Abstract: A combustion subsystem with a circulating fluid bed boiler (12) having a pantleg configuration. The boiler includes front (22) and back (24) walls with external fluid bed heat exchangers (48) integral therewith. In addition to the conventional fuel inlets (54) which provide for entry of fuel into the side walls of the boiler through conduits connected to the seal pots (36) of solids recycle cyclones (30), supplemental fuel inlets (63, 66, 70, 72) are provided on the front and back wails of the boiler through the fluid bed heat exchangers or between adjacent fluid bed heat exchangers. The invention improves combustion efficiency in large boilers by reducing the theoretical mixing length within the boiler.

Abstract: Bed temperature in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) reactor is controlled by varying a recirculation rate of particles collected by a secondary particle separator back to the CFB reactor. Particle storage means, sized to contain sufficient inventory required for bed inventory/temperature control due to fuel/sorbent variations and/or load changes, stores particles collected by the secondary particle separator. The storage means can be either directly below the secondary particle separator or at a remote location. Particles collected by the secondary particle separator rather than by the primary particle separator are preferred due to their smaller size and lower temperature. A bed temperature control system controls the recirculation rate of these particles back to the reactor. Level sensing devices are provided on the storage means. A solids storage level control system that interacts with the bed temperature control system controls the solids inventory in the storage means via a purge system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid catalytic cracking system in which the catalytic cracking reaction takes place in a dilute phase, and the reaction product contains a reduced volume of off gas having a low concentration of SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x. The use of off gas, which is produced during a regeneration step, to strip entrained vapor from spent catalytic cracking catalyst acts to reduce SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x byproducts, and eliminates the need to separately recover and treat the off gas stream from the regenerator portion of the system. The entire process, including the reaction step, the stripping step and the regeneration step, can be performed in a single non-partitioned vessel.

Abstract: A fluid-permeable wall component of a sandwich-type construction has a slotted hole screen with substantially parallel extending vertical slot-limiting elements. A stabilizing grate is connected to the slot-limiting elements and includes connecting rods extending transverse to the slot-limiting elements and a louver-type construction with slats that extend transverse to the slot-limiting elements. The wall component is employed in an adsorption medium reactor of the fluidized bed type as a dividing wall for dividing the treatment chamber into compartments or an outer limiting wall. It retains particles of the adsorption medium within the divided compartments of the treatment chamber without obstructing the transverse fluid flow and allows separate removal of adsorption medium from either compartment.

Abstract: The centrifugal fluidizing granulator for powder coating granulation has a sensor for detecting changes of viscosity of the growing particles by means of a load cell or a displacement detector; and output signal of the sensor is compared with the data stored in a memory contained in a control unit which determines whether the growing particles are in their wetted state or dried state. The control unit controls the spraying of the liquid and the dispersion of the guest powder based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system in which a separator receives a mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate material from a fluidized bed in a furnace. A pressure seal valve, in the form of two ducts, connects an outlet of the separator to the furnace for recycling the separated particulate material back to the furnace. A pressure head builds up in one of the ducts and air is introduced to the other duct to dampen pressure fluctuations in the furnace and promote the flow of the particulate material back to the furnace.

Abstract: A method of heating or cooling particulate material by indirect heat exchange of the particles with the heat exchange fluid in a heat exchanger located outside and offset from the vessel that supplies the particulate material and to which the particulate material returns uses the addition of an open conduit to increase catalyst circulation through the heat exchanger. The open conduit has been found to be effective when used internally or externally. The internal use of the open conduit minimizes structural changes required to retrofit the conduit to existing back mix coolers. The use of the conduit for increased catalyst circulation allows a flow through type cooler duty to be produced in an amount of space that would ordinarily only permit the use of a backmix type cooler.

Abstract: A CFB reactor or combustor having an internal impact type primary particle separator provides cavity means and particle return means in an upper portion of the reactor enclosure to obtain direct and internal return of all primary collected solids to a bottom portion of the reactor or combustor for subsequent recirculation without external and internal recycle conduits.

Abstract: A distillation column reactor is provided having special trays arranged within the column to provide better mixing and thus achieve better mass and energy transfer between the liquid, vapor and catalyst. The trays comprise a slotted support plate for the catalyst with openings to allow vapor passage through the catalyst from the tray below. A draft chimney or riser is provided directly above the slotted openings to increase the vapor velocity and carry the liquid and catalyst upward on the tray. A hood is included at the upper end of the chimney to direct the liquid-vapor-catalyst flow back down onto the tray. The liquid from the tray above is distributed onto the tray about the chimney by distributors which preferably extend below the static catalyst level on the tray.

Abstract: The process for cleaning polluted solids by crushing the solids and removing the pollutants consists of mechanically fluidizing the crushed solids, through-blowing them with air and irradiating them with UV light, the air flow subsequently being subject to dust removal and irradiated with UV light again.

Abstract: A fluidized solid process for upgrading or converting a hydrocarbon feedstock wherein carbonaceous deposits accumulate on a particulate fluidized solid and are burned in a regenerator to regenerate the solid, the regenerated solid and entrained combustion products are introduced into a vertical lift pipe, a fluid lift medium is introduced into the lift pipe and the regenerated solid is separated from the lift medium and combustion products to improve the quality of the regenerated solid contacted with the hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor particles are internally circulated, moving down the walls forming the reactor chamber. A particle chamber having a particle gathering top wall with a horizontal projection area A is disposed in the downward flow of particles. Openings (e.g. holes or slots) with a controlling dimension of about 30 mm or less are provided in the top wall, the openings having total open area B less than half the area A. Heat transfer surfaces may be disposed in the particle chamber.

Abstract: A fluidized bed scrubber for use in gas cleaning systems, comprising means for introducing a quantity of polluted gas into a first chamber; means for removing a portion of the pollutants from the polluted gas in the first chamber; means for introducing the polluted gas into a second chamber; and means for removing additional pollutants from the polluted gas in the second chamber. The invention also provides an improved method for cleaning polluted gas, comprising the steps of passing the polluted gas from a combustion source through a fluidized bed scrubber, removing a plurality of pollutants within the fluidized bed scrubber, passing the fluidized gas through a reactor, passing the fluidized gas through a filter in order to remove further quantities of pollutants, and emitting the now-clean gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The average size of ammonium sulfate crystals is increased by passing undersized ammonium sulfate crystals through a multistage apparatus in which the crystals are contacted with an aqueous ammonium sulfate spray in a first heated chamber to increase the average size of the crystals, the enlarged crystals thereafter passing through a second heated chamber to dry the enlarged crystals.

Abstract: A catalytic cracking unit is disclosed which provides for separation and quenching of a catalytic cracking effluent.

Abstract: A product withdrawal tube for use in a fluidized bed reactor is disclosed. The tube features a plurality of elongated tubular segments which are fitted together to obtain flexible and sealing engagement between the segments whereby the tube is durable despite the vibrations and shocks experienced by it due to the operation of the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed process having a bed of fluidized particulate material which is susceptible to having at least some of the particulate material being entrained in the gases exiting the bed, the entrainment is reduced by introducing the particulate material into the process, in the substantial absence of a gas which transports the particulate material, at one or more points which are below the surface of the bed of fluidized particulate material.

Abstract: A direct resistance heating electrical furnace of the type in which a bed of electrically conductive elements are located between two spaced electrodes in the furnace, and a method of controlling the operation of same, are provided. The furnace is of the type having a generally tubular heating chamber with a pair of spaced electrodes associated therewith and conveniently located one at each end of the tubular heating chamber. The furnace has feed or discharge control means and the rate of feed or discharge is controlled according to the electrical resistance or current flow between the electrodes. No temperature measurement is required to control the furnace operation.

Abstract: The reactor includes: a lower zone (I) having a fast circulation fluidized bed; a zone having a dense fluidized bed (13) and located adjacent to the top of the lower zone, being separated therefrom by a dividing wall, the top layer of the dense bed receiving falling particulate materials, and its bottom layer returning these materials to the lower zone (I); and a higher zone having a fast circulation fluidized bed. The invention is applicable to boilers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an FCC process uses means for dissipating turbulent flow at the outlet of a disengaging vessel to provide a quick separation of catalyst from product vapors and to prevent reentrainment of catalyst into the disengaging vessel. The process and apparatus use a riser for the conversion of an FCC feedstock and direct the effluent from the riser directly into a disengaging vessel to separate catalyst from the product vapors. Catalyst is directed downwardly out of the outlet of the disengaging vessel and through a series of dissipator plates that dissipate turbulent flow by eliminating the tangential velocity that would be other-wise introduced by the vortex and would lead to reentrainment of catalyst. A stripping vessel is located immediately below the disengaging vessel outlet to receive catalyst as it leaves the dissipator plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an FCC process uses dissipator plates at the outlet of a disengaging vessel to provide a quick separation of catalyst from product vapors and to prevent reentrainment of catalyst into the disengaging vessel. The process and apparatus use a riser for the conversion of an FCC feedstock and direct the effluent from the riser directly into a disengaging vessel to separate catalyst from the product vapors. Catalyst is directed downwardly out of the outlet of the disengaging vessel and through a series of dissipator plates that eliminate the tangential velocity that would be otherwise introduced by the vortex and would lead to reentrainment of catalyst. A stripping vessel is located immediately below the disengaging vessel outlet to receive catalyst as it leaves the dissipator plates. The apparatus and process are specifically suited for operation without a reactor vessel for containment of the disengaging vessel and cyclones.

Abstract: A process for feeding a powder catalyst with a gas intermittently to a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor for the vapor phase polymerization of olefin, wherein the cross section of a catalyst feed pipe is reduced midway through the pipe to thereby make continual catalyst feeding possible and prevent the formation of a lump polymer.

Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process riser reactor effluent is rapidly separated into spent catalyst and hydrocarbon product. The separated hydrocarbon product is immediately quenched to an unreactive temperature in the absence of quenching spent catalyst. An increase in debutanized naphtha yield is achieved. By avoiding catalyst quenching, heat duty is saved in the catalyst regenerator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for containing particulate material e.g.: spent catalyst when evacuating an industrial reactor vessel used in hydrocarbon processing. A containment bag (3) is provided one end of which is located adjacent the wall of the reactor housing (1) about an outlet (2) thereof. The bag (3) has a panel defining side walls (4, 5), and a top wall (6) and an end panel (7) and assumes a generally cuboid shape when inflated in use. A barrier wall (22) may be constructed in the vicinity of the outlet (2) to provide additional containment. In one embodiment, a vent outlet G is defined in the region adjacent the vessel outlet to permit venting of steam and air whilst discharged particulate material is contained within the bag.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed reactor comprises a reaction chamber (10) with an upwardly directed flow of gas with entrained particulate solid material, a separator (18) for separating the particles from the gas flow, and a particle recycling system (23) for controlled return of the particles to the reaction chamber (10). The particle recycling system (23) may comprise means (47) for controlled return of the particles in a non-cooled condition and superposed fluid beds (55 and 59) which may be connected in parallel or in series as described for returning particles to the reaction chamber in a more or less cooled condition. The reactor may also render it possible to return various fractions of the particles into the reactor chamber (10) at different levels.

Abstract: A method of heating or cooling particulate material by indirect heat exchange of the particles with a heat exchange fluid in a heat exchanger is improved by the use of a gas vent that operates to pump catalyst into and out of a heat exchanger through a single opening. The build-up of a fluidizing medium in a particle cycling zone cycles catalyst into and out of a heat exchanger by opening and closing the single vent line. The method and apparatus of this invention are particularly useful for the cooling of FCC catalyst and simplifies the addition of a cooler by allowing the use of small size catalyst transfer lines. In addition, the method allows the catalyst cooler to be located a greater distance away from the FCC unit than possible in previous catalyst cooler designs.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved apparatus for stripping hydrocarbons from spent catalyst which offers ready access to stripper baffles for inspection and maintenance. The inner baffles move upwardly or downwardly on a conduit that slides over the central riser.

Abstract: A flue gas scrubber for removing sulfur from flue gas. This scrubber, whether a horizontal or a vertical scrubber and whether a dry or a semi-dry scrubber, incorporates a recycle line that separates heavier dry solid particles from the finer particles still entrained within the cleaned flue gas. This recycle conduit then delivers these removed dry solid particles back to the scrubber for re-injection therein so as to reduce the drying time of the reagent slurry sprayed within the scrubber. Such drying time is reduced by the recycle of these dry solids because of the increased surface area overwhich the reagent is now sprayed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for achieving turbulent or fast fluidized bed regeneration of spent FCC catalyst in a bubbling bed regenerator having a stripper mounted over the regenerator and a stripped catalyst standpipe within the regenerator. A coke combustor vessel, which may be partially or totally open to the dilute phase above the bubbling bed, is added to the existing regenerator vessel Spent catalyst is discharged into the coke combustor, regenerated in a turbulent or fast fluidized bed, then discharged into the dilute phase region above the bubbling bed, either via a deflector or by simply overflowing the combustor. Regeneration of catalyst is completed in the bubbling dense bed, and/or an annular fast fluidized bed surrounding the coke combustor. Catalyst may be recycled from the dense bed to the coke combustor either by a flow line, or by adjusting relative heights of bubbling to fast fluidized bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion unit, which for effecting a circulating mass process comprises a reactor chamber, whose lower part is, for formation of a fluidized bed, fitted with a grate structure (10), at least one particle separator with means for purifying the combustion gas containing solid material, formed in the fluidized bed, from said solid material, and a return duct (6a) for returning the solid material particularly to the fluidized bed. A gas lock structure (KL) as an extension of the return duct (6a) prevents the gas flow to the opposite direction and comprises a combination formed by a closed bottom structure (14), a cover structure (11) placed above the bottom structure (14) and having openings (12a), an interspace (13) formed between the bottom structure (14) and the cover structure (11), and openings (15a) placed in the wall of the return duct (6a) between the bottom structure (14) and the cover structure (11), as seen in vertical direction, and connected with the interspace ( 13).

Abstract: A multichamber type fluid bed reaction apparatus has a series of chambers formed by dividing the fluid bed part and the wind box part thereof with particular walls. Each reaction chamber is supplied with a reaction gas whose composition, flow amount and temperature can be selected arbitrarily. A fluid bed, a moving bed or a fixed bed may be used in each divided chamber. Regulation of particle formation, gas-particle reaction and amount of particles transferring between the chambers results in an improvement of efficiency and a simplification of the apparatus.

Abstract: Catalyst which has become deactivated during a hydrocarbon synthesis (HCS) process is reactivated - rejuvenated using an external reactivation - rejuvenation vessel resulting in a multiple HCS reaction - catalyst rejuvenation reactor vessel design. Flow of the catalyst is synthesis product slurry from the reactor vessel to the rejuvenation vessel and the flow of rejuvenated catalyst back to the reactor vessel are driven by gravity only.

Abstract: A riser cyclone separator for rapidly separating catalyst from cracked hydrocarbon vapors in a fluid catalytic cracking process. The riser cyclone is provided with an annular port for drawing stripping gas into the riser cyclone to separate entrained catalyst and vent stripper gas from the regenerator vessel. The cyclone is inherently negative pressure to the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A fluidized catalytic cracking process and apparatus operates with a single or multi- stage refluxed catalyst stripper. Recycle, or reflux, of stripped catalyst to the stripping zone improves stripping. Preferably, a two stage hot stripper is used. Addition of regenerated catalyst to spent catalyst from the reactor heats spent catalyst in a first stripping stage, which preferably uses stripping steam. Catalyst from the first stripping stage passes up through a second stage stripping zone with a heat removal means, e.g., a stab-in tube bundle. Steam or flue gas fluidizes catalyst, improves heat transfer and strips the catalyst. Some catalyst from the second stage stripper is preferably recycled to the inlet to the first stripping stage. Additional hot regenerated catalyst may be added downstream of the first catalyst stage to heat the second stripping stage, added to catalyst removed from the primary stripping zone which is sent to the regeneration zone.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a sealing section is located within the reactor and adjacent a furnace section located in the reactor. A fluidized bed is formed in the furnace section and the sealing section. A mixture of flue gases and entrained particulate materials from the fluidized bed in the furnace section are separated and the separated particulate material is passed to the fluidized bed in the sealing section. When bed materials in the fluidized bed in the sealing section exceed a predetermined volume they are passed to the fluidized bed in the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for introducing a catalytically active powder into a reactor (20) for gas phase alpha-olefin polymerization. The device comprises a storage vessel (3) containing the powder, a metering valve (4) delivering metered quantities of the powder into an intermediate chamber (5) comprising at least one obstacle (6) separating an upper part (5a) of the chamber (5) comprising an auxiliary gas inlet (2a) from a lower part (5b) terminated by an outlet orifice (5c). A connecting pipe (18) connects the outlet orifice (5c) to a mixing device (8) situated on a conveying pipework (15) communicating with the reactor (20). The powder is introduced into the reactor in a dilute suspension form and in a more uniform rate.

Abstract: Activated carbon regeneration is carried out in a downwardly moving bed with superheated steam moving upwardly through the bed. The superheated steam is maintained in a closed loop which comprises the steam treatment vessel, a steam pump and a steam superheater. The superheated steam is supplied at low pressure (e.g. less than about 10 psig) and provides the heat for volatilizing water and desorbed organic volatiles. The resulting dry, partially regenerated activated carbon may be re-used directly, but preferably is treated in a vacuum chamber to remove residual water and additional adsorbate.

Abstract: A reactor for refining resid includes an elongated vertical vessel containing a bed of catalyst which is expanded or ebullated by a liquid/gas mixture. The mixture rises in an updraft through the bed and then is recirculated with an increased velocity by an ebullating pump. To reduce gas holdup of the ebullated bed and to promote a more uniform flow, the gas is entrapped by two cascaded stages of baffles which have an internal conical shape to guide, direct, and entrap the gas. One of these two stages has a shape which creates a countercurrent in the flowing liquid to deflect any catalyst particles which might otherwise be elutriated by the increased velocity.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor and method of operating same in which a bed of particulate material including fuel is formed in a furnace section. A stripper/cooler is located adjacent the furnace section for receiving particulate material from the furnace section. The particulate material is passed first to the stripper section where air is passed through the particulate material at a velocity sufficient to entrain relatively fine portions of the particulate material. A plurality of spaced baffle members are disposed in the stripper section for impacting with the entrained particulate material to separate it from the air. The particulate material in the stripper section is passed to the cooler section in which air is passed through the particulate material at a velocity sufficient to cool the particulate material and entrain relatively fine portions of the particulate material.

Abstract: A method of converting a side by side FCC arrangement adds a new reactor vessel and uses the regenerator vessel and reactor vessel to provide a regeneration section having at least three stages of regeneration that is used as part of an enlarged FCC process. In simplest form, the conversion method calls for the use of the regeneration vessel as a first-stage regeneration zone, the use of the reactor vessel as a second-stage regeneration zone, and the use of the spent catalyst stripper as a third stage of regeneration. This arrangement provides a second stage of regeneration that is positioned to facilitate the addition of partially regenerated catalyst to the stripping zone to facilitate the operation of a hot catalyst stripping section.

Abstract: A riser reactor which includes a wall extending downward to an enlarged housing at the bottom of the riser reactor, where the housing has (a) an inlet for introducing catalyst particles into the housing and includes a first fluidization device, where the length of the inlet is from two to three times the diameter of the inlet, and (b) a second fluidization device below the first fluidization device, and (c) where the housing has above the inlet a centrally arranged diamond-shaped directing structure secured to the wall, where the directing structure has a lower and upper portion and where the directing structure and the wall define a passage, where the lower portion of the directing structure and the wall defines an upwardly converging portion in the passage and where the upper portion of the directing structure and the wall define an upwardly diverging portion in the passage.

Abstract: An process and apparatus are disclosed for fluidized bed catalyst regeneration in a cross-flow type regenerator. A baffled coked catalyst inlet located within the dense bed of catalyst disperses and distributes coked catalyst flow in a direction generally normal to the direction of flow in the catalyst inlet. The baffle significantly reduces the stagnant regions in the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.

Abstract: A process for feeding a powder catalyst with a gas intermittently to a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor for the vapor phase polymerization of olefin, wherein the cross section of a catalyst feed pipe is reduced midway through the pipe to thereby make continual catalyst feeding possible and prevent the formation of a lump polymer.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of a particulate sorbent and a particulate FCC catalyst, which are physically separable, sequentially in the same FCC riser, followed by separation of commingled spent catalyst and sorbent particles from vapors, and the subsequent primary partial regeneration and heat up of spent sorbent particles and catalysts particles in an oxygen deficient burning zone, followed by physical separation of partially regenerated catalyst and sorbent particles, preferably using a cyclonic classifier to effect the separation. This is followed by secondary regeneration of the resulting segregated partially regenerated sorbent and catalyst streams in oxygen rich combustion zones to fully regenerate sorbent and catalyst particles.

Abstract: The conventional wye (where the clean regenerated catalyst returns from the regenerator to contact the feed as it enters the riser) is replaced with two or more wyes, all connected between the regenerator outlet and the inlet to a common short cracking riser. Each wye has a separate injector which can inject; e.g., diesel oil, so that neat (unmixed) diesel contacts clean catalyst and the mixture rises up a smaller riser before entering a short main riser where the largely cracked mixture is admixed with similar cat-vacuum bottoms, etc. mixtures from the other wyes. Most cracking occurs before entering the common riser so the effect is similar to a riser cracker operating on a single unmixed feed.

Abstract: An FCC process and apparatus is arranged to provide a low volume dilute disengagement zone in a reactor vessel. A vented riser that provides an open discharge of catalyst and gaseous products is directly discharged into a reactor vessel. The interior of the reactor vessel is arranged such that the outlet of the reactor riser is located close to and directed at the top of the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel operates with a dense bed of catalyst having an upper bed level that is only a short distance below the outlet of the reactor riser. The cyclone separators are located to the outside of the reactor riser and circulate catalyst back to the dense bed of the reactor section.

Abstract: In a method of operating a fluidized bed, gas under pressure is distributed into the bed through a gas permeable member extending transverse to the bed and a gas permeable wall of a discharge conduit wherein the relative permeability of the gas permeable member and the conduit is selected so as to obtain a desired distribution of gas entering the bed and a desired effect on the fluidization pattern in the bed.

Abstract: Process for discharging solid particulate products present in a fluidized bed reactor in which the polymerization or copolymerization of alpha-olefins is carried out, in a system consisting of a vessel connected to the reactor by way of a pipe provided with a first valve and connected to a reservoir situated downstream by way of a pipe provided with a second valve, the said method being characterized in that:the two valves consist of continuously rotating plug, valves, these valves being moved in such a way that the two valves are not open at the same time, even partly, and the volume of the vessel comprises between 1/10 and 1/000, and preferably between 1/100 and 1/500 of the volume of fluidized solid contained in the reactor.

Abstract: A circulating fluid bed reactor comprises a reactor chamber having a circumscribing wall, a particle separator to receive a particle - gas suspension from the reactor chamber, and means for returning the particles separated by the particle separator to the reactor chamber. In order to eliminate problems due to heat expansion of the parts of the reactor and to provide a simple structure, the particle separator has at least one cyclone having a chamber with a cylindrical outer surface forming a part of the circumscribing wall of the reactor chamber.