Use of a continuous catalyst regeneration type reformer for the aromax® catalyst process

A reforming reactor system comprising:

• a continuous catalyst regeneration (CCR) system comprising at least one reactor stack, wherein each reactor stack comprises at least two radial flow reactors that separately comprise a reforming catalyst capable of catalyzing the conversion of hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon feed to provide a reactor effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons;
• a regeneration reactor system connected to the at least one reactor stack via a spent catalyst transfer system, and configured for regenerating the spent reforming catalyst;
• wherein the reforming reactor system is configured for movement of the reforming catalyst through the at least one reactor stack over a time period of at least 180 days;
• and
• wherein the reforming catalyst comprises a Group VIII metal, a silica-bound L-zeolite support, and at least one halogen, and wherein the reforming catalyst has a crush strength of less than about 15 lbf, and wherein the CCR system is configured for:
• initial introduction of reforming catalyst into at least one topmost reactor via a purge vessel and a reduction reactor, wherein the at least one topmost reactor is a topmost reactor of one of the at least one reactor stacks;
• and
• introduction of fresh hydrocarbon feed into a bottommost radial flow reactor of one of the at least one reactor stacks, such that reforming catalyst and hydrocarbon feed flow counter-currently therethrough, wherein the bottommost radial flow reactor of each of the at least one reactor stacks acts as a guard bed to protect downstream reactors in the at least one reactor stack, which contain more active catalyst, from at least one undesirable compound selected from sulfur, heavies, nitrogen, or a combination thereof.