Abstract: Processes and systems for dehydrogenating ethylbenzene may include mixing a steam stream and an ethylbenzene stream to form a feed mixture. The ethylbenzene/steam feed mixture may then be fed to a dehydrogenation reactor containing an alkali metal promoted catalyst. A liquid, selected from an alkali metal liquid, an alkali metal compound liquid, or a liquid solution comprising an alkali metal, may be injected into a feed stream, such as the steam stream, the ethylbenzene stream, or the ethylbenzene/steam feed mixture. Following injection, the liquid vaporizes and disperses into the feed stream upstream of the dehydrogenation reactor. The liquid may be maintained as a liquid from a point upstream of injection to an injection nozzle. The liquid is dispersed through the injection nozzle, in liquid form, to form droplets of liquid dispersed in the feed stream, which evaporate and/or dissolve into the vaporous feed stream.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, a composite oxide catalyst capable of effectively suppressing side reactions at the time of dehydrogenation of C4 hydrocarbons having single bonds or one double bond and a process for preparing butadiene, in particular 1,3-butadiene, with a high selectivity and a high yield using the same are described.

Abstract: Oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes to alkenes, e.g., propane to propylene, may use solid phase oxygen in VOx based mixed oxide catalysts. Beyond catalysis, the metal oxide species provide lattice oxygen. The catalysts can be prepared by depositing vanadium oxide(s) on ?-Al2O3 mixed with various alkaline earth metal oxide support, e.g., CaO, MgO, BaO, etc. Surface area, acidity, and reduction properties of the catalyst systems can be modified by the support. The catalysts may allow multistage reduction of VOx, indicating different VOx species. Vanadium on ?-Al2O3/CaO can suppress COx species, while vanadium on ?-Al2O3/BaO can yield at least ca. 49% olefins.

Abstract: A method for processing a chemical stream includes contacting a feed stream with a catalyst in a reactor portion of a reactor system that includes a reactor portion and a catalyst processing portion. The catalyst includes platinum, gallium, or both and contacting the feed stream with the catalyst causes a reaction which forms an effluent stream. The method includes separating the effluent stream from the catalyst, passing the catalyst to the catalyst processing portion, and processing the catalyst in the catalyst processing portion. Processing the catalyst includes passing the catalyst to a combustor, combusting a supplemental fuel in the combustor to heat the catalyst, treating the heated catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas to produce a reactivated catalyst, and passing the reactivated catalyst from the catalyst processing portion to the reactor portion. The supplemental fuel may include a molar ratio of hydrogen to other combustible fuels of at least 1:1.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to producing olefins and other products by oxidative dehydrogenation cracking of a hydrocarbon feed. In one embodiment, the method includes oxidative cracking a hydrocarbon feed comprised of plastic waste. Methods of the present invention employ dual functional catalyst comprising solid acids and metal oxides, which are capable of selectively oxidizing hydrogen to water rather than combustion of the hydrocarbon feeds or products. Additional aspects of the invention demonstrate catalyst synthetic methods for encapsulating metal oxides in the internal channels and cages of solid acids, thereby improving the selective oxidation of hydrogen to water and decreasing feed and product oxidation. The re-oxidation of the thus reduced metal oxide transfer agents supplies heat to drive the endothermic cracking of the feed.

Abstract: Processes and systems for dehydrogenating ethylbenzene may include mixing a steam stream and an ethylbenzene stream to form a feed mixture. The ethylbenzene/steam feed mixture may then be fed to a dehydrogenation reactor containing an alkali metal promoted catalyst. A liquid, selected from an alkali metal liquid, an alkali metal compound liquid, or a liquid solution comprising an alkali metal, may be injected into a feed stream, such as the steam stream, the ethylbenzene stream, or the ethylbenzene/steam feed mixture. Following injection, the liquid vaporizes and disperses into the feed stream upstream of the dehydrogenation reactor. The liquid may be maintained as a liquid from a point upstream of injection to an injection nozzle. The liquid is dispersed through the injection nozzle, in liquid form, to form droplets of liquid dispersed in the feed stream, which evaporate and/or dissolve into the vaporous feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for coating a surface of a porous material and a method of treating the surface of the porous material. More particularly, when the catalyst for coating a surface of a porous material and the method of treating the surface of the porous material of the present invention are used for butadiene synthesis reaction under high gas space velocity and high pressure conditions, heat generation may be easily controlled and differential pressure may be effectively alleviated, thereby providing improved reactant conversion rate and product selectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons which is based on iron oxide and a process for producing it. The catalyst comprises at least one iron compound, at least one potassium compound and from 11 to 24% by weight of at least one cerium compound, calculated as CeO2, wherein the at least one iron compound and the at least one potassium compound are at least partly present in the form of one or more K/Fe mixed oxide phases of the general formula KxFeyOz, where x is from 1 to 17; y is from 1 to 22 and z is from 2 to 34, and comprises at least 50% by weight, based on the total catalyst, of the K/Fe mixed oxide phases, and also a process for producing it.

Abstract: A system for promoting endothermic conversions includes a first and a second portion, a first and second supply, a first outlet and a heat exchanger. The first portion defines a first inner volume containing an oxygen transfer agent. The first supply contains one or more of hydrogen and a saturated hydrocarbon and is fluidly connected to the first inner volume. The first outlet conveys one or more of carbon dioxide, water, and an unsaturated hydrocarbon from the first inner volume. The second portion and the heat exchanger positioned within the second portion define a second inner volume containing reduced oxygen transfer agent. The second supply contains an oxidizing agent fluidly connected to the second inner volume. The heat exchanger also defines a third inner volume segregated from the second inner volume, and the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat resulting from the oxidation of the reduced oxygen transfer agent to the third inner volume.

Abstract: The invention discloses a binder-free high strength and low steam-to-oil ratio ethylbenzene dehydrogenation catalyst, which is characterized by comprising the following components in percentage by weight: (a) 60-85% Fe2O3; (b) 3-25% K2O; (c) 0.1-5% MoO3; (d) 3-20% CeO2; (e) 0.1-5% CaO; (f) 0.1-5% Na2O; (g) 0.1-5% MnO2, wherein the weight ratio of sodium oxide to manganese dioxide is 0.1-10; (h) 0.1-100 ppm of at least one element or oxide of Pb, Pt, Pd, Ag, Au, Sn; and no binder is added during the preparation of the catalyst. The low steam-to-oil ratio ethylbenzene dehydrogenation catalyst provided by the present invention contains no binder and maintains high strength, and has high activity and stability at low steam-to-oil ratio.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing a ferrite metal oxide catalyst, comprising (a) preparing a precursor solution by dissolving a magnesium nitrate precursor and an iron nitrate precursor in a polar solvent, (b) forming a catalyst powder by spray-pyrolyzing the precursor solution into a reactor using a carrier gas, and (c) calcinating the catalyst powder in a reservoir after conveying the catalyst powder to the reservoir. The method may increase the activity and stability of a catalyst powder by additionally performing a step of calcinating the catalyst powder at a certain temperature for a certain period of time, and may increase the purity of the catalyst by reducing moisture and nitrate remaining in the catalyst. Also, when using the catalyst in an oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butene, the selectivity and purity of 1,3-butadiene may increase.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating alkane or alkylaromatic compounds comprising contacting the given compound and a dehydrogenation catalyst in a fluidized bed. The dehydrogenation catalyst is prepared from an at least partially deactivated platinum/gallium catalyst on an alumina-based support that is reconstituted by impregnating it with a platinum salt solution, then calcining it at a temperature from 400° C. to 1000° C., under conditions such that it has a platinum content ranging from 1 to 500 ppm, based on weight of catalyst; a gallium content ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 wt %; and a platinum to gallium ratio ranging from 1:20,000 to 1:4. It also has a Pt retention that is equal to or greater than that of a fresh catalyst being used in a same or similar catalytic process.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst composition for use in preparing an alkenyl aromatic compound by dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic compound, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a process for using the catalyst in a dehydrogenation reaction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the reaction in a molar ratio of 0.015 to 0.20 based on an aromatic compound in a material gas. The catalyst further includes an iron compound, an alkali metal, and about 13 to about 60 wt % of a rare earth element calculated as an oxide.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon compound, such as an alkane or alkylaromatic hydrocarbon compound to produce an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, such as an olefin or vinyl aromatic compound or mixture thereof, in which a dehydrogenation catalyst contacts gaseous reactant hydrocarbons in a reactor at dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: A supported catalyst and process for dehydrogenating a hydrocarbon, the catalyst comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of tin, germanium, lead, indium, gallium, thallium, and compounds thereof; a second component selected from the group consisting of metals of Group 8 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and compounds thereof, and a support comprising alumina in the gamma crystalline form. The catalysts are especially active and efficient when employed in concurrent flow in a dehydrogenation reactor having an average contact time between the hydrocarbon and catalyst of from 0.5 to 10 seconds.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst is described that comprises an iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof. A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture of iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof is also described. Additionally, a dehydrogenation process using the catalyst and a process for preparing polymers are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons which is based on iron oxide and additionally comprises at least one potassium compound, at least one cerium compound, from 0.7 to 10% by weight of at least one manganese compound, calculated as MnO2, and from 10 to 200 ppm of at least one titanium compound, calculated as TiO2, and also to a process for the production thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons using the catalyst of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and transporting an alkali metal salt is shown. The apparatus has a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt solution and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit capable of transporting steam so that the alkali metal salt is dissipated into the steam forming a solution that can be transported, such as to a remote reaction zone. The solution can be transported via a third conduit that is capable of being heated by a heat source. The method can be used to add a promoter to a dehydrogenation catalyst during a dehydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a new styrene catalyst from a spent styrene catalyst.

Abstract: A high cerium-containing dehydrogenation catalyst of alkyl aromatic compounds used in industrial scale, comprising iron oxide and potassium oxide, having improved physical strength of catalyst pellets, and a method for producing the catalyst, and the dehydrogenation method using the catalyst are disclosed. In producing high cerium-containing pellets by using a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising iron oxide and potassium oxide, cerium carbonate hydroxide or a mixture of cerium carbonate hydroxide and other cerium compounds is used as a cerium source to produce catalytic pellets having improved physical strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for hydrocarbon conversion comprising contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock with a crystalline molecular sieve, in its ammonium exchanged form or in its calcined form, under conversion conditions to form a conversion product, said crystalline molecular sieve comprising unit cells with MWW topology and is characterized by diffraction streaking from the unit cell arrangement in the c direction as evidenced by the arced hk0 patterns of electron diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst is described that comprises an iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof. A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture of iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof is also described. Additionally, a dehydrogenation process using the catalyst and a process for preparing polymers are described.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a paraffinic hydrocarbon compound, such as an alkane or alkylaromatic hydrocarbon compound to produce an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound, such as an olefin or vinyl aromatic compound or mixture thereof, in which a dehydrogenation catalyst contacts gaseous reactant hydrocarbons in a reactor at dehydrogenation conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the life of a dehydrogenation catalyst are described herein. For example, one embodiment includes providing an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream to a reaction chamber, contacting the feed stream with a dehydrogenation catalyst to form a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, the dehydrogenation catalyst including iron oxide and an alkali metal catalysis promoter and supplying a catalyst life extender to at least one reaction chamber, the reaction chamber loaded with the dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein the catalyst life extender includes a potassium salt of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst composition for use in preparing an alkenyl aromatic compound by dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic compound, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a process for using the catalyst in a dehydrogenation reaction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the reaction in a molar ratio of 0.015 to 0.20 based on an aromatic compound in a material gas. The catalyst further includes an iron compound, an alkali metal, and about 13 to about 60 wt % of a rare earth element calculated as an oxide.

Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation are described. Surprisingly, Pd and Au alloys of Pt have been discovered to be superior for oxidative dehydrogenation in microchannels. Methods of forming these catalysts via an electroless plating methodology are also described. An apparatus design that minimizes heat transfer to the apparatus' exterior is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and transporting an alkali metal salt is shown. The apparatus has a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt solution and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit capable of transporting steam so that the alkali metal salt is dissipated into the steam forming a solution that can be transported, such as to a remote reaction zone. The solution can be transported via a third conduit that is capable of being heated by a heat source. The method can be used to add a promoter to a dehydrogenation catalyst during a dehydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for catalytically converting an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon into a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon by directing said alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and steam into a reactor containing dehydrogenation catalyst, said process comprising the steps of: (a) forming a mixed reactant stream consisting essentially of said alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and steam; (b) bringing said mixed reactant stream into contact with a dehydrogenation catalyst consisting essentially of iron oxide catalyst promoted with alkali metal and at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon to vinylaromatic hydrocarbon; wherein an effective amount of an alkali metal compound in the form of a powder is injected continuously or intermittently in at least one of the feedstocks sent to the dehydrogenation catalyst; said effective amount of alkali metal compound being sufficient to maintain substantially constant levels of conversion of alkylaromatic hydrocarbon and selectivity o

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation catalyst and a water gas shift co-catalyst can be used for the dehydrogenation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons to alkenylaromatic hydrocarbons. For instance, the catalyst can be used for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. The catalyst can include an iron compound, a potassium compound, and a cerium compound.

Abstract: Improved methods and related apparatus are disclosed for efficiently recovering the heat of condensation from overhead vapor produced during separation of various components of dehydrogenation reaction effluent, particularly in ethylbenzene-to-styrene operations, by the use of at least a compressor to facilitate azeotropic vaporization of an ethylbenzene and water mixture within a preferred range of pressure/temperature conditions so as to minimize undesired polymerization reactions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of styrene monomer by the dehydrogenation or oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of recycle gas and more particularly to a method of reducing the boiling point of liquid ethylbenzene feed in the production of styrene monomer. The process comprises the step of catalytically dehydrogenating or oxydehydrogenating ethylbenzene in the presence of a mixture, wherein the mixture substantially comprises carbon dioxide, thereby catalytically producing styrene monomer.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting ethylbenzene to styrene, comprising: flowing a feed composition comprising ethylbenzene in at least one process microchannel in contact with at least one catalyst to dehydrogenate the ethylbenzene and form a product comprising styrene; exchanging heat between the process microchannel and at least one heat exchange channel in thermal contact with the process microchannel; and removing product from the process microchannel. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a process microchannel, a heat exchange channel, and a heat transfer wall positioned between the process microchannel and heat exchange channel wherein the heat transfer wall comprises a thermal resistance layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing unsaturated hydrocarbons. According to said method, in a first step, a hydrocarbon, especially a mixture which contains alkanes, essentially no water, and can contain water vapour, is continuously guided through a first catalyst bed provided with standard dehydration conditions. Liquid water, water vapour and a gas containing oxygen are then added to the reaction mixture obtained in the first step and, in a second step, the reaction mixture obtained is then continuously guided through another catalyst bed for oxidising hydrogen and for further dehydrating hydrocarbons. The first catalyst bed can be heated and the heating in the first step is then preferably regulated in such a way that an essentially isothermic operating mode is created.

Abstract: Catalysts and methods are described for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of an oxidant gas, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, using a mixed metal oxide (MMO) catalyst or lithium-promoted sulfated zirconia catalyst to prepare styrene monomer. Ethylbenzene, steam or other inert gas, and an oxidant gas are fed to an oxydehydrogenation unit containing a MMO catalyst or lithium-promoted sulfated zirconia catalyst to produce a dehydrogenated product mixture. The dehydrogenated product mixture is cooled, off gases and condensate are separated from the mixture, and the dehydrogenated product mixture is fed to a distillation unit. Styrene monomer is distilled from the dehydrogenated product mixture.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant for carrying out a process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a first unsaturated hydrocarbon to form a second unsaturated hydrocarbon which has one olefinically unsaturated bond more than the first unsaturated hydrocarbon and otherwise an unchanged carbon skeleton, which process comprises: contacting in a first step a feed comprising the first unsaturated hydrocarbon with a first dehydrogenation catalyst having a temperature parameter T1 and a selectivity parameter S1, and contacting in a second step a reaction product of the first step comprising the first unsaturated hydrocarbon and the second unsaturated hydrocarbon with a second dehydrogenation catalyst having a temperature parameter T2 and a selectivity parameter S2, such that T1<T2 and S1<S2.

Abstract: A catalyst having at least 5 weight percent of an alumina compound useful for the dehydrogenation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons to alkenylaromatic hydrocarbons and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst is improved by increasing the water concentration maintained in the reactants toward the start of the catalyst's life, but after the catalyst has deactivated to the extent that the temperature required to maintain the conversion per pass of paraffinic hydrocarbon through the reaction zone increases by at least 2° C.

Abstract: A process for treating organic compounds includes providing a composition which includes a substantially mesoporous structure of refractory oxide containing at least 97% by volume of pores having a pore size ranging from about 15 ? to about 30 ? and having a micropore volume of at least about 0.01 cc/g, wherein the mesoporous structure has incorporated therewith at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one catalytically and/or chemically active heteroatom selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Fe, Sn, Mo, Ga, Ni, Co, In, Zr, Mn, Cu, Mg, Pd, Pt and W, and the catalyst has an X-ray diffraction pattern with one peak at 0.3° to about 3.5° at 2 theta (?). The catalyst is contacted with an organic feed under reaction conditions wherein the treating process is selected from alkylation, acylation, oligomerization, selective oxidation, hydrotreating, isomerization, demetalation, catalytic dewaxing, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, ammoximation, isomerization, dehydrogenation, cracking and adsorption.

Abstract: An improved dehydrogenation process that comprises the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons by the utilization of an iron oxide based dehydrogenation catalyst composition having a low titanium content under low steam-to-oil process conditions.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation catalyst is described that comprises an iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and indium or a compound thereof. A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture of iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and indium or a compound thereof is also described. Additionally, a dehydrogenation process using the catalyst and a process for preparing polymers are described.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a tungstated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a phosphorus component, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum. The catalyst has a structure other than a heteropoly anion structure.

Abstract: Process for production of styrene by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in a reactor system comprising a dehydrogenation reactor and a fast riser catalyst regenerator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the life of a dehydrogenation catalyst are described herein. For example, one embodiment includes providing a reaction vessel loaded with a dehydrogenation catalyst with a feedstream via a conduit in operable communication with the reaction vessel. The feedstream may include an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and the dehydrogenation catalyst may be adapted to convert the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon to a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The feedstream may be contacted with an aqueous catalyst life extender, wherein the aqueous catalyst life extender enters the conduit at a linear velocity sufficient to prevent vaporization of the catalyst life extender in the conduit prior to contact with the feedstream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extending the life of a dehydrogenation catalyst are described herein. For example, one embodiment includes providing an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream to a reaction chamber, contacting the feed stream with a dehydrogenation catalyst to form a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, the dehydrogenation catalyst including iron oxide and an alkali metal catalysis promoter and supplying a catalyst life extender to at least one reaction chamber, the reaction chamber loaded with the dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein the catalyst life extender includes a potassium salt of a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: High temperature treatment of graphite nanofibers to increase their catalytic activity. The heat treated graphite nanofiber catalysts are suitable for catalyzing chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-dehydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: A radial reactor for utilization for catalytic reactions of gaseous or liquid feedstreams including an annular catalyst bed, wherein the material contained within the catalyst bed includes an active catalyst material, contained within an outer ring-shaped layer of the catalyst bed, and a generally inert material, contained within an inner ring-shaped layer of the catalyst bed, wherein the generally inert material includes a potassium-containing compound, such as potassium oxide, hydroxide, carbonate or bicarbonate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst which process comprises preparing a mixture comprising iron oxide and at least one Column 1 metal or compound thereof, wherein the iron oxide is obtained by heating a mixture comprising an iron halide and at least 0.05 millimole of a metal chloride that is converted to a metal oxide under the heating conditions per mole of iron; a catalyst made by the above described process; a process for the dehydrogenation of an alkylaromatic compound which process comprises contacting the alkylaromatic compound with the catalyst; and a method of using an alkenylaromatic compound for making polymers or copolymers, in which the alkenylaromatic compound has been produced by the dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture comprising a treated regenerator iron oxide and at least one additional catalyst component; and calcining the mixture wherein the treated regenerator iron oxide is prepared by washing a regenerator iron oxide at a temperature below 350° C. such that the treated regenerator iron oxide has a chloride content of at most 500 ppmw relative to the weight of iron oxide, calculated as Fe2O3; the catalyst prepared by this process and the use of the catalyst in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: A process for producing a monoalkylation aromatic product, such as ethylbenzene and cumene, utilizing an alkylation reactor zone and a transalkylation zone in series or a combined alkylation and transkylation reactor zone.

Abstract: Described is a method for operating and shutting down a dehydrogenation reactor that contains a volume of dehydrogenation catalyst. After termination of the introduction of a dehydrogenation feed into the dehydrogenation reactor that is operated under dehydrogenation reaction conditions, a first cooling fluid comprising steam is introduced into the reactor for a first time period sufficient to cool the dehydrogenation catalyst contained in the dehydrogenation reactor to a second temperature. The introduction of the first cooling fluid is terminated followed by the introduction of a second cooling fluid for a second time period sufficient to cool the dehydrogenation catalyst contained in the dehydrogenation reactor to a third temperature that allows for the handling and removal of the dehydrogenation catalyst from the dehydrogenation reactor.