Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.

Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. The liquid and gas components of the hydrocarbon feed flow into the catalyst bed from concentric annular rings that are coaxial with the catalyst bed. At the desired hydrocarbon flow rate, such catalyst bed continually flows in a plug-like manner downwardly through the reactor vessel. Catalyst is removed on a periodic or semicontinuous basis by laminarly flowing catalyst particles in a liquid stream out of the bottom of the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A light-weight and easily manufacturable catalyst support structure is provided, which allows fluid flow into a catalyst bed in uniform distribution. The support structure, used for supporting a moving catalyst bed within a moving bed reactor having an upward flowing fluid phase, is formed in a cone-like shape in which the diameter enlarges upward. The supporting structure comprises a shell-like support member, a first mesh layer comprising thick mesh elements, and a second mesh layer having a mesh size which does not allow catalyst particles to pass through. The first mesh layer overlays the support member, and the second mesh layer overlays the first mesh layer. The shell-like support member includes a circular bottom plate extending perpendicular to the center line of the reactor, and a side wall having a truncated cone shape which extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side wall are primarily made of perforated plates through which the fluid passes.