Controllable space velocity reactor and process
AssigneeUop LLC
InventorsDavid A. Lomas, Lawrence W. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and process for controlling space velocity in a fluidized catalytic conversion reactor. The catalyst flux rate can be adjusted during the process of the reaction to adjust the space velocity and maintain a fast fluidized flow regime therein. The set parameter in the reactor may be pressure drop which is proportional to catalyst density.
Claims20
A catalytic reactor for the catalytic conversion of a feed stream by contact with fluidized catalyst particles to produce a product stream, said reactor comprising:
- a reactor section defining a catalytic reaction zone and a feed inlet communicating with the reaction zone;
- a separation section for separating gaseous products from fluidized catalyst particles, said separation section defining a particle outlet for discharging fluidized catalyst particles and said separation section defining a gas recovery outlet for withdrawing said gaseous products from the separation section;
- a disengaging conduit extending from the reactor section to the separation section, in fluid communication with the reaction zone, for conducting the product stream and fluidized catalyst particles and defining a discharge opening for discharging the product stream and fluidized catalyst particles;
- at least one catalyst circulation pipe for conveying fluidized catalyst particles to the reactor section, and a catalyst control valve on said circulation pipe for controlling the rate at which catalyst particles are added to the reactor section;
- and
- a feed conduit for adding feed to said catalytic reaction zone;
- wherein said catalyst control valve is operable to control the space velocity in the reactor.
A process of catalytically reacting a feed by contacting it with catalyst particles at a controlled space velocity, said process comprising:
- delivering catalyst particles to a reactor section at a rate sufficient to provide a catalyst flux of between about 15 and about 1100 kg/m2s and a catalyst density in the reactor section between 48 and 320 kg/m3 upon fluidization;
- distributing a reactant stream to said reactor section at a rate sufficient to provide a superficial velocity of between about 1 m/s and about 9 m/s, that will fluidize the catalyst particles and contact the reactant stream with catalyst particles,
- contacting said catalyst particles with said reactant stream;
- catalyzing the conversion of the reactant stream to a product stream;
- and
- withdrawing catalyst particles and product fluid, including said product stream, from the reactor.
A process of catalytically reacting a feed by contacting it with catalyst particles, said process comprising:
- delivering catalyst particles to a reactor section at a catalyst circulation rate to provide a catalyst flux sufficient to provide a catalyst density in the reactor section upon fluidization;
- distributing a reactant stream to the reactor section at a rate sufficient to fluidize the catalyst particles and contact the reactant stream with catalyst particles;
- contacting said catalyst particles with said reactant stream;
- catalyzing the conversion of the reactant stream to a product stream;
- measuring a pressure drop in said reactor section;
- controlling the catalyst circulation rate in response to the pressure drop in the reactor section;
- and
- withdrawing catalyst particles and said product stream from the reactor section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.