Abstract: A reactor design and process for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is presented. The reactor design includes a multibed catalytic reactor, where each of the reactor beds are fluidized. The catalyst in the reactor cascades through the reactor beds, with fresh catalyst input into the first reactor bed, and the spent catalyst withdrawn from the last reactor bed. The hydrocarbon feedstream is input to the reactor beds in a parallel formation, thereby decreasing the thermal residence time of the hydrocarbons when compared with a single bed fluidized reactor, or a series reactor scheme.

Abstract: The efficiency of heat transfer to a furnace tube or coil in a furnace for cracking ethane, propane or naphtha feedstocks, or a mixture thereof may be improved by providing protuberances on the surface of the tube or coil having i) a maximum height from 3 to 15% of the coil outer diameter, ii) a contact surface with a coil, or a base, which area is 0.1%-10% of the coil external cross section area, and iii) a geometrical shape which has a relatively large external surface containing a relatively small volume.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing low volatility, high quality gasoline blending components from a number of isoparaffin feed streams, olefin feed streams, and ionic liquid catalyst streams. The process entails providing an isoparaffin feed stream comprising isoparaffins, an olefin feed stream comprising olefins, and a catalyst stream comprising ionic liquid catalyst, and subsequently splitting at least the reactive olefin feed stream for feeding into the reaction zone at different locations.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for maintaining a volumetric gas to liquid ratio in a segmented gas/liquid flow along a reactor of monolithic catalyst beds in series. The present invention includes the steps of: initiating the segmented gas/liquid flow at a first end of the reactor by introducing feed liquid and feed gas both at a predetermined volume and a predetermined flow rate; injecting an additional amount of gas at least once into any of the spaces between catalyst beds; and combining the segments of the segmented gas/liquid flow at a second end of the reactor. The injection of gas is controlled such that the segmented gas/liquid flow can be maintained near or at the Taylor regime.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alkylating an alkylation substrate with an alkylating agent in the presence of solid catalyst particles in a transport reactor is disclosed. Solid catalyst particles in the transport reactor effluent recirculate to the inlet of the transport reactor through one or more conduits. The rate through each conduit is regulated by fluid-controlled valves that use the alkylation substrate as the regulating fluid. This method and apparatus help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of catalyst from the effluent of the transport reactor to the bottom of the transport reactor. This method and apparatus also help ensure uniform or symmetric flow of alkylation substrate to the bottom of the transport reactor with minimal bypassing by the alkylating agent around of the transport reactor. This invention finds use in the production of motor fuels by the alkylation of liquid hydrocarbons in the presence of solid catalyst particles.

Abstract: A process for the nonoxidative dehydrogenation of an alkylaromatic feed stream wherein the feed stream is passed through a radial reactor containing nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts, wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts are arranged in vertically layered beds within the radial reactor, and wherein the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts include at least a first and a second nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalyst, wherein at least one of the nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts has a different performance and/or operating characteristic than at least one of the other nonoxidative dehydrogenation catalysts.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor, is allowed to flow through the gap between various porous tubes 4 constituting a group of porous tubes provided extending vertically in a decomposition reaction column 1 while air or oxygen is jetted homogeneously from the interior to the exterior of the porous tubes in the direction perpendicular to the stream of the hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor. The mixture is then ignited to form a diffusion flame layer B on the outer surface of the porous tubes 4. With the diffusion flame layer as a heat source, the hydrocarbon gas to be decomposed, optionally mixed with water vapor, undergoes pyrolysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting reactive distillations comprising a first distillation column, a first primary catalyst bed for carrying out a hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds comprising diolefins. The first primary catalyst bed is positioned in the distillation column to provide a first reaction zone for diolefins, and optionally, a first secondary catalyst bed above the first primary catalyst bed is provided as a second reaction zone for diolefins remaining in the first distillation column after the first reaction zone. A mixed saturated/unsaturated compound feed entry is provided below the first primary bed with a hydrogen feed below the primary bed. An overhead line connects to a second distillation column comprising a second primary catalyst bed for carrying out hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds comprising mono olefins from said first distillation column.

Abstract: Steam-free non-catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons in reaction zomes each having surfaces heated externally and a heated surface to volume ratio above 3 cm-.sup.1, at a rate such that the flow through each reaction zone is essentially laminar.

Abstract: A process for the thermal pyrolysis of hydrocarbons in a reactor (1) of elongate shape comprising at a first end supply means (5) for a gaseous mixture containing at least one hydrocarbon, at the opposite end discharge means (10) for the effluents produced and between these two ends supply means (9) for effluent cooling fluid, the reactor comprising in a first part (first end side) a plurality of electric heating means (3) enclosed by casings (4) disposed in substantially mutually parallel layers perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, in such a way as to define between the casings and/or the casings and the walls (22), spaces or passages for circulation of the gaseous mixtures and/or effluents. The heating means heat the passages in successive, individual, transverse sections which are substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor. The reactor comprises means for introducing into the casings (4) a gas G known as a casing gas which preferably contains water vapour and/or hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the production of aromatic hydrocarbons from an aliphatic hydrocarbon charge with 2 to 12 carbon atoms.The process comprises a stage of contacting a charge of at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon with 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a zeolitic catalyst composition optionally containing at least one metal, in a reaction zone (40) containing reaction tubes (3), said reaction zone being heated by at least partial immersion in an enclosure (1) containing a fluidized particle bed (13), characterized in that said particle bed is at least partly heated by a heat supply (19,23) resulting from the injection of hot gases produced in a zone outside said enclosure and introduced into the fluidized bed under conditions such that the reaction temperature is 400.degree. to 600.degree. C.Application to the production of benzene, toluene and xylenes.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel. A method for storing hazardous liquids and a penetration-resistant storage tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially fail-safe HF alkylation process and reactor apparatus. The elongated reactor vessel is enclosed in a subterranean well casing and an alkylate-containing hydrocarbon layer is maintained above the hydrofluoric acid to prevent release of gaseous HF in the event of sudden depressurization. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon layer contains light hydrocarbons which vaporize upon depressurization to effect Joule-Thompson cooling of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermal conversion of methane to hydrocarbons of higher molecular weight, comprising a reactor 1 of elongated shape, connected at a first end to means 5 for supplying gas mixture containing methane (process gas), and connected at the opposite end to discharge means 10, the reactor having a plurality of electric heating means 3 surrounded by sheaths 4 over a first part (towards the first end). The heating means, which are substantially parallel, are arranged in sheets which are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, so that spaces or passages for circulation of the process gas and/or effluent are defined between the sheaths and/or between the sheaths and the walls 22 separating two consecutive sheets. The heating means are adapted to heat the passages by successive independent cross sections substantially perpendicular to the axis of the reactor.

Abstract: A catalytic process for gas phase oxidative coupling of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds, the catalyst being a mixed basic metal oxide or sulfide catalyst. One preferred mixed basic metal oxide catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic method for the dimerization or codimerization or oligomerization, in particular selective, of olefins, carried out under pressure, in a reaction zone 1 containing a solid catalyst bed in which is disposed a plurality of hollow internal spaces 6.3a defined by walls, each being divided into an upper semi-space 6.3, 1a and a lower semi-space 6.3, 2a which communicate together through a connecting zone 6.6a. An autogenous thermoregulation fluid flows, in the form of a sheet, in said hollow internal spaces 6.3a after passing through a central distributing zone 6.1a and distributing zones 6.2a and before passing into collecting zone 6.4a and into a central collecting zone 6.5a.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for hydrogenating a stream of hydrocarbons is provided. The pressure and temperature of the stream are elevated and the stream is passed through two or more serially connected hydrogenation reaction zones. While passing through the reaction zones hydrogen is dispersed in the stream and the stream is caused to flow along successive downward and upward paths. The reacted stream is cooled prior to reducing the pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: A catalyst and a process for oxidative coupling of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds with aliphatic and alicyclic substituted aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to form a longer substituent hydrocarbon on the aromatic ring. The catalyst is mixed basic metal oxide catalyst, one preferred catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide. Reaction of methane with toluene and oxygen according to this invention results in conversion to styrene.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic method for the dimerization or codimerization or oligomerization, particularly selectively, of olefins, carried out under pressure, in a reaction zone 1 containing a solid catalyst bed into which is disposed a plurality of hollow internal spaces 6.3 defined by walls and through which an autogenous thermoregulation fluid flows, in the form of a sheet, after passing through a central distributing zone 6.1 and distributing zones 6.2 and before passing through collecting zones 6.4 and into a central collecting zone 6.5.

Abstract: A catalyst and process for oxidative coupling of methane, the catalyst being a mixed basic metal oxide catalyst. One preferred catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons having two carbon atoms, which comprises introducing methane gas into a reactor downwardly from the top, the reactor comprising a pair of reactor walls extending vertically and facing each other, one of the walls being maintained at a high temperature and the other being maintained at a low temperature, so that the methane gas is dimerized primarily through the dehydrogenation on the surface of the high temperature wall to form C.sub.2 hydrocarbons and hydrogen, and the C.sub.2 hydrocarbons are preferentially diffused and transferred to the low temperature wall side by thermal diffusion effects.

Abstract: A process is provided for the oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons wherein a mixture of methane and gaseous oxidant is contacted at reaction conditions with a solid oxidative contact agent which is essentially free of reducible metal oxide, the oxidative conversion taking place in the presence of a chalcogen promoter.

Abstract: A method of alkylating an alkylatable hydrocarbon with different alkylating agents, at different reaction temperatures and in a single reaction zone, in which an alkylatable hydrocarbon is contacted with an acid-type catalyst and at different points in an elongated reaction zone, the reaction zone effluent is separated into a hydrocarbon phase and a catalyst recycle phase and the reaction temperatures of the various alkylating agents are maintained at different temperatures by splitting the recycle catalyst phase into an equal number of streams and adjusting the reaction temperatures by adjusting the temperatures of the recycle catalyst phase streams, the relative proportions of the recycle catalyst phase streams or both. A method of starting-up the process and apparatus for conducting the process are also disclosed.