Lobular catalyst structure and reactor for hydrocarbon conversion by hot and compressed water based processes

A lobular catalyst for use in hydrocarbon conversion in a reactor operating at high temperatures and high pressures utilizing water at high temperatures and high pressures, the lobular catalyst comprising:

• a catalyst structure, wherein the catalyst structure is a plate-structure, the catalyst structure having a cross section comprising a plurality of lobes and a hollow core, wherein each lobe comprises an outward segment and an inward segment, the outward segments and the inward segments having semi-ellipsoid cross sections;
• and
• a catalytically active component, wherein the catalytically active component is selected from group consisting of:
• Group 3 through Group 12 transition metals, and combinations of the same;
• wherein the lobular catalyst is non-porous;
• further wherein the lobular catalyst is operable to facilitate reactions of hydrocarbons in the reactor, the lobular catalyst operable to withstand a reactor operating pressure in the range of 0 barg to 800 barg and a reactor operating temperature in the range of 1° C. to 900° C.