redirect catalyst particle and gas suspension movement toward a separator inlet, thus preventing rebound back into the riser conversion zone. The catalyst deflector can be combined with one or more of a short contact time stripper, a stripper mount in or adjacent the exhaust barrel of a separator, and/or a catalyst seal pot, all serving to reduce "residence" time of hydrocarbons with catalyst particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) in which the output of a riser conversion zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separator, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone. Means are also provided to blend stripping gas with the cracked hydrocarbons as they travel from the riser conversion zone to said primary cyclone separator. The stripping gas blends with the cracked hydrocarbons to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Steam may also be directly injected into the riser cyclone separator to aid in separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst.

Abstract: The invention here disclosed is a novel apparatus and method for the separation of solid and fluid phases in a horizontal elongated cyclone separator with a novel inclined solid dropout continuous and uninterrupted slot in the bottom to transfer a solid phase via primary mass separation from either an upflow or a downflow reactor in the initial portion of the cyclone separator to a downcomer which may be equipped with a stripping function. The instant horizontal elongated cyclone separator is constructed to ensure an elongated helical flow path of the vapor phase with a minor portion of the catalyst particles therein from one end of the cyclone separator to a withdrawal conduit to disengage via secondary centrifical separation a minor portion of the solid phase from the fluid phase. The minor portion of the solid phase is thereafter transmitted to the stripping function by a vertical downcomer interconnecting the stripping function and the bottom of the horizontal elongated cyclone separator.

Abstract: A specific baffle arrangement within a catalytic reactor improves separation of gaseous hydrocarbon reaction products from catalyst within the reactor vessel of a fluidized catalytic cracker unit. The catalytic reactor vessel includes an outer generally cylindrical shell having a stripping zone arranged at the lower end of the vessel. An inlet riser conduit forming a primary reaction zone extends generally within the shell from the lower end of the vessel to a location near the top of the vessel. A shroud surrounds the upper end of the riser conduit and forms an annular outlet for downwardly discharging a mixtrue of hydrocarbon and catalyst. An annular catalyst disengaging riser baffle for deflecting the mixture from the outlet toward the wall of the vessel is arranged on the outside of the riser conduit below the annular outlet and above the stripping zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a cyclone by the addition of a rough-cut device to a gas outlet tube of the cyclone. The rough-cut device includes a tangentially located dust collector that gradually reduces in size and is connected to a dipleg that can be buried in a dense bed or provided with a trickle valve. Gases containing entrained solid particles exit the gas outlet tube of the cyclone in an upward flowing spiral with the solid particles held against the wall of the tube by the centrifugal force of the spiraling gas. When the solid particles reach the tangential exit port, the centrifugal force causes the particles to follow the direction of the wall leaving the gas stream and falling toward the dipleg due to the loss of the upward driving force of the gases. The gases continue in an upward direction and exit the top of the rough-cut device with fewer entrained solid particles.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process and apparatus containing a reactor riser zone and radially extending sidearms as the first catalyst-hydrocarbon product separation means. Hydrocarbon products separated in the sidearms are conducted through an enclosed passageway to a secondary separation means, such as a cyclone. The catalyst is also conducted through the enclosed passageway to a stripping apparatus, wherein entrained hydrocarbons are removed therefrom. The enclosed passageway contains a means for accommodating sudden surges of catalyst flow and increased pressure, e.g., a trickle valve.

Abstract: An improved ballistic separation device results from surrounding the downstream end of a progressive flow reactor or riser reactor with a concentric conduit that is in fluid communication with a cyclone separator and optionally in fluid communication with dipleg take-offs. The device may also include a bevelled lip or projection at the axial opening of the progressive flow reactor.

Abstract: This invention discloses an integral hydrocarbon conversion apparatus and process having a downflow hydrocarbon reactor, an upflow riser regenerator and a horizontal cyclone separator to permit the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials to hydrocarbonaceous products of lower molecular weight in a near zero pressure drop environment. A leg seal is provided surmounted to the downflow reactor to insure that the pressure is at least 0.5 psi higher than the upper portion of the downflow reactor (higher than the loop seal valve) vis-a-vis the pressure in the lower portion of the downflow reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) of a hydrocarbon feed in an open or closed system, which includes a multistage stripper system, which comprises a means for spinning a gasiform mixture of catalyst and cracked hydrocarbons exiting from a riser, a first means for stripping the spun gasiform mixture, and a means for deflecting the gasiform mixture to separate catalyst from the cracked hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particulates from vapors comprising: a disengaging chamber, a progressive flow reactor, a means for effecting flow of a gas-solid stream, and a take-off conduit which further includes providing a hole through the progressive flow reactor to permit upstream of the take-off conduit a pathway for vapors from within the disengaging chamber to pass into the progressive flow reactor. Specific limitations as to the size of the opening through the progressive flow reactor in relationship to the effective diameter of the progressive flow reactor, and the opening of the take-off conduit are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for restoring the catalytic activity of solid particles using an improved apparatus for separating solid particles from vapor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a novel inlet system, a novel particle outlet system and a chamber having novel dimensional relationships which result in an apparatus that separates solid particles from vapor with less attrition, or "break-up" of particulate matter, while maintaining a high separation efficiency at high loading conditions, e.g., the apparatus maintains a tangential wall velocity of less than about 50 feet per second and separates, from a mixture of solid particles and vapor, more than about 95% of the solid particles that are larger than about 20 microns in diameter while processing more than about 200 cubic feet of the mixture per second.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of apparatus is provided for catalytically cracking liquid hydrocarbons to form gaseous and liquid fuel products and effect regeneration of the used catalyst particles whereby means are provided which improve separation of formed suspensions in a substantially reduced time frame and combustion of substantial hydrocarbonaceous deposits is accomplished under restricted temperature conditions contributing to catalyst life in a two stage catalyst regeneration operation of restricted elevation. The apparatus combination of the present invention is preferably of low vertical profile by restricting the vertical length of the riser contact zone in one embodiment by providing a substantial horizontal section thereof in a downstream portion of the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) wherein the output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow stripping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the flow of catalyst particles from a riser conversion zone to a separator in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. The exit of the riser conversion zone is equipped with a deflector mounted so as to redirect catalyst particle and gas suspension movement toward a separator inlet, thus preventing rebound back into the riser conversion zone. The catalyst deflector, in other embodiments, can be combined with one or more of a short contact time stripper, a stripper mount in or adjacent the exhaust barrel of a separator, and/or a catalyst seal pot, all serving to reduce "residence" time of hydrocarbons with catalyst particles.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) apparatus and process comprising a reactor riser zone, a primary and a secondary cyclones, connected in series to the riser zone, and a stripping zone. The riser zone, the primary and the secondary cyclones, and the stripping zone, are placed within a single reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is connected to the reactor riser zone by an enclosed conduit which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the reactor riser zone. The conduit contains a trickle valve, or other means, to accommodate sudden increased surges of flow of the hydrocarbons and catalyst mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a riser conversion zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separator, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone. Means are also provided to blend stripping gas with the cracked hydrocarbons as they travel from the riser conversion zone to said primary cyclone separator. The stripping gas blends with the cracked hydrocarbons to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Steam may also be directly injected into the riser cyclone separator to aid in separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the separation of a catalyst phase from a gas suspension phase in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. In a vertical separation embodiment, a cyclone separator inlet is located in the upper portion of a riser conversion zone and draws off gaseous hydrocarbon materials, while catalyst particles continue vertically to the end of the riser conversion zone, and pass through a catalyst conduit to a catalyst storage area. In a horizontal separation embodiment, the catalyst/hydrocarbon mixture is transported horizontally from the end of the riser conversion zone past a cyclone separator inlet towards a catalyst conduit. The cyclone inlet draws off gaseous hydrocarbon materials, while the catalyst particles pass through the catalyst conduit to a catalyst storage area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the stripping of hydrocarbons from catalyst particles in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. A stripper vessel has catalyst particles entering at one end and stripped catalyst particles exiting at another end. While passing through the stripper, the catalyst particles are exposed to a stripping gas, in a preferred embodiment steam, at each stage. A baffle and conduit system is provided, such that after exposure to only a portion of catalyst contained above the steam injection location in the stripper, the stripping gas and any stripped hydrocarbons are removed from any further substantial catalyst contact. The short contact time (SCT) stripper, in other embodiments, can be combined with one or more of a riser conversion zone deflector, a stripper mount in or adjacent the exhaust barrel of a separator, and/or a catalyst seal pot, all serving to reduce "residence" time of hydrocarbons with catalyst particles.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed in which a bed of particulate combustible material is disposed on a perforated plate and air is introduced through the plate and into the bed to fluidize and promote the combustion of the material. Additional particulate material, of a size less than that of said combustible particulate material, is introduced to the bed so that it is entrained in the air to maintain the combustible material in the bed.

Abstract: A vapor recovery shroud of relatively small size is positioned in a large diameter catalyst disengaging vessel of a fluid catalytic cracking system so that vapor released directly from the riser reactor pipe must execute a reversal of flow direction to enter the vapor recovery shroud. At the same time catalyst and vapors from the stripper are separated by gravity and inertia in the large diameter separation vessel so that stripper vapors may also vent through the vapor recovery shroud. Vapor is vented from the vapor recovery shroud through cyclone means confined within the disengaging vessel. Preferably, the inlet to the vapor recovery shroud is located adjacent to the riser reactor outlet because this location is the most rarefied in catalyst density and provides the shortest path for hydrocarbon vapors to exit the hot separation vessel and enter a distillation system.

Abstract: A process for converting residual oil comprising vacuum bottoms in the presence of a cracking catalyst of high surface area and comprising an ultrastable zeolite is described. More particularly, a conversion process particularly contributing to producing cycle oil and gasoline boiling range products with reduced carbon deposition in combination with a relatively high regeneration temperature operation of at least 1350.degree. F. and above, and a short contact time riser hydrocarbon conversion operation contributing to reducing slurry oil product in favor of lower boiling products is described. A fluid cracking catalyst comprising a special ultrastable crystalline zeolite of high silica to alumina ratio provides hydrothermal stability of acceptable tolerance in the environment employed.