Suspension System Patents (Class 208/153)
  • Patent number: 5139748
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstock is dispersed in an FCC riser by directing jets of atomized feed droplets into a flowing stream of catalyst particles in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the riser. By directing the feed into the riser in a substantially perpendicular direction feed is more quickly dispersed across the entire cross section of the riser. By quickly dispersing feed the mixture of hydrocarbons and catalyst particles is completely mixed after traveling only a short distance along the riser from the point of feed introduction. Reducing this contact zone length improves the quality of riser products by eliminating variations in the contact time between the feed and catalyst. In addition to the short contact zone length this invention also combines the desirable features of catalyst pre-acceleration and feed atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: David A. Lomas, Edward C. Haun
  • Patent number: 5104517
    Abstract: An FCC process and apparatus is arranged to provide a low volume dilute disengagement zone in a reactor vessel. A vented riser that provides an open discharge of catalyst and gaseous products is directly discharged into a reactor vessel. The interior of the reactor vessel is arranged such that the outlet of the reactor riser is located close to and directed at the top of the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel operates with a dense bed of catalyst having an upper bed level that is only a short distance below the outlet of the reactor riser. The cyclone separators are located to the outside of the reactor riser and circulate catalyst back to the dense bed of the reactor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: David A. Lomas, Edward C. Haun, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 5098553
    Abstract: An improved process for regeneration of catalyst used in fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons using a cross-flow or swirl type catalyst regenerator is disclosed. Instead of a single catalyst withdrawal outlet for regenerated catalyst, multiple catalyst withdrawal points are provided. Use of multiple catalyst outlets, or a continuous radial catalyst outlet, greatly reduces stagnant regions in the bed. The process is useful in FCC units having inventories of from 10 to 100 tons of catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Ajit V. Sapre
  • Patent number: 5081039
    Abstract: The inventive procedure more accurately maintains an inventory of a catalyst in an ebullated bed of a reactor in an oil refinery, especially a resid hydrotreating unit. The ebullated catalyst bed has therein three phases (catalyst, oil, gas). A first density measurement is made of the two-phase mixture in a freeboard zone i.e. in a catalyst free area above the ebullated catalyst. A second density measurement is made in the catalyst bed where all three phases are present. Density measurements are used, along with values for vapor, liquid, and soaked particle densities and corrections for gamma-ray absorption coefficients, to calculate the catalyst particle holdup in the vessel. From this, the amount of catalyst actually in the reactor can be calculated. Once this amount is known, fresh catalyst may be added to or spent catalyst may be removed from the reactor in order to maintain a fixed catalyst inventory within the catalyst bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Buttke, Norman K. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5062944
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are disclosed for fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons using a cross-flow or swirl type catalyst regenerator. Instead of a single catalyst withdrawal outlet for regenerated catalyst, multiple catalyst withdrawal points are provided. Use of multiple catalyst outlets, or a continuous radial catalyst outlet, greatly reduces stagnant regions in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tiberiu M. Leib, Ajit V. Sapre
  • Patent number: 5047140
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for achieving turbulent or fast fluidized bed regeneration of spent FCC catalyst in a bubbling bed regenerator having a stripper mounted over the regenerator and a stripped catalyst standpipe within the regenerator. A closed coke combustor vessel is added alongside an existing regenerator vessel, and spent catalyst is discharged into a transfer pot beneath the existing dense bed, then into the coke combustor. Catalyst is regenerated in a turbulent or fast fluidized bed, and discharged into the dilute phase region above the existing bubbling dense bed. The discharge line preferably encompasses, and is in a heat exchange relationship with, the spent catalyst standpipe. Discharge catalyst is collected in the bubbling dense bed surrounding the coke combustor, and may be given an additional stage of regeneration. Catalyst may be recycled from the dense bed to the transfer pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Hartley Owen, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 5019241
    Abstract: In a hydrocarbon fluid catalytic cracking process, high concentrations of sodium in the hydrocarbon entering the reactor will poison the reaction sites on the FCC catalysts, thereby reducing the efficiency of the cracking process. The addition of an aluminum compound to the hydrocarbon significantly reduces the poisoning effect of the sodium on the catalyst. The aluminum compound may be selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitrate, aluminum isopropoxide, aluminum oxide and sulfate salts of aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Forester
  • Patent number: 5017343
    Abstract: The liquid feed injector as hereindescribed uses sequential stages of increased severity mixing to fully atomize a liquid portion of a combined liquid and gaseous stream. Sequential mixing consists of a first mild mixing that takes place in a mild mixing zone and blends the liquid and gaseous material into a substantial uniform mixture. The uniform mixture of liquid and gaseous material passes through another stage of vigorous mixing where the liquid is sheared and gas is dispersed throughout the liquid by dividing the mixture into a plurality of small streams and directing the projection of the streams into impingement with an impact medium to produce a homogeneous mixture of fine gas bubbles dispersed in the liquid. The homogeneous liquid and gas mixtures are then discharged through one or more discharge nozzles to effect atomization and distribution of the liquid in a suspension of fluidized solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 4999100
    Abstract: A succession of low profile catalyst chambers each housing a reservoir or catalyst are alternately connected in sequence by openings below the levels of the catalyst reservoirs and openings thereabove. The catalyst in all reservoirs is fluidized by a gas moving upwardly therethrough. Separate portions of the sequence of chambers are operated as reactor and regenerator sections according to the gas used to fluidize the catalyst in those sections. Other portions of the sequence of chambers are used to create inert atmospheric seals between the reactor and regenerator sections. The entire apparatus is configured as a low-profile catalytic cracker wherein the fluidized flow of the catalyst moves throughout the apparatus in an alternating lifting and dropping sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventors: Milton B. Thacker, John M. Limburg, Vincent J. Memmott
  • Patent number: 4994173
    Abstract: Modified ZSM-5 type zeolite catalyst is prepared by controlled aging in a moving bed catalytic cracking unit. The modified catalyst exhibits significant olefin isomerization activity and reduced paraffin cracking activity. Hydrocarbons are cracked to products boiling in the motor fuel range, e.g., gasoline, by using the modified catalyst mixture comprising a ZSM-5 type zeolite and a conventional cracking catalyst. The ZSM-5 type zeolite is treated with partial pressure steam under conditions which increase the gasoline octane number of the product fuel without decreasing gasoline plus distillate yield. A process for changing a catalytic cracking unit's inventory from a conventional catalyst to a modified ZSM-5 type containing catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Chou Tai-Sheng, Frederick J. Krambeck, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4990314
    Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process and apparatus which employs relatively more elutriatable catalyst particles comprising intermediate pore zeolite, particularly ZSM-5, and relatively less elutriatable catalyst particles comprising large pore zeolite, preferably zeolite Y. The process and apparatus employ a first stripping vessel which also separates a more elutriatable first portion of catalyst from a less elutriatable second portion of catalyst. The more elutriatable first portion passes to a second stripping vessel, and subsequently recycles to a fluid catalytic cracking reactor riser. The second portion of less elutriatable catalyst passes from the first stripping vessel to a fluid catalytic cracking regenerator vessel and, after being regenerated, recycles to the reactor riser. The more elutriatable first portion contains a higher ratio of intermediate pore catalyst particles to large pore catalyst particles than does the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Herbst, Hartley Owen, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4985133
    Abstract: A fluidized catalytic cracking process using a riser reactor to crack a mixture of high and low nitrogen content fresh feeds is operated to reduce NO.sub.x emissions in the regenerator flue gas. Segregation of the feed into high and low nitrogen content streams, and addition of the high nitrogen content feed to the base of the riser, followed by separate addition of the low nitrogen content feed higher up in the riser, reduces NO.sub.x emissions and reduces production of low value products from the FCC unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Ajit V. Sapre
  • Patent number: 4985136
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: David B. Bartholic
  • Patent number: 4980048
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are disclosed for fluidized bed catalyst regeneration in a cross-flow type regenerator. A baffled coked catalyst inlet located within the dense bed of catalyst disperses and distributes coked catalyst flow in a direction generally normal to the direction of flow in the catalyst inlet. The baffle significantly reduces the stagnant regions in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tiberiu M. Leib, Ajit V. Sapre
  • Patent number: 4978441
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: John S. Buchanan, Hans J. Schoennagel
  • Patent number: 4968403
    Abstract: A catalytic cracking process operates with enhanced stripper efficiency by subjecting spent catalyst to microwave radiation before catalyst regeneration. Preferably the microwave frequency is one which ignores the catalytic cracking catalyst and preferentially excites the hydrocarbon or coke on the spent catalyst, the stripping steam conventionally used, or both the stripping steam and the hydrocarbonaceous coke. In preferred embodiments, microwave frequencies are used which are selective for various impurities in the coke, such as sulfur and/or nitrogen impurities. Additives, such as ferrous materials, may be added to augment the efficiency of desulfurization during stripping. The process is applicable to fluidized catalytic cracking and moving bed catalytic cracking units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Herbst, Catherine L. Markham, Ajit V. Sapre, Gerald J. Teitman
  • Patent number: 4946581
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon conversion catalyst compositions, such as fluidizable cracking catalyst compositions, containing an anionic clay, e.g. a clay having a hydrotalcite, an ettringite or a hydrocalumite structure, for the conversion of sulphur-containing feedstocks, the anionic clay serving as sulphur oxides binding material. Also disclosed are absorbents containing the anionic clay embedded in a matrix. The absorbents may be used to purify sulphur oxides-containing gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventor: Emanuel H. van Broekhoven
  • Patent number: 4940531
    Abstract: Acid reacted metakaolin useful for the preparation of catalyst and catalyst support compositions. The compositions may include solid inorganic oxides, such as zeolites, clay and/or inorganic gels. The compositions are spray dried and calcined to obtain highly active, dense, attrition resistant fluid cracking catalysts, or used in the preparation of formed catalyst supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Roger J. Lussier
  • Patent number: 4927523
    Abstract: Shape selective zeolites, such as ZSM-5, are added to the equilibrium catalyst in a catalytic cracking unit in large amounts. Sufficient fresh zeolite is added to result in an unacceptable increase in production of wet gas (C.sub.3 /C.sub.4) by the catalytic cracking unit, if operated at normal charge rates and operating conditions. To compensate, conditions in the catalytic cracking unit are adjusted, such as by reducing feed rate, catalyst/oil ratio, or cracking reaction temperature, to reduce the production of "light ends" to an amount which can be tolerated by the catalytic cracking unit. Within a few days to a few weeks, excessive production of wet gas will diminish so that unit operation may be returned to normal. Resumption of normal cracking operations using a catalyst inventory containing a relatively large amount of shape selective zeolite additive results in significant increases in the octane number of the catalytically cracked gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Susan P. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 4902407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ting Y. Chan, John C. Strickland
  • Patent number: 4895639
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Bellinger, Scott M. Sayles
  • Patent number: 4892643
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a catalytic cracking operation featuring a single riser in which a variety of hydrocarbon conversion reactions takes place, a stripping unit in which entrained hydrocarbon material is removed from catalyst and a regeneration zone in which spent cracking catalyst is regenerated, which comprises:(a) converting a relatively high boiling charge material introduced to the riser at a lower level thereof in the presence of a first catalyst component which is an amorphous cracking catalyst and/or a large pore crystalline silicate cracking catalyst to provide lighter products including significant quantities of naphtha; and,(b) converting a naphtha charge material introduced to the riser at a higher level thereof in the presence of a second catalyst componet which is a shape selective medium pore crystalline silicate zeolite catalyst to provide a relatively high octane gasoline product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Herbst, Hartley Owen, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4891129
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for solids-fluid (e.g. cracking catalyst/hydrocarbon vapor) separation is disclosed having a plurality of substantially vertical tubular elements disposed within a housing. Inlet means are arranged in the bottom section of the housing and communicate with the space between the tubular elements and the housing. A plurality of tubular fluid outlet means are provided, the lower sections of which are arranged substantially coaxially within the upper sections of said tubular elements and define annular spaces therebetween in which swirl imparting means are arranged. The upper sections of the tubular fluid outlet means cooperate with opening(s) in the upper section of the housing, and the lower sections of the tubular elements communicating with solids outlet means. The invention further relates to a process for separating fluid cracking catalyst particles from gaseous hydrocarbon conversion products and/or flue gases using said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Peter H. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4889618
    Abstract: A process for separating finely divided petroleum cracking catlyst from a mixture of the finely divided catalyst particles with a high boiling refractory hydrocarbon oil by intimately contracting said mixture with a concentrated aqueous solution of a basic alkali metal compound at a temperature above 170.degree. F., the quantity of aqueous solution employed being substantially greater than the quantity of said mixture with which it is contracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventors: William H. Tyson, Jr., Frank A. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4875993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for catalytic cracking in a fluid phase of a hydrocarbon charge. The process comprises contacting, in ascending or descending flow, the charge and grains of a cracking catalyst in a tubular reactor, ballistically separating the spent catalyst and the cracked charge downstream of the end of said reactor, mixing spent catalyst with grains of at least partially regenerated catalyst having a temperature exceeding that of the grains of spent catalyst, stripping spent catalyst in a dense fluidized phase by means of a fluid injected counter-current into this catalyst regenerating the catalyst under conditions to effect combustion of coke deposited thereon, and recycling regenerated catalyst to feed the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Compagnie de Raffinage et de Distribution Total France
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Mauleon, Jean-Bernard Sigaud, Bernard Chapotel, Leonard Seglin
  • Patent number: 4869880
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and vapors from a suspension of the two materials is disclosed. The solids are directed through a conoid element to enhance directional flow and to prevent return of solids to the separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Hettinger, Jr., Steven W. Murray, Ricky L. Adkins, Billy T. Fritz, James R. Riggs, Paul W. Walters
  • Patent number: 4859315
    Abstract: A continuous fluidized process for upgrading a heavy liquid hydrocarbon charge-stock containing solid or solid-forming contaminants, e.g., inorganic solids, metals and asphaltenes. The charge is atomized to provide a stream of liquid particles introduced horizontally into a horizontal contacting zone to contact a vertical curtain of fluidized hot solid particles so as to vaporize hydrocarbons in the charge without substantial cracking, the solid particles being solely derived from the contaminants in the charge. The mixture of hydrocarbon vapors and solid particles are rapidly separated, carbon is burned from the separated particles, and the resulting hot solid particles are recycled to the contacting zone. The hydrocarbon vapors are condensed and there is recovered a liquid product having a substantially reduced content of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: David B. Bartholic
  • Patent number: 4849091
    Abstract: FCC catalyst is regenerated in a process providing increased coke-burning capacity without additional heat evolution or air consumption. The process uses a two-stage regeneration arrangement providing initial coke combustion in a low catalyst density-high efficiency contact zone followed by substantial separation of catalyst and regeneration gas and complete regeneration of catalyst particles in a dense bed regeneration zone. Catalyst and gas flow cocurrent prior to this separation but flow countercurrent after the separation. An effective control scheme for regulating oxygen addition to the final zone is also disclosed. This process is applicable to FCC operations for conventional and residual feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cabrera, Daniel N. Myers, Harold U. Hammershaimb
  • Patent number: 4840726
    Abstract: The amount of finely divided particulate solids added to a stream of fluid to form a mixture of the particulate solids and the fluid is determined by a method comprising (a) determining the temperature and quantity of fluid in a stream of fluid; (b) determining the temperature of the particulate solids; (c) determining the temperature of the mixture; and (d) calculating the amount of the particulate solids in the mixture. The method can also be used to control the amount of finely divided particulate solids added to the stream of a fluid. The fluid is at a different temperature than the finely divided solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: John J. Wakefield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4832825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for injecting and conditioning regenerated catalyst particles at the base of a catalytic cracking reactor/elevator below the zone where the feedstock to be cracked is injected to give better uniformity of treatment and control of the effective C/O ratio. A first fluid is injected at a low rate into the reactor below the level where the catalyst particles coming from the regenerator are introduced so as to form a dense phase fluidized bed, and a second fluid is injected at a higher rate substantially above the zone where the catalyst particles coming from the regenerator enter so as to form a homogenized dilute phase fluidized bed of catalyst prior to subsequent contact with the feedstock to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Compagnie de Raffinage et de Distribution Total France
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Mauleon, Michel Demar, Sigaud Jean-Bernard
  • Patent number: 4824557
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Cartmell, Carl J. Horecky
  • Patent number: 4820494
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluidization gas to a bed of particulate solids to selectively, locally fluidize the solids above a delivery conduit in communication with a reaction chamber. Also an apparatus is disclosed for intimately mixing hydrocarbon feed with the particulate solids at the end of the delivery conduit in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Herman N. Woebcke
  • Patent number: 4818373
    Abstract: A method for updating a concentrate of tar sands bitumen containing fine mineral matter and optionally coarse mineral matter in which solvent-diluted bitumen is contacted for a short time in a riser with hot attrition-resistant substantially catalytically inert acid-resistant fluidizable particles, causing a selective vaporization of the lighter high hydrogen content components of the bitumen. The preferred particles are composed of silica-alumina, most preferably a mixture of mullite and crystalline silica or mullite, crystalline silica and an acid-resistant form of alumina. A portion of the heavier asphaltenes and most of the components which contain metals, sulfur and nitrogen remain on the attrition-resistant fluidizable particles. Fine mineral matter in the bitumen feed also deposits on the fluidized particles instead of being carried over with the vaporized hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Bartholic, William J. Reagan
  • Patent number: 4816137
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling movement of a vertically movable plug valve with respect to a bottom open end of a riser conduit of a catalytic conversion apparatus during startup and shutdown. The method involves sensing the pressure between the communicating surfaces of the plug valve and the riser conduit as the riser conduit expands or contracts due to thermal changes experienced during startup and shutdown. When the riser conduit expands and causes the pressure to exceed a preselected range, the position of the plug valve with respect to the riser conduit is lowered to reduce the pressure to within the range. When the riser conduit contracts and causes the pressure to fall below the preselected range, the position of the plug valve with respect to the riser conduit is raised to prevent catalyst flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Total Engineering and Research Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Swint, Robert J. Newman
  • Patent number: 4810360
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be intermittently withdrawn from the temporary retaining area in order to achieve particle flow at a low volume rate, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The intermittent withdrawing of catalyst "fines"]reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenreator and in the main column bottom (MCB) produces from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include intermittent withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen, Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 4808297
    Abstract: By use of a slurry mixture described herein, catalyst particles or other similar particles can be transferred over considerable temperature differential without breaking or crumbling.By selecting a carrier fluid with a combination of high critical temperature and low critical pressure relative to the conditions under which the particles will function, a slurry mixture is provided which protects the contained particles against breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Hong C. Chen
  • Patent number: 4800014
    Abstract: A mixing chamber for catalyst and oil in a catalytic cracking unit in which atomized oil is introduced preferably axially in a preferably vertically oriented transfer line or riser reactor from an atomization chamber segregated from flow of cracking catalyst. The cracking catalyst flows with a radially inward component to the mouth of the riser from the circumference thereof and mixes with the oil feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: George E. Hays, Richard H. Nielsen, Chester O. Bowen, Floyd H. Holland
  • Patent number: 4793913
    Abstract: An improved liquid hydrocarbon feed method is disclosed wherein substantially all of the liquid is converted to mist sized particles over a wide angled dispersion pattern without a concurrent shroud of steam or water. Such dispersion promotes vapor phase catalytic reaction between hydrocarbon vapors and fluidized catalyst in a reaction time of 1 to 3 seconds. The misting nozzle is characterized by a swirl chamber to which the full hydrocarbon feed, with or without steam included in the feed, is supplied for centrifugal rotation by vane members to form a free vortex. The flow is then released through a reduced area square-edge orifice having a short throat to form and maintain a characteristic "vena contrata" from such an orifice during flow into the catalyst stream in the riser reactor for dispersion over a wide angled conical dispersion pattern. Such flow from the orifice allows the nozzle to be recessed out of the flowing catalyst stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Donald O. Chessmore, Frederick A. Pettersen
  • Patent number: 4793915
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) of a hydrocarbon feed. The process and apparatus includes a riser which upwardly discharges into a deflector baffle located within a stripping vessel. The stripping vessel is located within a disengaging vessel. The deflector baffle is spaced from the riser and the stripping vessel. Preferably, the deflector baffle is shaped similarly to a large bubble cap. Catalyst passes downwardly from the baffle into a stripping zone within a lower portion of the stripping vessel. Hydrocarbons stripped from the catalyst pass upwardly aaway from the stripping zone, then pass to a cyclone located outside the stripping vessel and then discharge from the disengaging vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4792437
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and vapors from a suspension of the two materials is disclosed. The solids are directed through a conoid element to enhance directional flow and to prevent return of solids to the separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Hettinger, Jr., Steven W. Murray, Ricky L. Adkins, Billy T. Fritz, James R. Riggs, Paul W. Walters
  • Patent number: 4755282
    Abstract: This process discloses a reduction in the content of ammonia in a regeneration zone off gas of a fluid catalytic cracking unit by the select recycle of certain sized ammonia decomposition catalyst particles. The ammonia decomposition may be aided by injection of NO.sub.x into the off gas. The particles are acquired from a separation means through which is passed the regeneration zone off gas. A solid-free regeneration zone off gas and a stream of solid particles, including a noble metal dispersed on an inorganic support, having a size of from 10 to 40 microns, are acquired. The latter segregated particles are then injected into the regeneration zone at a predetermined make-up rate to insure a very short residence time in the dense phase of the regeneration zone and to provide a relatively constant concentration of the NH.sub.3 decomposition catalyst in the dilute phase of the regeneration zone to convert NH.sub.3 to N.sub.2 and water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Norman C. Samish, John E. Gwyn
  • Patent number: 4738770
    Abstract: A process and apparatus of preventing the plugging of the discharge and/or suction line of an internal recycle pump utilized in an expanded bed reactor of the type having a partition transversely extending through the lower portion thereof and defining a plurality of substantially regularly and uniformly disposed perforations and communicating with a reaction zone above the partition and plenum chamber therebelow. The reaction zone contains a mass of particulate catalyst contact matter supported by the partition and placed in randon motion above the partition by a pressurized mixture of a liquid carbon containing material and a hydrogen rich gas flow passing through the perforations from the plenum chamber and by the internal recycle pump having a pump suction line generally concentrically disposed with respect to the reactor and extending through the partition into the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Cities Service Oil and Gas Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hastings, Harold J. Trimble
  • Patent number: 4729825
    Abstract: A method of feeding a mixture of fluidized solids, such as cracking catalyst, and a fluidized feed material to be contacted therewith, such as a hydrocarbon feedstock to be cracked, into a contacting zone. In another aspect, method and apparatus useful in starting up a catalytic cracking unit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4717467
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for mixing fluid catalytic cracking hydrocarbon feed and catalyst is disclosed. The invention passes lift gas through a first conduit which is axially aligned with a second conduit. A downstream end of the first conduit and an upstream end of the second conduit are located within a catalyst bed enclosed by a chamber. Furthermore, the second conduit axially injects catalyst and lift gas into an upstream end of an elongated fluid catalytic cracking riser while passing hydrocarbon feed into the riser through an annular zone about the upstream end of the riser. Preferably steam also passes through this annular zone. The process and apparatus achieves substantially uniform catalyst-to-oil ratio across a horizontal cross-section of the riser. A process and apparatus for control of the level of the catalyst bed in the enclosed chamber by employing a control gas stream is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4714541
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a cyclone by the addition of a rough-cut device to a gas outlet tube of the cyclone. The rough-cut device includes a tangentially located dust collector that gradually reduces in size and is connected to a dipleg that can be buried in a dense bed or provided with a trickle valve. Gases containing entrained solid particles exit the gas outlet tube of the cyclone in an upward flowing spiral with the solid particles held against the wall of the tube by the centrifugal force of the spiraling gas. When the solid particles reach the tangential exit port, the centrifugal force causes the particles to follow the direction of the wall leaving the gas stream and falling toward the dipleg due to the loss of the upward driving force of the gases. The gases continue in an upward direction and exit the top of the rough-cut device with fewer entrained solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Frank M. Buyan, Mark S. Ross
  • Patent number: 4711712
    Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process and apparatus containing a reactor riser zone and radially extending sidearms as the first catalyst-hydrocarbon product separation means. Hydrocarbon products separated in the sidearms are conducted through an enclosed passageway to a secondary separation means, such as a cyclone. The catalyst is also conducted through the enclosed passageway to a stripping apparatus, wherein entrained hydrocarbons are removed therefrom. The enclosed passageway contains a means for accommodating sudden surges of catalyst flow and increased pressure, e.g., a trickle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 4706697
    Abstract: Flow control in a standpipe is improved by the introduction of aeration gas into the standpipe immediately above and in a direction of a valve forming the bottom of the standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Chester O. Bowen
  • Patent number: 4698212
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the regeneration of fluid cracking catalyst, the catalyst is cooled in a heat exchanger mounted to the lower side of the regenerator and cool catalyst is returned to the regenerator by means of a separate gas lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Walters, H. Anthony Raiche, Ronald L. Harness, Genaro M. Quodala
  • Patent number: 4692235
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the pressure drop in a riser reactor equipped with a horizontal tee joint connection which uses a fluid injection means selectively located at a point juxtaposed to the connection of the horizontal and vertical tubes to prohibit fine particle catalysts from backflow down the elongated riser reactor which omission thereby provides (1) an easy upflow of catalysts and hydrocarbon vapors through the riser reactor and (2) an incentive for the flow of particles up through the elongated riser and transfer laterally to the horizontal tee joint connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Wesley A. Parker, Donald E. Hardesty, Jack E. Stanley
  • Patent number: 4678642
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particulates from vapors comprising: a disengaging chamber, a progressive flow reactor, a means for effecting flow of a gas-solid stream, and a take-off conduit which further includes providing a hole through the progressive flow reactor to permit upstream of the take-off conduit a pathway for vapors from within the disengaging chamber to pass into the progressive flow reactor. Specific limitations as to the size of the opening through the progressive flow reactor in relationship to the effective diameter of the progressive flow reactor, and the opening of the take-off conduit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Lee