Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process riser reactor effluent is rapidly separated into spent catalyst and hydrocarbon product. The separated hydrocarbon product is immediately quenched to an unreactive temperature in the absence of quenching spent catalyst. An increase in debutanized naphtha yield is achieved. By avoiding catalyst quenching, heat duty is saved in the catalyst regenerator.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling catalyst inventory in the reactor of an ebullated bed process has been discovered. Pressure differentials are measured to calculate a catalyst inventory characterization factor. This factor is calculated by means of a new algorithm. Aged catalyst is withdrawn and fresh catalyst added in an amount to reestablish the value of the factor. The catalyst to oil ratio is maintained despite changes in bed ebullation, gas and liquid holdups, oil residence time and conversion.

Abstract: A laboratory instrument provides a small model reactor which better simulates a back mixed reactor containing a catalyst. The reactor is especially valuable for simulating commercial scale hydrotreating of petroleum resid, coal, and other non-distillable hydrocarbons to obtain some distillable products. An important feature is a magnetically driven pump completely enclosed within the reactor shell of the simulator. All embodiments provide a high temperature and pressure, low liquid to catalyst volume, model reactor where an entire process is carried out within the simulator shell under substantially the conditions prevailing in the full scale reactor.

Abstract: Method for effecting contact of a gas with light particles of solid matter, where the particles are retained within particle retention screens to form a bed of particles and the particles move downward in plug flow by means of gravity. When the particles are light, that is, of relatively small size and low density, the velocity of the gas may be sufficiently high that downward movement of particles is hindered by the horizontal forces exerted on the particles by the flowing gas. This invention provides that gas flows through the bed of particles in a downwardly sloping direction instead of in a horizontal direction, so that the force exerted on a particle has a horizontal component and a downward vertical component. The vertical component of the force resulting from gas flow, along with the gravity force on a particle, is sufficient to overcome the frictional resistance to downward movement of a particle which results from the horizontal component of the flowing gas force.

Abstract: A hydrotreating process is provided with at least one deflector to minimize catalyst agglomeration and buildup. Preferably, the deflectors comprise an inner annular baffle and an outer annular baffle.

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 device for delivering solid particulates is disclosed. The particulate delivery system can be used to deliver a small quantity of solids to a laboratory and/or pilot plant scale fluid-catalytic cracking (FCC) device which may be operated on a semi-continuous or continuous program.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling catalyst inventory in the reactor of an ebullated bed process has been discovered. Pressure differentials are measured to calculate a catalyst inventory characterization factor. Aged catalyst is withdrawn and fresh catalyst added in an amount to reestablish the value of the factor.The catalyst to oil ratio is maintained despite changes in bed ebullation, gas and liquid holdups and oil residence time changes.

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: A continuous process for hydrocarbon conversion wherein a hydrocarbon charge stock is catlytically converted in the presence of hydrogen at hydrocarbon conversion conditions including a first inlet temperature, a first hydrogen to hydrocarbon mole ratio and a first mass flow rate of hydrocarbon into a hydrocarbon product stream in a high space velocity moving bed radial flow reactor containing catalyst wherein at least a portion of the catalyst is pinned and thereby immobilized during high space velocity conversion which process comprises: (a) reducing the first inlet temperature of the reactor by about 10.degree. F. (5.5.degree. C.) to about 100.degree. F. (55.5.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for withdrawing solids from a vessel utilizing an inserted nozzle comprising an outer tube and one or more inner tube(s) retracted inside the outer tube, which process comprises introducing an entrainment liquid into the vessel upstream from a pick-area where the solids are withdrawn, introducing dilution transport liquid into the area for solids to be removed through the outer tube in such a way that it does not substantially infludence the flow of the solids and the entrainment liquid introduced upstream from the pick-up area, and withdrawing transport liquid and solids through the retracted inner tube(s).

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for immediately and intimately mixing a fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. The process involves passing the hydrocarbon through a stationary fluid feedstock feed means in fixed relationship with the upstream end of the riser. The feedstock is atomized by a nozzle attached to the downstream end of the feed means. A hollow plug valve positioned concentrically around the feed means is capable of moving in a reciprocating fashion to permit the flow of catalyst to the riser.

Abstract: In an ebullated bed process it has been found that a hydroclone effectively removes gas from recycled liquid used to ebullate the catalyst bed. When a 5 psi or greater inlet head and 5 psi pressure drop from the hydrocyclone inlet to the liquid outlet is maintained, essentially all gas is removed form the recycled liquid. Stabilized recycle pump operation is experienced and steady state achieved thereby.

Abstract: A vapor collector and process utilizes a skirted pan to collect vapor in an ebullated bed reactor and substantially minimize gas entrainment so as to enhance the efficiency and yield of resid hydrotreating.

Abstract: An inlet distributor system for a fixed bed catalyst reactor which includes an inlet deflector cone positioned to deflect liquid in cooperation with a splash plate onto a liquid distributor trough positioned therebelow. An upper tray is positioned beneath the distributor trough to receive liquid therefrom. The upper distributor tray has a series of risers in spaced position thereon and extending above and below the upper distributor tray. The risers are hollow and open above and below the upper distributor tray to permit vapor to pass through the tray and each riser has a plurality of weir slots cut into its outer surface through which liquid can pass through the tray. A lower distributor tray is positioned beneath the upper distributor tray to receive liquid passing through the weir slots of the risers. The lower distributor tray has a series of risers and downpipes thereon arranged in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A countercurrent technique is disclosed for contacting liquid and gas reactants in a fixed porous catalyst bed. The reactants are maintained as a multiphase mixture in the catalyst bed. Upwardly flowing dispersed gas is disengaged from liquid feedstock above the catalyst bed, while controlling froth level.

Abstract: A special feed distributor is provided to radially, annularly, and uniformly feed and distribute oil and gas in a hydroprocessing unit, such as an ebullated bed reactor. In the preferred form, the feed distributor comprises an octagonal manifold with tangential outlet openings, a circumferential set of downward outlets, and a slotted skirt with radial discharge openings.

Abstract: An effective, efficient and safe method is provided to accurately determine the amount of catalyst in an ebullated bed reactor without depressurizing the reactor or exposing the hydrocarbon in the reactors to oxidizing, flammable, or explosive conditions. Measurements are made automatically by density detectors and pressure sensors along with other equipment.

Abstract: Dewaxing a waxy feedstock is achieved by submerging the dewaxing catalyst bed in the waxy feedstock and removing gaseous products out of contact with the catalyst by agitating the bed to prevent further cracking or polymerization. Catalyst aging during dewaxing is significantly reduced by operating the dewaxing reactor within a narrow low temperature range.

Abstract: Uniform flow distributor for trickle bed flow through a bed of solid catalyst particles. The reactants include constituents of a liquid and vapor mixture. A corrugated distributor acts to form pools of the liquid at normal minimum rate of flow and the vapor flows past the liquid pools to form a uniform mixture in the bed of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A crossflow reactor and operating technique provides a porous body of contact solids, such as a fixed catalyst bed, contained in a sloping configuration. Liquid, such as hydrocarbon oil, to be treated is applied to the bed surface and flows by gravity through the porous solid. Reactant gas flows transverse to the liquid, providing a horizontal component to the liquid to improve contact efficiency.

Abstract: In an expanded bed reactor, the expansion of the bed is automatically controlled by automatically changing the rate of speed of a recycle pump for the reactor. The bed is preferably provided with both high and low level bed detectors, and a further detector for determining abnormally high levels.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus which is used in a vertical flow fluid-solid contacting column having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet at opposite ends, two or more distinct beds of particulate material, and single or dual phase fluid flow. The mixing apparatus comprises a vertical flow barrier, positioned intermediate two adjacent beds of particulate material, having a substantially imperforate outer area and at least one central opening for passing fluid between beds and a fluid impingement compartment located at the center of the barrier.

Abstract: A process for dewaxing lube basestocks over low acidity dewaxing catalysts can be undertaken at steady state temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the feedstock is subjected to catalytic dewaxing with concommident removal of gaseous product. When high boiling feed with end points above 1000.degree. F., such as heavy neutrals and bright stocks, and waxy feeds containing more than 20 wt % wax are subject of the process, it is preferred to use continuously stirred tank reactors.

Abstract: Dewaxing a waxy feedstock is achieved by dispersing dewaxing catalyst particles within the liquid waxy feedstock and removing gaseous products out of contact with the catalyst by purging a gas stream through the liquid feedstock.

Abstract: A packed bed reactor for hydrocarbon processing and method of use is provided. The reactor comprises:(a) a first packed bed of particles in fluid communication with a feed inlet to said reactor, said first packed bed extending more than 3 to 18 inches in the direction of flow and comprising predominantly particles at least about 3/8 inch in diameter;(b) a second packed bed of particles in fluid communication with said first packed bed and downstream of said first packed bed, said second packed bed extending at least 12 to 48 inches in the direction of flow and comprising predominantly particles having diameters within the range of 3/16 to 5/16 inch and smaller than the average diameter of particles in said first bed; and(c) a third packed bed of particles in fluid communication with said second packed bed and downstream of said second packed bed, said third packed bed comprising predominantly particles having diameters below 1/8 inch.

Abstract: A fixed bed catalytic reactor having a porous bed of catalyst particles contained in a closed reactor shell, comprisinginlet means for introducing a downwardly flowing mixed stream of gas and liquid reactants;phase separator means for receiving said mixed stream and directing liquid onto the porous catalyst bed, said separator means being disposed within the reactor shell between said inlet means and said porous catalytic bed;said separator means comprising an upper foraminous wall having a series of gas outlets permitting a substantially-gaseous phase to escape outwardly from the separator means into an upper reactor portion, and lower liquid distribution means for receiving a stream of substantially liquid phase and dividing said liquid phase into a plurality of spaced-apart liquid streams directed toward the porous catalyst bed; andmeans for recovering gaseous and liquid reaction products from the reactor shell.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are processed in a co-current flow packed catalyst bed reactor containing one or more redistribution means, e.g., redistribution screens, in the packed catalyst bed. If more than one redistribution means are used, they are spaced within the bed of catalyst over a predetermined distance. Optionally, the surface area of the redistribution means is less than the cross-sectional surface area of the reactor bed to allow for packing of a relatively smaller size solid particles, as compared to the rest of the catalyst in the bed, in the area between the edge of the redistribution means and the inner wall of the reactor means. The use of the redistribution means prevents channeling of the reactants near the reactor wall region, and assures uniform distribution of the reactants throughout the packed catalyst bed. The invention is applicable to relatively low velocity systems operating at liquid linear velocity of 0.3 cm/sec. or less.

Abstract: In a radial flow catalytic reactor, a centerpipe is gravity supported in a central socket member and restrained as to vertical upward movement within a predetermined maximum distance to prevent unseating of the centerpipe due to thermal cycling of the catalyst and/or the reactor internal members.Such vertical movement of the centerpipe is restrained by means, such as one or more rods, interposed between the top of the centerpipe and an upper portion of the vessel. Similarly, restraining rods may be used to confine vertical movement of the screen segments enclosing the catalyst bed.Additionally, the centerpipe may include a perforated pipe enclosed within a cylindrical screen member forming a major portion of the centerpipe. The pipe is independently seated in the central socket member so it may expand and contract independently of catalyst action on the centerpipe screen section.

Abstract: In a radial flow catalytic reactor, a centerpipe is gravity supported in a central socket member and accommodated as to vertical upward movement within a predetermined maximum distance to prevent unseating of the centerpipe due to thermal cycling of the catalyst and/or the reactor internal members.Such vertical movement of the centerpipe is accommodated by extending the length of the socket member so that it exceeds the expected lift distance of the centerpipe due to such cycling.Desirably, but not necessarily, the centerpipe may include a perforated pipe member axially coextensive with and enclosed within the screen member. The pipe and screen members are independently supported in the socket member by gravity.

Abstract: In a radial flow catalytic reactor, a gravity supported centerpipe is restrained from vertical upward movement due to thermal cycling of the catalyst and the reactor internals and/or the reactor and/or changes in process fluid flow conditions by forming the centerpipe with a taper, either continuous or stepped to have a generally frustoconical configuration. Gravity effect of the catalyst particles forming the bed act along the tapered sides of the centerpipe. Additionally improved radial flow through the uniformly packed catalyst bed, is achieved by the tapered conical shape of the centerpipe by gradually increasing the volume of the centerpipe along the length of the catalyst bed to accommodate ever increasing fluid flow from top to bottom through the radial bed.

Abstract: In a radial flow catalytic reactor, a gravity supported centerpipe is restrained from vertical upward movement due to thermal cycling of the catalyst and the reactor internals by forming the centerpipe to have uniform vertical and radial permeability in a frustoconical configuration. Gravity effect of the catalyst particles forming the bed act along the tapered side of the centerpipe. Additionally improved permeability to radial flow through the uniformly packed catalyst bed, independently of radial resistance to flow through the reactor due to pressure gradient between top and bottom of the vessel is achieved by compensation for differences in radial distance to the centerpipe from the upper portion to the lower portion of the catalyst bed by changes in the permeability of the tapered conical surface of the centerpipe.

Abstract: In an apparatus for contacting fluid with subdivided contact material, such as a radial-flow catalytic reactor, means having a substantially horizontal surface is attached to a lower portion of a vertically movable member within the reactor, the member being selected from center pipes and particle-retaining screens. The weight of contact material on the means restrains upward movement of the member during temperature cycling, and thus prevents problems caused by the upward movement.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process useful in hydroprocessing petroleum-based feedstocks. The feed stream enters the top of a reaction zone and is divided into a number of portions, each of which flows through a different annular guard bed. The feed stream enters the guard beds through both cylindrical sides and exits through the bottom of the guard beds. The feed stream is then passed through a lower and much larger catalyst bed.

Abstract: A distributor device for effecting the uniform distribution of a mixed-phase vapor/liquid reactant stream across the upper surface of a fixed-bed of catalyst particles. Mixed-phase reactants or components are first separated into a principally vapor-phase and a principally liquid-phase. These separated phases are then re-mixed in a manner which creates a vapor/liquid froth; the latter being re-distributed to the upper surface of the bed of catalyst particles. Briefly, the distributor comprises three chordal-form, catalyst-free volumes which are defined by the interior surface of the chamber and three pairs of spaced-apart, parallel chordal baffles.

Abstract: In a mixed-phase hydrocarbon hydroprocessing catalytic reaction system, wherein a guard-bed of particulate matter is employed above one or more individual beds of catalyst particles, the adverse detrimental effects of excessive reaction zone pressure drop are overcome by sensing the differential pressure across the guard-bed. Vaporous stream components are withdrawn from the reaction chamber through a locus above the guard-bed and at a rate proportional to the differential pressure. These withdrawn vaporous components are reintroduced into a substantially particle-free void volume below the guard-bed and above the bed of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A vapor-solids contacting apparatus useful as a catalytic reactor in the processing of hydrocarbonaceous reactants. A plurality of preferably rectangular cross-section elongated catalyst compartments are formed by box-like structures having two opposing parallel perforate planar sides and sealed ends. The perforate sides of adjacent catalyst compartments form two of the sides of reactant flow chambers having the same length. Alternating ends of the reactant flow chambers are sealed to direct the reactants flowing from one end of the vessel to the other through the catalyst compartments.

Abstract: Heavy petroliferous stocks such as vacuum and atmospheric resids, tar sand oils, shale oils, liquids from conversion of coal and the like are concurrently distilled and hydroprocessed for removal of sulfur, nitrogen and metals and are hydrocracked or otherwise hydroprocessed in a packed distillation column under hydrogen pressure wherein the packing is constituted, at least to a substantial extent in both stripping and rectifying sections by catalyst suited to the desired conversions.

Abstract: A distributor device for effecting uniform distribution of a fluid stream to a fixed-bed of catalyst particles. Distribution of a vaporous phase, liquid phase, or a mixed-phase is effected in a plurality of spaced-apart parallel conduits, each of which consists of two concentric and coaxial perforated pipes. Fluid for distribution is introduced into the inner conduit, while fluid from that portion of catalyst above the device flows into the outer conduit and is distributed therefrom into the catalyst particles below.

Abstract: A mobile catalyst treatment unit and process of operating same involves a closed gas processing loop supported on a normally mobile carrier such as a flat truck bed or trailer which is connectable with the inlet and outlet of a catalytic reactor. The normal process gas is cut off from the catalytic reactor so as to isolate the catalyst and to place the gas processing loop into communication with the reactor. Thereafter, the catalytic reactor can be purged of reducing gases and then treated with an oxidizing gas to burn off carbonaceous materials from the catalyst surface, in the process known as regeneration, or the catalyst can be treated with a reducing gas in the process known as reduction, or the catalyst can be heated for startup purposes, or cooled down for purposes of unloading or other mechanical work on the reactor or treated with other treatment gases such as hydrogen sulfide for sulfiding and the like.

Abstract: Distribution of a mixed-phase, vapor/liquid reactant stream to a fixed-bed of catalyst particles is accomplished through the use of a distributor tray in the form of a horizontal plate (or deck) having a plurality of vertically-disposed venturi-shaped eductors. The distributing device is installed within a substantially catalyst-free area of the reaction chamber and serves (i) to initially distribute the reactant stream as a froth to the reaction chamber and/or, (2) to distribute the effluent from one bed of catalyst particles to the next succeeding bed of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A method and distributor device for effecting the uniform distribution of a mixed-phase vapor/liquid reactant stream across the upper surface of a fixed-bed of catalyst particles. Mixed-phase reactants or components are first separated into a principally vapor-phase and a principally liquid-phase. These separated phases are then re-mixed in a manner which creates a vapor/liquid froth; the latter being re-distributed to the upper surface of the bed of catalyst particles. Briefly, the distributor comprises three annular-form, catalyst-free volumes which are defined by the interior surface of said chamber and three cylindrical walls in concentric relationship therewith.

Abstract: A method and distributor device for effecting the uniform distribution of a mixed-phase vapor/liquid reactant stream across the upper surface of a fixed-bed of catalyst particles. Mixed-phase reactants or components are first separated into a principally vapor-phase and a principally liquid-phase. These separated phases are then re-mixed in a manner which creates a vapor/liquid froth; the latter being re-distributed to the upper surface of the bed of catalyst particles. Briefly, the distributor comprises three annular-form, catalyst-free volumes which are defined by the interior surface of said chamber and three cylindrical walls in concentric relationship therewith.

Abstract: Control of temperature increase (delta-T) through a reaction zone, in which both exothermic and endothermic reactions are effected, is achieved by sensing the inlet temperature of the charge stock, an intermediate temperature within the reaction zone and the outlet temperature of the effluent from the reaction zone. The inlet temperature sensor co-acts with a temperature recorder controller (TRC) having an adjustable set point, to produce a representative signal which is transmitted to flow-regulating means which adjusts the quantity of charge stock bypassing the feed heater. The difference between the inlet and intermediate temperatures, and that between the intermediate and outlet temperatures are determined to produce two delta-T signals which are transmitted to a double differential temperature recorder controller (DdTRC) which develops a signal representing the difference between the two delta-T signals, compared to a preset difference.

Abstract: Control of temperature increases (delta-T) through a reaction zone, in which both exothermic and endothermic reactions are effected, is achieved by sensing the inlet temperature of the charge stock, a highest temperature from a plurality of intermediate loci within the reaction zone and the outlet temperature of the effluent from the reaction zone. The inlet temperature sensor co-acts with a Temperature Recorder Controller (TRC), having an adjustable set point (control point), to produce a representative signal which is transmitted to flow-regulating means which adjusts the quantity of charge stock bypassing the feed heater. The difference between the inlet and intermediate temperatures, and that between the intermediate and outlet temperatures are determined to produce two delta-T signals which are transmitted to a Double differential Temperature Recorder Controller (DdTRC) which develops a signal representing the difference between the two delta-T signals compared to a preset difference.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for distributing a generally downwardly flowing liquid-vapor mixture through a bed of solid particles comprising:(1) a tray deck located above said bed of solid particles;(2) at least one hollow chimney member in fluid communication with said bed of solid particles attached to said tray deck and extending upwardly from said tray deck, said chimney member having at least one aperture through said chimney member along the length of said chimney member below the top opening of said chimney member to provide fluid communication between the space above said tray deck and the hollow space of said chimney member; and(3) plate means located at a distance D above the top opening of said chimney member whereby said mixture is restricted from flowing directly into the top opening of said chimney member.An improved process for distributing a generally downwardly flowing liquid-vapor mixture is disclosed as well as an improved process for hydrocarbon conversion.

Abstract: A CHD reactor is modified to include a feed nozzle arrangement which hydrogen-saturates the charged liquid before distribution across the fixed catalyst bed by a pair of gas/liquid distributor trays. Product is recovered from the catalyst bed through an apparatus arrangement comprising Glitsch grid to maintain low pressure drop in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for mixing and horizontally distributing vertically flowing fluids are disclosed, the apparatus being adapted to be self-supporting in a vertically elongated shell or to support a bed of particulate solids within a shell. The process and apparatus are particularly useful for supporting an upper catalyst bed and for mixing and distributing liquid hydrocarbons and a hydrogen-containing gas across the cross-section of a downstream catalyst bed in a reactor system. The apparatus is preferably adapted for introducing a cooling gas into a reaction stream between upstream and downstream catalyst beds.

Abstract: A continuous catalytic reaction and catalyst reactivation process is performed using a simulated moving catalyst bed to effect simultaneously in different zones of a multi-zone fixed catalyst bed an alkylation reaction of olefinic and aromatic reactants and a reactivation of catalyst.