Abstract: A method for extending the operating life of a fixed bed reactor for reacting a feedstock in which a feedstock is contacted with a fixed bed of catalytic material contained in the reactor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-tier bypass apparatus for extending the operating life of fixed bed reactors. The multi-tier bypass may be disposed within a fixed catalyst bed to allow any fluid feedstock to bypass successive layers of the fixed catalyst bed as they foul. The invention also relates to an improved fixed bed reactor comprising the inventive multi-tier bypass and a method for extending the operating life of a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bypass device for extending the operating life of fixed bed reactors. The device may be placed within a fixed catalyst bed to partition the bed into a first top bed and a second virtual bed. The bypass device allows any fluid feedstock to bypass the first top bed of the fixed catalyst bed as it fouls and enter the second virtual bed under conditions that promote depositing any foulants contained in the bypass flow on the top surface of the second virtual bed rather than in the interstices of the second virtual bed. The invention also relates to an improved fixed bed reactor comprising the inventive bypass device and a method for extending the operating life of a fixed bed reactor that employs the inventive bypass device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bypass device for extending the operating life of fixed bed reactors. The device may be placed within a fixed catalyst bed to partition the bed into a first top bed and a second virtual bed. The bypass device allows any fluid feedstock to bypass the first top bed of the fixed catalyst bed as it fouls and enter the second virtual bed under conditions that promote depositing any foulants contained in the bypass flow on the top surface of the second virtual bed rather than in the interstices of the second virtual bed. The invention also relates to an improved fixed bed reactor comprising the inventive bypass device and a method for extending the operating life of a fixed bed reactor that employs the inventive bypass device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-tier bypass apparatus for extending the operating life of fixed bed reactors. The multi-tier bypass may be disposed within a fixed catalyst bed to allow any fluid feedstock to bypass successive layers of the fixed catalyst bed as they foul. The invention also relates to an improved fixed bed reactor comprising the inventive multi-tier bypass and a method for extending the operating life of a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reactor for reacting a feedstock, said reactor comprising, a fixed catalyst bed for reaction of said feedstock said reactor containing a bypass apparatus disposed within said fixed catalyst bed, said bypass apparatus being aligned with the direction of flow of said feedstock, and wherein said bypass apparatus comprise a cage member comprising a first elongated hollow member having a top wall, sidewalls and a bottom wall, said cage member having openings therein, and a second hollow elongated member for passing said feedstock therethrough, said second hollow elongated member being disposed within and protruding through said top wall of said cage member and wherein said second elongated member extends above said catalyst bed through said cage member.