Method and Apparatus for Addition of an Alkali Metal Promoter to a Dehydrogenation Catalyst

A method of enhancing the activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst promoted with an alkali metal during a catalytic dehydrogenation reaction, comprising:

• forming a first solution by utilizing an apparatus for adding an alkali metal salt to steam;
• the apparatus having a first conduit capable of transporting a first stream of the alkali metal salt, the first conduit having at least one opening through which the first stream can exit the first conduit;
• a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is capable of transporting a second stream comprising steam, wherein as the first stream exits the first conduit it is dissipated into the second stream forming the first solution containing alkali metal salt of the first stream in solution with the steam of the second stream;
• and
• bringing the first solution into contact with the dehydrogenation catalyst.

A method of revamping an existing facility for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to make styrene utilizing a potassium promoted iron based catalyst comprising:

• adding an apparatus to a steam input stream for vaporizing an alkali metal salt into the steam input stream;
• the apparatus having a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt;
• the first conduit having at least one opening through which the alkali metal salt can exit the first conduit;
• a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is capable of transporting a steam input stream;
• wherein as the alkali metal salt exits the first conduit it is dissipated into the steam input stream forming a third stream containing alkali metal salt in solution with the steam.