Abstract: A method for loading finely divided particulate matter into a vessel for the purpose of increasing the packing density by introducing a fluid medium counter-current to the downward flow of the finely divided particulate matter at a velocity selected to maximize the apparent bulk density of the particulate matter in the vessel.

Abstract: A continuous catalytic alkylation reaction and catalyst reactivation process is carried out using a simulated moving catalyst bed to effect simultaneously in different zones of a multi-zone, fixed catalyst bed, an alkylation reaction and a reactivation of catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite composited with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation agent, and the reactivation medium utilized includes alkylatable hydrocarbon and hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for the maximum utilization of a fixed bed of spherical catalyst by approaching perfect liquid distribution in the bed by means of selecting a liquid mass flux in the range of about 2000 to about 4000 lb/hr-ft.sup.2.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for distributing particulate material, e.g., comprising catalyst particles, over a zone, e.g., chemical reaction zone, comprising:A supply hopper, having inlet means and outlet means, for holding particulate material;A deflection plate located adjacent to the end of the outlet means away from said supply hopper to deflect the direction of at least a portion of the particulate material flowing through the outlet means; andAt least one rotatable conduit in fluid communication with at least one source of gaseous media, the conduit being situated such that at least a portion of the gaseous media from the conduit flows in the space between the end of the outlet means away from the supply hopper and the deflection plate to thereby cause at least a portion of the particulate material to be propelled in substantially the same direction as the flow.

Abstract: A generally ring-like baffle is located in the bottom of a radial flow catalytic reactor around the central apertured product removal conduit. The annular space between the removal conduit and the baffle is partially filled with solid catalyst support. Above the catalyst support is the catalyst. This prevents feedstock from either bypassing the catalyst completely in the area adjacent the bottom of the reactor or forming hot spots as a result of the normally low rate of flow travel in this section of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for uniformly distributing a mixed-phase fluid intended for contact with a solid particulate catalyst bed disposed in a packed chamber. Foam is generated from the mixed-phase fluid by adding a surface-active agent and a foam stabilizing agent in small concentrations to the mixed-phase and passing the mixture through a zone of turbulence and decreasing pressure prior to the introduction thereof into the packed chamber. Surface-active and foam stabilizing agents are selected to be non-prejudicial to the intended function of the particulate catalyst material.

Abstract: A continuous catalytic alkylation reaction and catalyst reactivation process is carried out using a simulated moving catalyst bed to effect simultaneously in different zones of a multi-zone, fixed catalyst bed, an alkylation reaction and a reactivation of catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite composited with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation agent, and the reactivation medium utilized includes alkylatable hydrocarbon and hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and an improved platinum-tin promoted zinc aluminate catalyst reactor for dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon feed stream as first and second layers of silica-free particles, each positioned in contact with and on opposed surfaces of the catalyst across the direction of feed stream flow through the reactor for preventing the poisoning of said catalyst.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid separator is provided which is adapted to be connected directly to the exit of a fixed reactor bed, and includes a vertically disposed housing, an upper portion of which is connected to vapor-liquid inlet means which may be provided by the fixed bed reactor so that a vapor-liquid mixture may be introduced downwardly into the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing particulate impurities from a fluid stream flowing into a bed of discrete solid elements, such as a bed of catalyst particles. An improved basket design is provided which maximizes the use of the bed and the mesh area of the basket to remove the particulate impurities in such a manner that the cycle life of the bed of catalyst particles or the like is extended.

Abstract: Methods of starting up and shutting down reactors used in hydrocracking and hydrodesulfurization of black oils. The reactor is flushed with a heavy vacuum gas oil between the circulation of the black oil feed stream and the lighter hydrocarbon stream used during the low temperature portion of the operations.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor assembly for purifying exhaust gas from internal combustion engine comprises a first bed of catalytic material which promotes reducing reactions in exhaust gas from the engine between unburned and partially burned fuel components and NO.sub.x whereby the latter is substantially converted to nitrogen and a second bed of catalytic material which promotes oxidizing reactions in the presence of added air to oxidize unburned and partially burned components of exhaust gas from the first bed. Exhaust gas is constrained to pass substantially radially outwards from the interior of the first bed to a collection space therearound and is then directed to the interior of the second bed for passage radially outwardly therethrough before discharge to atmosphere. The two catalytic beds are preferably cylindrical or annular, and located end-to-end for maximum conversions with minimum pressure drop.

Abstract: A device suitable for mixing and redistributing reactants between the beds of a multi-bed, mixed phase down flow reactor comprising means for injecting gas into the reactor having a number of parallel perforated pipes extending across the width of the reactor and a number of quench boxes also extending across the width of the reactor. The quench boxes also have an inner and two outer compartments, passages through the walls between the inner and outer compartments, passages in the roof of either the inner or outer compartments and passages in the floor of whichever of the inner or outer compartments has no passages in its roof.

Abstract: A trough-type scale trap for use with a refinery or chemical plant reactor having a catalyst bed subject to plugging by fine particles. Compared to prior art traps, the trough-type scale trap of the invention is characterized by a larger volumetric capacity and screen area and is substantially easier to construct and to install or remove from closed reactor vessels than conventional traps. Its typical embodiment is as a series of parallel troughs having rectangular openings and disposed chordally across the reactor normal to the direction of flow. In one embodiment, the trough is a rectangular parallelepiped; in another embodiment, the substantially rectangular opening is reduced by tapering to a bottom significantly smaller than the inlet opening.

Abstract: Feedstock at a first temperature is mixed with a heating fluid at a second temperature and the mixture resulting therefrom is immediately contacted with a catalyst in a catalytic conversion zone as the mixture reaches a third temperature, thus producing an effluent which is cooled to a fourth temperature as it is removed from the catalytic zone. Apparatus is provided useful for carrying out the above process.