Including Means To Strip Reaction Mass From, Or To Regenerate, The Particulate Matter (including Fluidized Bed Regenerators, Per Se) Patents (Class 422/144)
  • Patent number: 7517500
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed contacting hydrocarbon feed with catalyst in a reactor vessel under conditions more vigorous than bubbling bed conditions and preferably fast fluidized flow conditions. The vigorous conditions assure thorough mixing of catalyst and feed to suppress formation of dry gas and the promotion of hydrogen transfer reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: David A. Lomas
  • Publication number: 20090035191
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for combusting dry gas to heat the air fed to an FCC regenerator to increase its temperature and minimize production of undesirable combustion products. Preferably, the dry gas is a selected FCC product gas. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Xin X. Zhu, James P. Glavin
  • Patent number: 7484773
    Abstract: Self purging expansion joint can include first annular seal sleeve connecting bellows to first conduit and second annular seal sleeve connecting bellows to second conduit. Flow-restricting orifice(s) can allow a higher pressure external fluid to flow through the annular passage to purge the bellows and into the primary fluid flow passage of the expansion joint containing a lower pressure fluid. Self purging expansion joint can be utilized in a disengager vessel of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, for example, between primary and secondary stripping cyclones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Phillip K. Niccum
  • Publication number: 20080286164
    Abstract: A method of processing a fluid and/or a particulate material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing the particulate material into a chamber; (b) providing a flow of fluid into said chamber for entraining the particulate material; and (c) removing processed fluid and/or particulate material from the chamber; wherein the chamber comprises a processing zone having a substantially circular transverse cross-section, the fluid flow being introduced into the processing zone at an angle of between 10° and 75° with respect to a tangent of the substantially circular transverse cross-section of the processing zone to establish a fluid flow following a substantially helical path in the processing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Mortimer Technology Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Edward Dodson
  • Publication number: 20080253943
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for vapor phase catalytic oxidation which is almost free of variations in reaction states in respective reaction tubes of the fixed bed multi-tube heat-exchanger type reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Shuhei Yoda, Masayasu Goriki, Hirochika Hosaka, Kimikatsu Jinno, Teruo Saito, Yoshiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080253937
    Abstract: A stripping apparatus is described for the gas-solid separation process in a fluidized bed in a counter-current flow of a stripping fluid. The apparatus includes sets of perforated baffle-plates with holes, fixed in series, alternating central and lateral plates inside a stripping chamber. The holes in the baffle-plates, in number, size and in circular or elliptical lay-out, are oriented in offset position in relation to the holes in the parallel and subsequent baffle-plates, reducing the damage of erosion on the perforated baffle-plates and optimizing stripping of the fluidized solid particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Claudia Maria de Lacerda Avarenga Baptista, Henrique Soares Cerqueira, Jose Mozart Fusco
  • Patent number: 7431894
    Abstract: A catalyst withdrawal apparatus and method for regulating catalyst inventory in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC) unit is provided. In one embodiment, a catalyst withdrawal apparatus for removing catalyst from a FCC unit includes a pressure vessel having a metering device coupled to a fill port. A heat dissipater is located adjacent the metering device and is adapted to cool catalyst entering the pressure vessel. A sensor is coupled to the pressure vessel arranged to provide a metric indicative of catalyst entering the pressure vessel through the metering device. In another embodiment, a method for regulating catalyst inventory in a FCC unit includes the steps of determining a change of catalyst present in a FCC unit, withdrawing catalyst from the FCC unit into an isolatable storage vessel coupled to the FCC unit, measuring the amount of catalyst disposed in the storage vessel, and removing the measured catalyst from the storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 7429363
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved separator for use in hydrocarbon cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Yuan, Warren Letzsch, Gary Jackson, Jim Evans, John Hood
  • Publication number: 20080216655
    Abstract: The system of the present invention comprises a centripetal cyclone for separating particulate material from a particulate laden gas solids stream. The cyclone comprises a housing defining a conduit extending between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. In operation, when a particulate laden gas-solids stream passes through the upstream housing inlet, the particulate laden gas-solids stream is directed through the conduit and at least a portion of the solids in the particulate laden gas-solids stream are subjected to a centripetal force within the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Pannalal Vimalchand, Guohai Liu, Wan Wang Peng
  • Patent number: 7399450
    Abstract: A fluidized-bed reactor is disclosed. The fluidized-bed reactor steadies the gas flow through the fluidized bed chamber of the reactor. The swirl chamber of the reactor consists of a conical housing in which a conical insert is also situated. This creates an annular gap between the housing and the insert, which acts as the swirl chamber and which, according to the geometry of the two components, causes a velocity of the gas flow which remains the same along the height, which increases or which decreases. Such a reactor can also be called a constant annular-gap reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Sebastian Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20080161624
    Abstract: An improved process and system for the endothermic dehydrogenation of an alkane stream is described. The process and system of the present invention comprise a back-mixed fluidized bed reactor. The alkane stream is dehydrogenated in a single reactor stage by contacting the alkane stream with a back-mixed fluidized bed of catalyst. Deactivated catalyst is withdrawn from the back-mixed fluidized reactor and heated to produce hot regenerated catalyst. The hot regenerated catalyst is returned to the back-mixed fluidized bed reactor at a rate sufficient to maintain the back-mixed fluidized bed reactor at substantially isothermal conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Bryan K. Glover, Julie A. Zarraga, Michael A. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20080152562
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for increasing mixing in a regenerator. Streamlines of gas and some catalyst may form in a regenerator as a result of cyclone inlet horns positioned in the same direction. Overall mixing in the regenerator may decrease because of these streamlines. A dampening device may be used to interrupt the streamlines and increase mixing in the regenerator. The dampening device may be a baffle and direct streamlines from the outside of the chamber toward the center to collide and mix. In another embodiment, a dampening device may be a secondary disengager positioned above the disengager near the center of an upper chamber of a regenerator. The secondary disengager may be a T-disengager or may have an inverted can arrangement that may discharge gas and catalyst near the center of the upper chamber and interrupt the streamlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad Reza Mostofi Ashtiani, Keith A. Couch
  • Publication number: 20080152550
    Abstract: Thermal cracking in a riser cracking, closed cyclone, fluidized catalytic cracking process is reduced. A snorkel or flow conduit having an inlet just above the catalyst stripper moves stripper vapor into the closed cyclone. The system preferably operates without a stripper cap, relying on fluid dynamics to isolate stripper vapor from upper parts of the vessel containing the riser outlet. Preferably the snorkel is at least partially supported by, and ideally is inside, the primary cyclone dipleg. Reduced residence time of stripper vapor in the vessel containing the stripper and the closed cyclone system reduces thermal cracking of stripper vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hartley Owen
  • Publication number: 20080152563
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for increasing mixing in a fluidized bed. A slide, which may be in the form of a tube or trough, transports particles from an upper zone downward to a lower zone at a different horizontal position, thereby changing the horizontal position of the particle and creating lateral mixing in the fluidized bed. Increased mixing may improve efficiency for an apparatus using a fluidized bed. For example, increased lateral mixing in a regenerator may increase temperature and oxygen mixing and reduce stagnation to improve efficiency. A slide may be relatively unobtrusive, inexpensive, and simple for a retrofit or design modification and may improve combustion efficiency at high rates by enhancing the lateral blending of spent and regenerated catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Keith A. Couch, Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad Reza Mostofi Ashtiani
  • Patent number: 7378059
    Abstract: A test unit for the study of catalysts in short contact time reactions between a catalyst and at least one reagent, with a down transported flow reactor (4), with a load inlet (13, 13a, 13b) and a discharge outlet (14) linked with an admission inlet (15) to an upper chamber (39) of a separator (5) internally divided into an upper chamber (39) and a lower chamber (41) by a porous element (40) that is permeable to gases and impermeable to solid particles of catalyst, and a first preheater (1) provided with an outlet (2, 2a) connected with the inlet (13, 13a, 13b) of the reactor (4) via a load duct (42) in such a way that arranged between the outlet (2, 2a) and the load inlet (13, 13a, 13b) are some obturator means (3, 3a) in which the catalyst is heated to a desired temperature before they are loaded into the reactor (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad Politecnica De Valencia
    Inventors: Avelino Corma Canós, Laurent L. A. Sauvanaud, Francisco V. Melo Faus
  • Publication number: 20080107571
    Abstract: A gas generating system comprises a catalytic reactor in fluid communication with a sulfur separator. The catalytic reactor oxidizes a fuel to provide a supply of carbon dioxide. The sulfur separator removes sulfur components from the stream before or after the fuel is oxidized. A portion of the hot exhaust gas from the catalytic reactor can be used to regenerate an adsorption bed of the sulfur separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: RUSSELL JOHNSON, STEPHEN F. YATES, REHAN ZAKI
  • Patent number: 7368090
    Abstract: An distributor arrangement introduces spent FCC catalyst more uniformly across the dense bed of the regenerator to provide more even contact with regeneration gas in order to avoid hot spots and zones of incomplete combustion. The invention forms a fluidized hopper to collect spent catalyst and a horizontally extended header with multiple horizontally extended outlet arms to place catalyst into the regenerator. The invention may use an aeration means to fluidize the header to further assist catalyst flow. Furthermore, the spent catalyst delivered to the top of the regenerator dense reduces NOx emissions in the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Daniel N. Myers, Mikhail Tretyak, Rusty M. Pittman, Steven Niewiedzial
  • Patent number: 7344634
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus and process for contacting hydrocarbons with catalyst. The reactor apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular reactors each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed and a second end through which the catalyst and product exit the tubular reactor. A catalyst retention zone is provided to contain catalyst and feed catalyst to the tubular reactors. A separation zone is provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the apparatus. A transport conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the second ends of at least two of the tubular reactors and a second end extending into the separation zone transports product and catalyst to the separation zone. A catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the catalyst retention zone returns catalyst to the catalyst retention zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: David A. Lomas
  • Patent number: 7332132
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for stripping gases from solids comprises a structured packing in a stripping section of a vessel. The structured packing comprises a plurality of corrugated ribbons with each corrugated ribbon having at least two faces angular to each other. The ribbons at least partially obstruct passage of the solid particles. Edges of adjacent ribbons defining openings for the passage of contacted particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Zhanping Xu, Paolo Palmas, Mitchell J. Kowalczyk, Matthew J. Westby, Weikai Gu, J. Mark Houdek, Daniel R. Monkelbaan
  • Patent number: 7332133
    Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside said disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Emanuel Freire Sandes, Paulo Sérgio Freire, José Geraldo Furtado Ramos, Aurélio Medina Dubois, José Mozart Fusco, Eduardo Cardoso de Melo Guerra, Wilson Kenzo Huziwara
  • Patent number: 7332134
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus and related method for controlling at least one process variable in a circulating fluid bed oxygenates to olefins reactor system comprising a riser are provided. The process variable is selected from at least one of (i) space velocity, (ii) average reaction temperature, (iii) conversion of reactant, and (iv) average coke level on catalyst. Typically, a corresponding set point for at least one process variable is selected from (1) reactant feed rate, (2) feed enthalpy, (3) reactor temperature-related function, e.g., mid-temperature or rate of temperature rise along a portion of the reactor, and (4) catalyst hold-up in the riser of the reactor. A corresponding manipulated variable is selected from (a) feed flow control valve(s), (b) feed preheat rate, (c) activity of the catalyst in the reactor, and (d) amount of catalyst in the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Lattner
  • Patent number: 7303731
    Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe2O3. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Belma Demirel, Mark S. Bohn, Charles B. Benham, James E. Siebarth, Mark D. Ibsen
  • Publication number: 20070251863
    Abstract: This invention relates to the catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feed. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus and process utilizing a catalyst stripper section of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) reactor with chordal trays designed to provide improved stripping of hydrocarbons from spent FCC catalyst in an FCC reactor stripping zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Brian A. Cunningham, Christopher G. Smalley, Richard C. Senior, Joseph S. Famolaro, Rathna P. Davuluri, David L. Johnson, James H. Beech, Jeffrey S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7285694
    Abstract: Systems and methods for converting organic material into commercially viable products, such as burnable low sulfur engine fuels. The system of the present invention includes an anaerobic stripping reactor for processing organic materials into a bio-softened slurry, a thermobaric cracking chamber and expansion/separation tank for converting the bio-softened slurry into products, and a hydrocarbon separation system for separating the various products. An interfusion system can be provided that selectively combines various of the products to create fuels, such as diesel or gasoline. In one embodiment, the thermobaric cracking chamber operates approximately in the ranges of 350 to 600° F. and 400 to 1,200 psig. In a specific embodiment, the anaerobic stripping reactor is segregated into three areas to create buffer zones both into and out of the anaerobic stripping reactor, thus isolating a main portion of the organic material from reactive shocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: John W. Countz
  • Publication number: 20070232843
    Abstract: A gas-solids reaction system is provided for improving product recovery in a multiple reactor reaction system. The solids of the product gas-solids flows from the multiple reactors are separated out in a separation vessel having a baffled transition zone. Additional product vapor is stripped from the solids as the solids pass through the baffled transition zone. The solids are then returned to the multiple reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: James H. Beech, Richard E. Walter, Arun K. Sharma, Jeffrey S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7276210
    Abstract: A stripping apparatus for desorbing gases from solid particles through which flows counter-currently a stripping fluid is described, which comprises a series of sets of at least two parallel, segmented, baffle plates each, with the segmented baffles being oriented so that the rows are offset relative to rows of other levels, where the thickness and separation of said sets of baffles is so dimensioned as to reduce coalescence of the size of the formed bubbles and optimize the hydrocarbons desorption from said fluidized solid particles. The solid particles are mainly spent catalyst particles from a FCC process. The stripping process to be carried out in a fluidized bed comprises contacting the spent catalyst with a stripping fluid that flows upwardly in the fluidized bed in the form of bubbles. Adsorbed hydrocarbons present in the spent catalyst are transferred from the catalyst emulsion that flows downwardly to the upwardly moving bubbles, so as to promote the efficient recovery of cracked products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. -Petrobras
    Inventors: Henrique Soares Cerqueira, Cláudia M De Lacerda Alvarenga Baptista, José Mózart Fusco
  • Patent number: 7250140
    Abstract: A fluid catalytic reactor vessel having at its upper end a single centrally positioned primary cyclone having a gas-solids inlet fluidly connected to the downstream end of a fluid catalytic riser, which riser is positioned externally from a fluid catalytic reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is further provided with a gas outlet conduit at its upper end fluidly connected to one or more secondary cyclone separators, which secondary cyclone separators are positioned in the space between the centrally positioned primary cyclone and the wall of the reactor vessel and which secondary cyclones have means to discharge solids to the lower end of the reactor vessel and means to discharge a gaseous stream poor in solids to a gas outlet of the reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is further provided with a primary stripping zone at its lower end and means to discharge pre-stripped solids from the primary cyclone to the lower end of the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ye-Mon Chen, Thomas Shawn Dewitz, Hendricus Arien Dirkse, Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries, Richard Addison Sanborn
  • Patent number: 7220351
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feed is described, carried out in at least two reaction zones, one (30) operating in catalyst riser mode, wherein the feed and catalyst from regeneration zone (3) are circulated from bottom to top, the first gases produced are separated from the coked catalyst in a first separation zone (38), the catalyst is stripped (40), a first cracking and stripping effluent (42) is recovered and the coked catalyst is recycled (45) to the regeneration zone. Catalyst (12) from regeneration zone (3) and a hydrocarbon feed (19) are introduced into the upper portion of a dropper reaction zone (16), the catalyst and feed being circulated from top to bottom, the coked catalyst is separated from the second gases produced in a second separation zone (20), the second gases (24) produced are recovered and the coked catalyst is recycled (25) to the regeneration zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Renaud Pontier, Patrick Leroy, Jean-Paul Lepage, Marcelin Espeillac
  • Patent number: 7214252
    Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis and gasification of organic substances and mixtures thereof is provided with a pyrolysis reactor (1), a fluidized-bed firing (3) for pyrolysis residue, a reaction zone (2) for the pyrolysis gases (13) and circulating fluidized-bed material (35). The pyrolysis reactor (1) has a sluice for introducing application material (10) thereinto. An inlet for the fluidized-bed material (35) is disposed next to the combustion fluidized bed (3). Transport apparatus (14) for mixture of solid pyrolysis residue and circulating fluidized bed material (35) is disposed at or near a bottom of the fluidized bed (3) and lower end of the pyrolysis reactor (1). An overflow is situated at or near the top of the fluidized bed (3) while a heat transfer member is positioned within the reaction zone (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Herhof Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krumm, Günter Funk, Stefan Hamel
  • Patent number: 7195741
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each of the riser reactors having a first end into which a catalyst can be fed and a second end through which the catalyst can exit the riser reactor, a separation zone into which the second ends of the riser reactors extend, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus; and at least one catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the first ends of the riser reactors, the catalyst return being provided to transfer the catalyst from the separation zone to the first ends of the riser reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lattner, Jeffrey S. Smith, Nicolas P. Coute, Keith H. Kuechler
  • Patent number: 7182918
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Conoco Phillips Company
    Inventors: Victor G. Hoover, Max W. Thompson, Darrin D. Barnes, Joe D. Cox, Philip L. Collins, Christopher J. Lafrancois, Ronald E. Miranda, Ricky E. Snelling, Jean B. Thesee, Robert Zapata
  • Patent number: 7179427
    Abstract: An apparatus for the countercurrent contacting of a gas and downflowing solid particles includes a housing and a plurality of baffles positioned within the housing. The baffles are arranged in at least first and second vertically spaced levels in successively lower position, each of the first and second levels including a row of at least two baffles oriented parallel to one another and inclined from horizontal so as to facilitate movement of the solid particles and provide the maximum area for flow. Baffles are oriented so as to laterally shift the direction of downflowing particles transversely as the particles move from one level to the next lower level and avoid channeling of the phases. The number of baffles, length and spacing is optimized to provide maximum interfacial area for interaction between the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Marchant, Dalip S. Soni, Leonce Castagnos
  • Patent number: 7179426
    Abstract: A catalyst activator vessel for heat conditioning a catalyst is disclosed. The activator vessel includes inner and outer vessels, a perforated, normally generally horizontal grid plate within the inner vessel, and a fluid path extending through the grid plate within the vessel. The inner vessel can have an inside diameter of at least 50 inches (1.27 m). The space between the inner and outer vessels defines a flue. The perforated grid plate within the inner vessel can have an upper surface perforated with a pattern of overlapping, generally conical depressions and a lower surface, optionally overlapping by at least 17%. The fluid path extends upwardly through the perforated grid plate and is a conduit along which a fluid flows through the grid plate. The fluid will fluidize a particulate material, such as a catalyst, disposed above the grid plate in the inner vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: John D. Hottovy, James E. Hein, Dale A. Zellers
  • Patent number: 7179428
    Abstract: The invention is related to a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) reactor having an elongated reactor riser and a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel has a dense phase fluidized stripping zone and a catalyst outlet at its lower end and at its upper end a cracked vapor outlet and a cyclone separator fluidly connected to the outlet of the reactor riser. The cyclone separator is provided with a dipleg which lower open end terminates below the upper bed level of the dense phase fluidized stripping zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries
  • Patent number: 7172685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Conocophillips Company
    Inventors: Max W. Thompson, Behzad Jazayeri, Robert Zapata, Manuel Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7160518
    Abstract: A cyclone separator provided with an inlet for receiving gas and solid particles, + a gas outlet at its upper end and a lower tubular part, wherein the lower tubular part is provided with a closed lower end, through which closed lower end a substantially vertical particle withdrawal conduit extends from a position below the closed lower end to a position in the tubular part and below the inlet for receiving gas and solid particles, said conduit being provided with openings to withdraw solid particles from the cyclone separator and wherein said conduit has a smaller cross-sectional area than the lower tubular part, thereby defining a space between conduit and inner wall of the lower tubular part, wherein in the lower part of said space main means to add a primaxy fluidizing medium are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ye-Mon Chen, Thomas Shawn Dewitz, Hendricus Arien Dirkse, Hubertus Wilhelmus Albertus Dries, Richard Addison Sanborn
  • Patent number: 7153478
    Abstract: A downflow catalytic cracking reactor, comprising the following components: catalyst delivery pipe (1), reactor top cover (2), feed nozzle (3), reactor vessel (6), downflow reaction pipe (9), the upper end of the outer body is close connected to top cover (2) along the direction of circumference; the bottom of the outer wall body is close connected to the outer wall of the downflow reaction pipe; the upper section of the downflow reaction pipe is located inside the reaction vessel, while the lower section extends from the bottom of the outer body; feed nozzle (3) is located on the top cover (2) and/or side wall of the reactor vessel (6) with the outlet of the feed nozzle being above the inlet of the downflow reaction pipe; catalyst delivery pipe (1) is fixedly joined to the reactor vessel and in communication with catalyst lifting zone (7) formed by the reaction vessel and the downflow reaction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing Sinopec
    Inventors: Kejia Xu, Shuandi Hou, Jun Long, Xiaoxiang Zhong, Jiushun Zhang, Zhanzhu Zhang, Songnian Li, Xuefeng Wu, Jun He
  • Patent number: 7150860
    Abstract: An apparatus and process in which a catalyst nozzle and a feed nozzle are joined together at a joint in a reactor vessel that contains a disengaging transport conduit in communication with a separator. An inlet to the transport conduit is disposed vertically higher than the joint to reduce the quantity of catalyst that enters the transport conduit with the vapor product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Palmas, Steven Niewiedzial
  • Patent number: 7135152
    Abstract: A gas-agitated multiphase reactor system with multiple reaction zones comprising gas-liquid or gas-liquid-solid mixtures that can maximize the production rate while allowing better control of the temperature distribution and better control of the liquid and solid phases in the reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Rafael L. Espinoza, Jianping Zhang, Sergio R. Mohedas, James D. Ortega, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7135151
    Abstract: A particular arrangement of an FCC unit creates an immediate and sustained gravity separation of catalyst and hydrocarbon vapors in short contact time cracking operation. A transverse feed contactor ejects the mixture of catalyst and hydrocarbon vapors transversely into a central portion of a separation vessel for vertical disengagement of catalyst from vapors. The vapors travel upwardly in the vessel into an inertial separator that quickly segregates entrained catalyst from the hydrocarbon vapors and collects separated catalyst at a higher elevation for stripping of adsorbed hydrocarbons from the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paolo Palmas
  • Patent number: 7118715
    Abstract: A baffle-style stripper for an FCC process comprising sloped baffles in which a greater volumetric flow rate of stripping medium permeates openings in a bottom section of the baffle than through a top section of the baffle for low catalyst flux stripping operations. When low catalyst flux is used, the catalyst runs from baffle to baffle closer to the bottom edge of the baffle. Hence, more fluidization from stripping medium is concentrated near the lower edge of the baffle. The greater fluidization at the bottom section of the baffle is accomplished by providing greater opening area per baffle area in the lower section of the baffle than in the top section of the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Thuy Khanh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7112307
    Abstract: A riser reactor system for conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock to ethylene and propylene is described. The riser reactor system prevents riser reactors with a plurality of inlet ports for feeding gases having different compositions and for controlling the residence time of a gas catalyst within the riser reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Hayim Abrevaya, Joel T. Walenga, Michael A. Schultz, Anil R. Oroskar
  • Patent number: 7087154
    Abstract: An apparatus for downflow fluid catalytic cracking is described, which comprises a regenerated catalyst riser carrying regenerated catalyst and a carrying fluid, those being directed through a crossover section to a distributor that will centrifuge gas and separate catalyst from carrying fluid, the catalyst being directed to a downflow reactor through a distributing basket provided with perforations. The upper part of the reactor is provided with feed injectors, which atomize the feed so that feed vaporization and feed and catalyst admixture is optimized. After the cracking reaction in downflow reactor, reaction products are separated and spent catalyst is directed to stripping and regeneration sections. The FCC process carried out in the apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Andréa de Rezende Pinho, José Geraldo Furtado Ramos, Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Cláudio Fonseca Machado dos Santos, Mauro Silva, Aurélio Medina Dubois, Nelson Patricio Junior, Jorivaldo Medeiros, Paulo Sérgio Freire, Walcondiney Pereira Nunes, Paulo Sérgio Moreira Assumpção
  • Patent number: 7083762
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus and process. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed, a second end through which the catalyst can exit, and optionally a center axis extending therebetween. The apparatus also includes a separation zone having a plurality of inlets, each inlet not being oriented along the center axes of the riser reactors, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. A plurality of deviating members are also provided, each deviating member being in fluid communication between the second end of a respective riser reactor and a respective inlet of the separation zone. The apparatus also includes a catalyst retention zone provided to contain catalyst, which is fed to the riser reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Holroyd Kuechler, James R. Lattner, Nicolas P. Coute, Jeffrey S. Smith, Justin Leonard Krieger
  • Patent number: 7081229
    Abstract: A second stage cyclone dipleg termination device for cyclones that operate under conditions in which the pressure in the top of the cyclone dipleg is lower than the external pressure where fine particulate matter is collected and discharged. The second stage cyclone dipleg termination device operates in a separator vessel (2) or a vessel of the regenerator of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) converter to reverse the pressure conditions commonly found in this type of equipment. One end of a cyclone dipleg (7) is joined to a collector vessel (11), in such a way that a portion of the dipleg (7) enters into the inside of the collector vessel (11). The end of the dipleg (7) is connected to the conventional, normally used sealing device (17) in second stage cyclone (4) diplegs (7). The collector vessel (11), in turn, has on its bottom an outlet in the form of the dipleg (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.
    Inventors: Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Eduardo C. de Melo Guerra, Waldir Pedro Martignoni, Aurélio Medina Dubois, Luiz Carlos Casavechia, José Mozart Fusco
  • Patent number: 7077998
    Abstract: A catalytic cracking reaction-regeneration system, comprising a regenerator, a settler, a gas-solid separator, a buffer, a riser reactor, a horizontal reaction tube, a catalyst delivery pipe, and a down-flow reactor. This system can be used for experiments and researches on various processes such as riser catalytic cracking, sectional feeding, instantaneous contact, and down-flow catalytic cracking and can be used for catalyst evaluation tests. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Xuefeng Wu, Jun He, Zhanfeng Zhang, Xianglin Yu, Xiaoxiang Zhong
  • Patent number: 7077997
    Abstract: An FCC apparatus uses a cantilevered support for supporting baffles in a stripping vessel. Only one end of the support is fastened to a wall of a contacting conduit or a wall of the stripping vessel and the other end is spaced apart from the near wall of the contacting conduit or the stripping vessel. The arrangement provides for easier maintenance and accommodates differential thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Michael S. Sandacz
  • Patent number: 7033546
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus and process for contacting hydrocarbons with catalyst. The reactor apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular reactors each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed and a second end through which the catalyst and product exit the tubular reactor. A catalyst retention zone is provided to contain catalyst and feed catalyst to the tubular reactors. A separation zone is provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the apparatus. A transport conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the second ends of at least two of the tubular reactors and a second end extending into the separation zone transports product and catalyst to the separation zone. A catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the catalyst retention zone returns catalyst to the catalyst retention zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: David A. Lomas
  • Patent number: 7022221
    Abstract: An FCC apparatus uses a cantilevered support for supporting baffles in a stripping vessel. Only one end of the support is fastened to a wall of a contacting conduit or a wall of the stripping vessel and the other end is spaced apart from the near wall of the contacting conduit or the stripping vessel. The arrangement provides for easier maintenance and accommodates differential thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Brian W. Hedrick
  • Patent number: 7011740
    Abstract: A method and system for recovering fines from a light FCC-type effluent gas. Cracked gases from the reactor are cooled by direct contact with circulating oil in an oil quench tower. The circulating oil also washes out the catalyst fines carried with the reactor effluent gas. A flow of the oil from the quench tower bottoms is sent through one of a pair of filters to remove fines and recycled to the tower. The other filter is in backwash operation using a compressed gas to remove the fines therefrom and into a surge drum. Fuel oil or quench oil is added to the drum to form a slurry, which carries the catalyst fines to the regenerator where the oil is combusted to supply the FCC system heat requirements. Since a minimum amount of fuel oil is generated in the FCC, fuel oil is imported to inventory the quench tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tallman, Robert B. Peterson, Maureen F. Gilbert