Abstract: A method for replacing particles in a process that transfers particles is disclosed. This invention employs a seal zone which is in communication with two zones of the process and in which particles that are being added to the process are purged. This invention allows particles to be replaced without reducing the normal rate of particle transfer through the process, which results in a savings in downtime costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A regeneration process is described that eliminates or greatly reduces thermal channelling in a cooling zone bed. The method controls the flow rate of cooling gas independently of the requirements of the regeneration process for combusting coke and for halogenating or drying the catalyst. In one embodiment, a portion of a cooling stream is bypassed around a cooling zone and then passed to a drying zone. In another embodiment, one portion of a cooling stream from a cooling zone is vented, and another portion of the stream is passed to a drying zone.

Abstract: A system for transporting particulate material uses a combination of non-mechanical valves and pneumatic and gravity transport to reduce breakage of particulate material. This system is particularly useful for the conveyance of catalyst particles where a lift conduit raises the particles from a low elevation to a relatively higher elevation. A particular advantage of the arrangement is the elimination of pneumatic conveyance through elbows to reduce pressure drop and eliminate churning of catalyst particles. The elbows are replaced with an impactless flow diverter that uses gravity assisted conveyance to eliminate or minimize the attrition resulting from pneumatic conveyance.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing particles in a process that transfers particles is disclosed. The apparatus employs a seal zone which is in communication with two zones of the process and in which particles that are being added to the process are purged. The apparatus allows particles to be replaced without reducing the normal rate of particle transfer through the process, which results in a savings in downtime costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A system for transporting particulate material uses a combination of nonmechanical valves and pneumatic and gravity transport to reduce breakage of particulate material. This system is particularly useful for the conveyance of catalyst particles where a lift conduit raises the particles from a low elevation to a relatively higher elevation. A particular advantage of the arrangement is the elimination of pneumatic conveyance through elbows to reduce pressure drop and eliminate churning of catalyst particles. The elbows are replaced with an impactless flow diverter that uses gravity assisted conveyance to eliminate or minimize the attrition resulting from pneumatic conveyance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing particles in a process that transfers particles is disclosed. This invention employs a seal zone which is in communication with two zones of the process and in which particles that are being added to the process are purged. This invention allows particles to be replaced without reducing the normal rate of particle transfer through the process, which results in a savings in downtime costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A controlled method of changing the transport rate of particles between two zones is disclosed. Changes are made in a computed value of the pressure difference of the conduit between the two zones through which the particles are transported. The changes are of a predetermined magnitude and are performed at predetermined time intervals, until the desired final value of the pressure difference is reached. The method minimizes fluctuations in the pressures of the two zones without over-sized vessels or additional equipment that would otherwise be needed to accommodate pressure changes. This results in a savings in construction costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A regeneration process and apparatus eliminates the need for an external chlorination recycle loop. The method and apparatus uses two-pass internal mixing of a chlorine compound input stream and drying gas to both mix and heat the chlorination gas before entering the chlorination zone. The only heat required for the process is a small amount for vaporizing the chlorine containing input stream to prevent the formation of chloride droplets. All other heat for the chlorination zone is supplied internally in the regeneration vessel.

Abstract: A separation process for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles using multiple stacks of parallel angled interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel angled interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel.

Abstract: A regeneration process and apparatus eliminates the need for an external chlorination recycle loop. The method and apparatus uses two-pass internal mixing of a chlorine compound input stream and drying gas to both mix and heat the chlorination gas before entering the chlorination zone. The only heat required for the process is a small amount for vaporizing the chlorine containing input stream to prevent the formation of chloride droplets. All other heat for the chlorination zone is supplied internally in the regeneration vessel.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for improved separation of liquids containing finely divided suspended particles having multiple stacks of parallel interceptor plates which divide the separation vessel to provide an annular space between the parallel interceptor plates and the vertical wall of the separation vessel to thereby form an inlet manifold for the plates which manifold provides a uniform, uninterrupted flow to each stack of plates. The arrangement of plates also forms an outlet manifold which provides a uniform flow from each stack of plates and directs the liquid stream having a reduced level of finely divided suspended particles downward in the separation vessel to an exit in the lower end of the vessel. The feed liquid is introduced into the lower end of the separation vessel with an inlet distributor which initially directs at least a majority of the feed liquid in a generally downward direction to effect a primary separation prior to being introduced into the stacks of parallel interceptor plates.