Abstract: A device and method for processing decoke effluent to remove particulate matter and pollutant gases is provided, with particular concern for meeting ever more stringent environmental standards.

Abstract: Process for adsorbing a species from a feed gas stream. Feed gas stream is introduced to an adsorption zone having a sorbent. Species from the feed gas stream is adsorbed onto the sorbent at an adsorbing temperature to enrich the sorbent with the species and deplete the species from the feed gas stream. Species-lean product gas stream is output. Species-rich sorbent from the adsorption zone is passed to a regeneration zone. Regenerant gas at a regenerating temperature greater than the adsorbing temperature is introduced into the regeneration zone to strip the species from the species-rich sorbent. Regenerated sorbent from the regeneration zone passes to a cooling zone disposed below the regeneration zone. Regenerated sorbent is cooled at a cooling temperature below the regenerating temperature. Cooled sorbent is transferred to the adsorbent zone.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking apparatus and process is disclosed, providing for efficient conversion of heavy hydrocarbon feeds to light olefins, aromatics, and gasoline. A countercurrent flow reactor operating in bubbling or turbulent fluidization regimes is integrated with a fluid catalytic cracking riser reactor. A heavy hydrocarbon feed is catalytically cracked to naphtha and light olefins in the riser reactor, a co-current flow reactor. To enhance the yields and selectivity to light olefins, cracked hydrocarbon products from the riser reactor, such as C4 and naphtha range hydrocarbons, may be recycled and processed in the countercurrent flow reactor. The integration of the countercurrent flow reactor with a conventional FCC riser reactor and catalyst regeneration system may overcome heat balance issues commonly associated with two-stage cracking processes, may substantially increase the overall conversion and light olefins yield, and/or may increases the capability to process heavier feedstocks.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system that circulates fluidizable solid particles through a fluidized bed reactor, a fluidized bed regenerator, and a fluidized bed reducer to thereby provide for substantially continuous desulfurization of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and substantially continuous regeneration of the solid particles. A novel transport system is employed for transporting the solid particles between the reactor, the regenerator, and the reducer. The transport system uses close-coupled vessels and gravity flow between various vessels to minimize equipment cost and particle attrition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a method of controlling a catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading based on an expected level of a catalyst in a downstream vessel for a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The method can include calculating an expected catalyst level in the downstream vessel based on the unloading of the catalyst transfer vessel to adjust a setpoint to change the catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.

Abstract: A system which circulates fluidizable solid particles through a fluidized bed reactor, a fluidized bed regenerator, and a fluidized bed reducer to thereby provide for substantially continuous desulfurization of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and substantially continuous regeneration of the solid particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for contacting a bed of particulate material, usually catalyst, with a transverse flow of fluid is disclosed. The particulate material moves or is prevented from not moving, while the fluid passes through the bed at a rate greater than the stagnant bed pinning flow rate. This invention is applicable to hydrocarbon conversion processes and allows for higher fluid throughput rates compared to prior art processes.

Abstract: A process for contacting a bed of particulate material, usually catalyst, with a transverse flow of fluid is disclosed. The particulate material moves or is prevented from not moving, while the fluid passes through the bed at a rate greater than the stagnant bed pinning flow rate. This invention is applicable to hydrocarbon conversion processes and allows for higher fluid throughput rates compared to prior art processes.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system employing regenerable solid sorbent particulates in a fluidized bed desulfurization reactor. The sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates are continuously withdrawn from the reactor and transferred to a regenerator. A novel solids transport mechanism provides for the safe and effective transfer of the sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates from the high pressure hydrocarbon environment of the reactor to the low pressure oxygen environment of the regenerator.

Abstract: A process for contacting a bed of particulate material, usually catalyst, with a transverse flow of fluid is disclosed. The particulate material moves or is prevented from not moving, while the fluid passes through the bed at a rate greater than the stagnant bed pinning flow rate. This invention is applicable to hydrocarbon conversion processes and allows for higher fluid throughput rates compared to prior art processes.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system employing regenerable solid sorbent particulates in a fluidized bed desulfurization reactor. The sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates are continuously withdrawn from the reactor and transferred to a regenerator. A novel solids transport mechanism provides for the safe and effective transfer of the sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates from the high pressure hydrocarbon environment of the reactor to the low pressure oxygen environment of the regenerator.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for contacting reactants with a particulate catalyst while indirectly contacting the reactants with a heat exchange medium performs heat exchange in a first reaction zone and moves catalyst, at least intermittently, through the second reaction zone while the process is operating. The first reaction zone is preferably a fixed bed reaction zone. The use of first reaction zone as a fixed bed reaction zone simplifies the process arrangement by not requiring means for catalyst movement in a reaction zone that performs simultaneous heat exchange. Long periods of operation are possible since the first reaction zone will typically experience a slow rate of catalyst deactivation and need infrequent regeneration. The first reaction zone may also be designed for catalyst movement, but independently controlled from the first reaction zone to facilitate the movement of catalyst therethrough.

Abstract: A process for contacting reactants with a particulate catalyst while indirectly contacting the reactants with a heat exchange medium amid simultaneous exchange of catalyst particles by an operation that sequentially restricts reactant flow while moving catalyst through reaction stacks in which the reactant flow has been restricted. The process permits a change out of catalyst in a channel type reactor arrangement that would normally restrict catalyst flow during operation. Moving catalyst through a heat exchange type reactor having reactant and heat exchange channels permits control of catalyst activity as well as temperatures.

Abstract: A controlled method of changing the transport rate of particles between a source zone and a destination zone is disclosed. Changes are made in a desired value of the pressure difference of the conduit between the two zones through which the particles are transported. The changes are of a magnitude that are determined by the batchwise transfer of particles into the source zone and are performed at a rate that is determined by the dynamics of the process, rather than by the frequency of the batchwise transfers, 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 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: Problems with pressure in a catalyst bed contained within a vessel arise where there is some sort of blockage in the bed such as a crust formed by a layer of catalyst particles sticking together. To overcome this problem control means is provided to coordinate the flow of nitrogen gas into the vessel and the resulting gas pressure build up and maintenance in the catalyst bed and in the bottom of the vessel as well as in the vapor space of the vessel above the catalyst bed.

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: 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 process for transferring catalyst particles between multiple reactions zones simplifies the system for use of a single valve operation by passing a purge gas into a lower section of a reaction zone that discharges catalyst from the reaction zone into a lift vessel and uses the intermittent introduction of a lift gas stream to entrain catalyst particles in a dilute phase upward lift step to a succeeding reaction zone while simultaneously retarding the flow of catalyst particles down the discharge conduit and interrupting the flow of purge gas down the discharge conduit. In this manner a flow of purge gas can constantly enter the reaction zone supplying catalyst particles to the lift system thereby preventing any flow of reactants from the reactor into the lift system while only the addition of lift gas into the lift system needs to be cycled on and off to intermittently transfer the catalyst particles upwardly in dilute phase to the top of the next reaction zone.

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 controlled method of transporting catalyst between two zones while inhibiting communication between the atmospheres of the zones is disclosed. Communication between the zones is inhibited by controlling pressure differences. The two zones are separated by a means to lift catalyst, which 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: Apparatus for regenerating spent hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. Catalyst particles in a vertically-elongated movable tapered bed are contacted with a hot oxygen-containing gas stream in order to remove, by means of combustion, coke which accumulated on the catalyst particles while they were used in a hydrocarbon conversion zone. Catalyst moves downward under the influence of gravity. The catalyst bed is tapered such that the thickness of the bed, in a dimension which is transverse to the direction of catalyst movement, varies from a minimum at the top of the tapered bed to a maximum at the bottom of the tapered bed. Gas passes through the tapered bed in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction of catalyst movement. Substantially, all of the catalyst in the bed is in contact with the flowing gas.

Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid at a rate insufficient to levitate the bed and with catalyst selected by a density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebulation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion in a large pilot plant run with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow strippping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separator of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The output of a reactor riser zone is fed to a riser cyclone separator, a primary cyclone separator, and secondary cyclone separators, connected in series within a single reactor vessel. The riser cyclone separator is connected to the primary cyclone separator by a conduit, which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the riser cyclone separator. The conduit contains an annular port to allow stripping gas to enter the conduit to improve the separation of hydrocarbons from catalyst. Catalyst separated in the riser cyclone separator drops through a riser cyclone dipleg and passes through a dipleg seal which comprises a seal pot or catalyst held around the dipleg. The conduit is formed by two overlapping parts, one having a larger diameter than the other to form the annular port and packing or spacers may be used to align and space the overlapping parts.

Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.

Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the transfer of particles between zones of different pressure using particle collection and particle transfer conduits. The solids are moved from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone by means of a valveless lock hopper system that vents all of the gas from the collection zones through the particle collection conduits. Venting gas from the collection zones through the transfer conduits prevents erosion of control valves and eliminates the need for filters which are prone to clogging. The venting of gas is accomplished by varying the size of the transfer conduits between zones. The invention is particularly applicable in the regeneration of catalyst used in hydrocarbon conversion processes such as catalytic reforming.

Abstract: A method for regenerating coke-contaminated catalyst particles achieves better utilization of oxygen and minimizes surface area loss of the catalyst by confining particles in the combustion section of a regeneration zone to a tapered bed configuration. In this method, catalyst particles move through the regeneration zone in continuous or semi-continuous flow and are formed into a vertically elongated bed of particles in the regeneration zone. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the particle bed in a transverse direction and initiates combustion of the coke deposits along a burn front that extends diagonally through the catalyst bed from the inlet surface of the bed to the outlet surface of the bed.

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: 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.

Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.

Abstract: The particulate solid is maintained in a bed in contact with a liquid within a high pressure vessel. The particulate solid is supported in the vessel in a cone-like configuration. A discharge tube is provided communicating with the particulate solid running from the bottom of the cone externally of said vessel and pressure on the supported particulate is produced to discharge said particulate out of said vessel via the discharge tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable catalyst bed reactor provided with catalyst bed supporting and guiding means in the shape of one or more downwardly converging conical surfaces with one or more vertical outlet channels connected to the lower end(s) of the conical surface(s), the supporting and guiding means comprising one or more screen sections for withdrawal of reactor effluent from the catalyst, and separate outlet means for reactor effluent and catalyst, wherein the vessel is further provided with conduit means for forming a protecting layer of substantially spherical particles along the surface(s) of the screen section(s) facing catalyst, which layer is movable along the screen section(s).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a substantially continuous gas flow through particulate solids in two zones. The solids are moved from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone by means of a valveless lock hopper system. Maintenance of gas flow while simultaneously transferring particles between zones is accomplished without the use of moving equipment such as valves. The invention is particularly applicable in the regeneration of catalyst used in hydrocarbon conversion processes such as catalytic reforming.

Abstract: An improved multiple stage reactor system for effecting radial flow contact of a reactant stream with catalyst particles movable as an annular-form bed through said system by gravity flow. The improved multiple stage reactor system may be advantageously employed in the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons and in particular in the catalytic reforming of a naphtha boiling range charge stock.

Abstract: An apparatus and process 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 and process for intimately mixing hydrocarbon feed with the particulate solids at the end of the delivery conduit in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Continuous process for converting hydrocarbons in the presence of a granular catalyst including a metal from group VI a, VII a or VIII, deposited on a carrier, comprising passing a charge of hydrocarbons with hydrogen through a series of at least two vertical catalytic zones in which the catalyst bed moves progressively downwardly, withdrawing progressively the catalyst from the bottom of the last catalytic zone, and reintroducing the same, after regeneration, at the top of the first catalytic zone.