Abstract: An improved fluidized bed process for upgrading olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting the feedstock with acidic siliceous zeolite conversion catalyst particles at elevated temperature under exothermic conditions to produce heavier hydrocarbons including gasoline range hydrocarbons. The improvement comprises maintaining a turbulent fluidized bed of catalyst particles by flowing hydrocarbon-containing vapor upwardly through said bed at less than transport velocity; and introducing liquid olefinic feedstock comprising at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 diene component into the fluidized catalyst bed in a lower portion thereof by rapidly atomizing and vaporizing the liquid feedstock, thus converting feedstock to heavier hydrocarbon without substantial thermal diene degradation thereof prior to contacting conversion catalyst particles in the fluidized bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for 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, with associated pressure sensor means and flow controller means operatively connected thereto for automatically reducing a purge fluid flow from 100% to 0% while simultaneously increasing a fluidized feed material flow from 0% to 100%.

Abstract: An improved grid plate flow distributor assembly for use in a pressurized catalytic reactor in which gas and liquid materials flow uniformly upwardly through the grid into the reactor ebullated catalyst bed. The grid plate assembly contains multiple vertical flow tubes each covered at its upper end by a cap which is spaced outwardly from the tube upper end and preferably has tapered sides. The cap can have any horizontal cross-sectional shape, such as circular, polygonal, rectangular or triangular. If desired, a horizontal elongated cap can be used which covers at least two adjacent vertical flow tubes. Such elongated caps can be provided as concentric circular shapes above the grid plate. Also, if desired, a thermocouple can be provided extending upwardly above the cap, such as through selected caps to monitor the temperature distribution of the ebullated bed above the grid plate assembly.

Abstract: The walls surrounding the atomization chamber in a catalytic cracking unit where the cracking catalyst surrounds the atomization chamber are cooled by a flow of cooling fluid and baffles to cause the cooling fluid to flow in generally annular streams with crossflow between the annular streams being in a generally radially inwardly direction.

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.

Abstract: A pump seal oil system for a reactor pump wherein seal oil is provided at a pre-determined rate of flow without changing the rate of flow in response to pressure differences between the seal oil in the pump and the reactor pressure. Seal oil is provided at a first rate when the reactor pump is in operation and at a second higher rate when the reactor pump is not in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the physical properties of particles while the particles are suspended in a circulating stream of air or other fluid. The apparatus includes a mechanism for mechanically forming a vortex in a volume of gas, a mechanism for introducing particles into the vortex, and, particle treatment apparatus generally adjacent the vortex for altering at least one of the physical properties of the particles in the vortex.

Abstract: An autoclave extraction apparatus where a supercritical fluid is used for supercritical fluid extraction of one or several compounds. The supercritical fluid containing the compoound(s) may then be processed in a pressurized, fluidized, bed reactor under supercritical conditions. The fluidized bed reactor is used to carry out a catalytic reaction of the compound(s). The method is particularly applicable to recover valuable lignin and other extractable components from kraft black liquor.

Abstract: A fluid feeding apparatus and method for feeding a fluid to a point beyond the apparatus, wherein a hollow member is provided having an interior surface which defines a chamber having a first fluid therein. The interior surface tapers toward the chamber axis from an open end of the member to an interior surface boundary axially opposite the open end of the member. A second fluid is injected into the chamber generally toward the opening formed at the open end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug valve which effects the immediate and intimate mixing of fluidizable cracking catalyst with a fluid hydrocarbon in a riser reactor. Further, a stationary guide tube is located around a portion of the plug valve stem so as to define an upper and a lower annular compartment which are separated by a bushing. Bushings also define the upper end of the upper compartment and the lower end of the lower compartment. Each of the annular compartments has a bleed medium conduit connected thereto.

Abstract: A device for the acceleration of a reaction between media of solid and liquid phases comprising means for forming a fluidized bed, wherein the solid medium is held suspended in the liquid medium, and means for generating a centrifugal field for acting on the fluidized bed. The fluidized bed is defined between a rotating sieve drum and a first cylindrical sieve which is located within the sieve drum.

Abstract: A staged distribution grid assembly and method for uniform fluid flow distribution upwardly into an ebullated catalyst bed of a reactor. In the staged grid assembly, the gas and liquid mixture flows first through a lower secondary flow distribution grid plate into an interim zone and then flows upwardly through an upper primary flow distribution grid plate into the reactor ebullated bed. The staged grid assembly contains an upper primary grid plate containing multiple flow tubes covered by bubble caps, and a lower secondary grid plate containing multiple flow tubes. The staged flow distribution grid assembly enables the primary grid to provide a more uniform distribution of gas and liquid flow upwardly into the ebullated bed across the entire cross-sectional area of the reactor, and thereby provides improved operation of the ebullated catalyst bed reactor.

Abstract: An improved flow distribution system for a catalytic reactor plenum chamber for a gas-liquid-solids ebullated bed reactor incudes a baffled nozzle device containing at least two baffle plates usually oriented substantially normal to the nozzle inlet flow direction for providing good mixing and uniform flow distribution of gas-liquid materials in the lower portion of the plenum, used in combination with distribution grid to effect a substantially uniform flow distribution of the gas/liquid mixture upwardly into the ebullated catalyst bed. A sparger can be provided in the plenum above the baffled flow distributor device for feeding additional gas-liquid mixture into the reactor. The flow distribution system provides a substantially uniform flow distribution of the gas-liquid mixture into the ebullated bed and thereby provides fouling-free operation of the reactor.

Abstract: A fluid bed catalytic apparatus and process for cracking a hydrocarbon charge and regenerating the catalyst where hot particles are contacted at the top of the cracking zone (1) with the sprayed liquid charge to be treated and thus produce (a) the vaporization of the charge in lines 10 and (b) an intimate charge-catalyst particles mixture. The catalyst particles are then withdrawn from the lower part of the cracking reactor (1), separated from the reaction effluent, stripped in reactor (17) and successively subjected to two regeneration steps, respectively in zones (22) and (37), zone (37) being a tubular reactor where the catalyst particles are driven upwardly by a carrying gas.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting oxygenated feedstock, such as methanol, dimethyl ether or the like, to liquid hydrocarbons. In the primary catalyst stage the feedstock is contacted with a fluidized zeolite catalyst to produce C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 olefins and C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons. In a secondary catalytic stage with oligomerization catalyst comprising medium-pore shape selective acidic zeolite at increased pressure converts C.sub.3.sup.+ olefins to gasoline and/or distillate liquids. A portion of the recovered gasoline stream is recycled to the fluidized bed at a point above the bed stratum corresponding to substantially complete oxygenate conversion.

Abstract: A fluid feeding apparatus for feeding a fluid to a point beyond the apparatus, wherein a hollow member is provided having an interior surface which defines a chamber having a first fluid therein. The interior surface tapers toward the chamber axis from an open end of the member to an interior surface boundary axially opposite the open end of the member. A second fluid is injected into the chamber generally toward the opening formed at the open end.

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 catalytic cracking apparatus comprises a catalyst lift pot having a first diameter, a riser-reactor having a mouth connected to the lift pot and defining a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter, and a plug member which axially extends into the lift pot from the lower end thereof. The riser-reactor and plug member are situated so that fluid flowing through the lift pot before flowing into the riser-reactor flows radially inward across an upper end surface of the plug member. The apparatus further comprises a device for introducing a fluidizable catalyst through a sidewall of the lift pot, and a device for releasing liquid oil feedstock and atomizing fluid into the lift pot from the upper end surface of the plug member.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of clear sodium silicate solution with an SiO.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O weight ratio of 1-2.8:1 by fusing sand in aqueous sodium hydroxide using a pressure-sealed circulating suspension reactor having an upper portion comprising a partially tapered gravity thickener and a lower portion comprising a cylindrical jet loop mixer. The jet loop mixer has a concentric cylindrical insertion tube suspended therein, and a recirculating power jet nozzle is upwardly directed through the bottom of the jet loop mixer so that its stream is directed into the lower end of the insertion tube, causing a continuous circulation flow.

Abstract: An improved flow distribution system for a catalytic reactor plenum chamber for a gas-liquid-solids ebullated bed reactor including a downwardly directed conduit and a flow distributor device such as a baffled nozzle attached to the inner end of the conduit, said nozzle containing at least two substantially parallel baffle plates usually oriented substantially normal to the nozzle inlet flow direction for providing initially downward flow and good mixing and radial flow disperson of gas-liquid materials in the lower portion of the plenum. The initially downward flow is then deflected generally upwardly by the curved lower head of the reactor plenum chamber and passes uniformly upwardly through a flow distribution grid into the ebullated catalyst bed. A sparger can be provided in the plenum above the flow distributor device for feeding additional gas-liquid mixture into the reactor.

Abstract: Bulk mesophase can be economically produced without coking trouble from a heavy oil in an apparatus comprising: a heat-treatment vessel for heat treating the oil thereby to form pitch containing mesophase microspheres; a cyclone-type separator installed directly below the vessel and operating to cause the mesophase microspheres within the pitch introduced into the separator to coalesce thereby to separate the mesophase microspheres from the matrix pitch; and ascent and descent pipes communicatively connecting the interiors of the vessel and the separator, the ascent pipe returning matrix pitch after removal of the mesophase microspheres into the vessel together with newly supplied oil, which drives the matrix pitch by jet-pump action, the descent pipe introducing the pitch with mesophase microsphere into the top part of the separator in a horizontal tangential direction to produce a cyclone separation action therein.

Abstract: The hydrotreatment of hydrocarbons in the liquid phase is effected in a column containing a catalyst bed supported by a grid, wherethrough passes an ascending stream of the charge admixed with hydrogen which expands the catalyst bed, the perforations of the grid being small enough to prevent passage of the catalyst particles but large enough to permit passage of the hydrogen-charge mixture, the reaction effluent being withdrawn from the top of the column. The reactor column is provided with means between the hydrogen-charge mixture introducing means and the catalyst bed supporting grid for mixing and dispersing the combined liquid-gas charge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the chlorination of polyolefins in aqueous suspension. The method includes subjecting the suspension of the polyolefin to a submerged jet of chlorine gas at a velocity sufficient to atomize the chlorine; i.e., at least about sixty feet per second. By this method a very intimate mixture of chlorine and aqueous suspension is formed, whereby the chlorination proceeds more efficiently and at a lower chlorine pressure. Further advantages include a more uniformly-substituted product.

Abstract: A single unit fluidized-bed reactor having a reaction space for purification of waste water with biomass attached to carrier particles, comprising a liquid distribution device above the bottom of the reaction space particularly suited for introduction of waste water in wide reactors to achieve uniform fluidization therein, said device consisting of a number of substantially horizontal pipes, each having in the under-surface a number of regularly distributed openings for downward introduction of the liquid, and on top of the reaction space united therewith a multifunctional separation compartment for complete separation of the gas-liquid-solids mixture leaving the reaction space and for complete return of attached biomass into the reaction space, the separation compartment being construction so as to handle treatments involving large or small gas fractions in reactors of varying width.

Abstract: Continuous chemical and biological reactions may be carried out in a liquid fluidized reactor (1). Improved mixing and mass transport between gas/liquid/solid phases is provided by fluidizing large particles (2) with a liquid in a dense bed in the bottom of the reactor (1) while recirculating small entrained particles (3) and the liquid through the reactor (1), particle separator (9), external regenerator (10) and conduits (7) and (8) back through the dense bed of large particles (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of chloride-free hypochlorous acid by hydrolyzing of chlorine with steam, solid-gas stripping of the co-generated hydrochloric acid vapor in a fluidized bed reactor, equilibrium discharge of chloride particulate from the bed of the reactor, selective dissolving of the hypochlorous acid vapor into aqueous product solution in a packed bed absorber, and closed-loop recycling of the stripped product stream.

Abstract: A process for fluidized contact in a mixed phase by intimately contacting a liquid or a mixture of a liquid and a gas with solid particles in a contact vessel having a double pipe contact portion composed of an inner pipe contact portion and an outer pipe contact portion, and a packed bed provided to surround the upper part of the inner pipe, includes the steps of:(1) feeding the liquid or the mixture of the liquid and the gas from the lower part of the contact vessel to the inner pipe contact portion to flow up the solid particles inside the inner pipe contact portion along with the liquid or the mixture of the liquid and the gas, further allowing the blend to overflow into the packed bed from the upper part of the inner pipe contact portion,(2) separating part of the liquid or the mixture of part of the liquid and the gas from the solid particles and most of the liquid in the packed bed,(3) flowing up the part of the liquid or the mixture of part of the liquid and the gas in the contact vessel, uniformly co

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a fluidized solid and a fluid wherein the fluidized solid flows in a space defined between an outer member and an inner member positioned within the outer member. A body means is provided in the space between the members to occupy a predetermined volume in the space. A stream of solid particles flows around the body, and is directed across the upper end of the inner member. Fluid is released at the upper end of the inner member which mixes with the fluidized solid.

Abstract: The walls surrounding the atomization chamber in a fluidized catalytic cracking unit where the cracking catalyst surrounds the atomization chamber are cooled by a flow of cooling fluid and baffles to cause the cooling fluid to flow in generally annular streams with crossflow between the annular streams being in a generally radially inwardly direction.

Abstract: A mixing chamber for solids and feed such as in a fluidized 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.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for atomizing a liquid hydrocarbon feed and injecting it into a reaction zone, such as a riser conversion zone or a dense fluid bed reactor of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, is disclosed. The hydrocarbon feed passes through a central passage with steam flowing concurrently in a concentrically aligned passage. By providing a flow restriction means in each hydrocarbon passage and each steam passage, substantially equal quantities of hydrocarbon and steam can be supplied to each of a plurality of hydrocarbon-steam nozzles so as to provide a uniform dispersion of small droplets of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for converting coal and heavy oil to volatile hydrocarbons comprising a thermal cracking reactor having a thermal cracking zone enclosed in an interior tubular riser within a vertical shell, lower inlet means for receiving hot coal and heavy oil and upper outlet means for removing a first cracked hydrocarbon volatilized portion and a non-volatile portion, said outlet means including a plurality of horizontally radial conduits for distributing reaction products from the thermal cracking zone outwardly. An enclosed steam stripping zone is operatively connected to receive the non-volatile portion from the thermal cracking zone having means for contacting superheated steam with said non-volatile portion at higher temperature for removing a second volatilized hydrocarbon portion from the non-volatile portion.The apparatus includes a combustor having an upper heating chamber and a lower combustion chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning dirty gases using an apparatus comprising a particulate bed through which the dirty gases pass upwardly without being fluidized while a wash liquid descends through the bed .Clean gas supplied to a small region below the bed passes through a channel within the bed. Bed particles, preferably hollow spheres of polypropylene, are entrained in the clean gas and are transported by it to the top of the particulate bed. By this transportation, clogging, dense packing of bed material, and channel formation within the bed, are avoided.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus and method are disclosed for coating, granulating and/or drying particles. The particles are circulated within a chamber by means of circumferential air flow. A first gas stream moves upwardly through the chamber. A second gas stream enters the chamber through openings in the side wall of the chamber. The openings extend generally horizontally and tangential to the side wall so that the second gas is directed circumferentially in the chamber for three-dimensional rotation and circulation of the particles.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which at least a portion of the walls of the reactor housing are formed by a plurality of water wall tubes. A fluidized bed is formed in the housing and a plurality of heat exchange tubes are provided, at least a portion of each of which extends into the bed. One or both ends of each heat exchange tube registers with a water wall tube and a water flow circuit is formed that includes the water wall tubes and heat exchange tubes for passing the water in a heat exchange relation with the bed.

Abstract: A fluid bed system for retorting solid hydrocarbon-containing material, such as oil shale, coal and tar sands, in which solid hydrocarbon-containing material and heat carrier material are fed into a mixing chamber, mixed and rapidly transported upwardly by a lift gas through a lift pipe into a solids-containing vessel to retort the hydrocarbon-containing material with minimal thermal cracking of the liberated hydrocarbons to increase the recovery of condensable hydrocarbons. The retorted material can be conveyed to a dilute phase lift pipe and combustor vessel where carbon residue in the retorted material is combusted leaving hot spent material that can be fed into the mixing chamber as solid heat carrier material.

Abstract: A device for liquid-solid fluidized beds comprises a reactor in which a number of static mixing elements are disposed in superposed relation. A device of this kind, which is preferably used for chemical reactions, ensures high concentrations of solid and stable operation of the liquid-solid fluidized bed and has good radial exchange properties and reduced backmixing.

Abstract: The hydrotreatment of hydrocarbons in the liquid phase is effected in a column containing a catalyst bed supported by a grid, wherethrough passes an ascending stream of the charge admixed with hydrogen which expands the catalyst bed, the perforations of the grid being small enough to prevent passage of the catalyst particles but large enough to permit passage of the hydrogen-charge mixture, the reaction effluent being withdrawn from the top of the column.

Abstract: An improvement in or relating to the fluidized bed-type heating reactor for introducing into the fluidized bed thereof a water-containing substance to be treated such as an uranyl nitrate solution and subjecting the substance to heat treatment. The reactor of the invention is provided with a microwave-generating means for applying microwaves to the fluidized bed and thereby heating the same.

Abstract: A distillation-reactor for separating constituents of a feedstock having similar boiling points includes at least one stage with containing screens defining a series of containment volumes for a heterogeneous particulate catalyst. The catalyst is fluidized within the volumes defined by the containing screens by the action of vapor passing through the tray. Liquid flowing across the tray intimately contacts the fluidized catalyst and vapor without the occurrence of liquid back-up or high pressure drop.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for delivering a solvent in the liquid state to a surface to be cleaned. The volume of the solvent and the time interval during which it is applied to the surface are selected so that the solvent reaches the surface in the liquid state. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is water which is sprayed at selected time intervals onto the lower surface of the distributor plate supporting a fluidized bed of glass batch material for preheating.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cracking heavy hydrocarbons--for example, petroleum oil or coal tar. The reactor comprises an outer spherical pressure vessel and an inner vessel within the outer vessel. The inner vessel has an open bottom end. The cracking reaction takes place in the inner vessel and the products leave through the open bottom end. The reaction is inhibited in the outer vessel since the contents are maintained at a temperature insufficient to sustain the cracking reaction. The product is withdrawn, either continuously or intermittently, via an outlet. The coke produced may be fluidized in the outer vessel or may be allowed to settle. The inner vessel may be rotated slowly about its vertical axis and high pressure fluid jets directed at its surface to dislodge coke deposited on the inside and outside wall.The reactor may be used in a system for the simultaneous distillation and thermal cracking of crude oil. Feedstock is fed to a flash-settler having three sections.

Abstract: The invention described is concerned with atomizing an oil fraction of crude oil to provide a fog of oil droplets in diluent gaseous material which is sprayed into an upwardly flowing annular dense mass of catalyst particles to form a high temperature suspension therewith and conveyed through a riser conversion zone under selected hydrocarbon conversion conditions suitable for cracking the oil droplets to gasoline and light cycle oil boiling range products. The oil feed preparation and distribution arrangement to form a suspension with catalyst particles of desired elevated temperature is employed in combination with a two-stage catalyst regeneration operation designed and operated to achieve catalyst temperatures at least equal to the pseudo-critical temperature of the oil feed and at least above the end boiling point of gas oil boiling range material and resid product of vacuum distillation.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting particles with a fluid includes two tubes having different diameters and each including a straight lower section inclined relative to the horizontal and a straight, vertical upper section, the lower ends of the tubes being joined together. Fluid introduced into the lower ends of the tubes allows particles to drop slowly in the larger diameter tube and fluidizes the same particles in the smaller diameter tube.

Abstract: Nuclear fuels, such as uranium trioxide, are prepared by thermal decomposition of a nitrate in a fluidized bed reactor. The fluidized bed reactor for preparing uranium trioxide from uranyl nitrate by thermal decomposition has (a) a rectangularly shaped bed which satisfies the critical safety shape of .sup.235 U, (b) plural holes to supply an aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate into the reactor, (c) at least two reaction rooms divided by barriages, the bottoms of the barriers being capable of being lifted to control their distance from the floor and a mechanism by which uranium trioxide powder is taken out mainly by being overflowed from the top of the barriers through the reaction rooms, (d) heating means inside and outside of the fluidized-bed, and (e) a head structure which is upwardly V-shaped. Continuous operation can be attained with ease, and uranium trioxide can be made efficiently.

Abstract: A new, economical system for removal of persistent reducible organic compounds from aqueous streams by passing the stream, preferably at or near neutral pH, into a bottom inlet to a column to provide fluidization of metal reductant catalyzed to provide efficient and economical reduction or dechlorination of a variety of pesticides and other compounds such as PCB or chloroform. The system is especially useful to reduce the level of soluble, reducible hydrocarbons in very dilute waste streams (1 ppm or less) generally by 99% or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to contact-making between a gas phase, at least one liquid phase, and at least one comminuted solid phase.The process uses a cell or compartment provided with at least one deflecting means such as the sloping wall 3 designed to impart an overall circulatory motion to the solid phase and with gas phase distributor 1, supplying this compartment with solid products, supplying this compartment with a liquid phase so as to cover entirely the solid when at rest, and feeding the compartment with the gas phase through the distributor 1 for the purpose of generating in said compartment a periodic pulsing stage consisting of gas-phase decompressions and layer contractions.The invention permits achieving an intimate contact between three distinct phases for the purpose of transfer(s) or of reaction(s) between these phases.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus comprises a container 18 and a bottom screen 16. The screen 16 comprises a perforated plate 28 having a plurality of large openings therein above each of which is secured a perforated cone 34. Fluid blown through a duct 12 passes through the perforations in the plate 28 and the perforations in the cones 34 into material 10 which is thereby fluidized. Circulation of the material 10 is rendered more uniform and the risk of damage lessened.

Abstract: Coal is catalytically hydroliquefied by passing coal dispersed in a liquefaction solvent and hydrogen upwardly through a plurality of parallel expanded catalyst beds, in a single reactor, in separate streams, each having a cross-sectional flow area of no greater than 255 inches square, with each of the streams through each of the catalyst beds having a length and a liquid and gas superficial velocity to maintain an expanded catalyst bed and provide a Peclet Number of at least 3. If recycle is employed, the ratio of recycle to total feed (coal and liquefaction solvent) is no greater than 2:1, based on volume. Such conditions provide for improved selectivity to liquid product to thereby reduce hydrogen consumption. The plurality of beds are formed by partitions in the reactor.