Modular catalyst bed support
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsAntonio O. Ramos, Benjamin S. Umansky, William J. Tracy, III, Ramesh X. Gandhi, Hans G. Korsten, John T. Wyatt, JR., William J. Novak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular catalyst bed support can be used to increase the number of catalyst beds available in a reactor. The modular catalyst bed support can include a lattice with a plurality of lattice openings and modules inserted into the lattice openings. The modular catalyst bed support can rest on top of an underlying catalyst bed, which can reduce or eliminate the need for attachment of the modular catalyst bed support to the walls of the reactor.
Claims20
A modular catalyst bed support that is not welded to the walls of a reactor, comprising:
- a lattice structure having a plurality of lattice openings;
- a plurality of endcap pieces attached to the lattice structure to form a lattice skirt;
- and
- a plurality of modules inserted into the lattice openings, a module comprising:
- a top surface, the plurality of module top surfaces forming a catalyst support surface;
- a bottom surface;
- and
- an interior surface that includes a lip, the lip overlapping one or more edges of the lattice structure when a module is inserted into a lattice opening, the plurality of module interior surfaces forming a flow distributor,
- wherein the modular catalyst bed support is formed from pieces that can pass through an opening having a diameter of about 28 inches or less.
A kit for assembly of a modular catalyst bed support that is not welded to the walls of a reactor, comprising:
- a plurality of lattice pieces that can be joined together to form a lattice structure having a plurality of lattice openings;
- a plurality of endcap pieces capable of being attached to the lattice structure to form a lattice skirt;
- and
- a plurality of modules capable of being inserted into the lattice openings, a module comprising:
- a top surface, the plurality of module top surfaces, when assembled, forming a catalyst support surface;
- a bottom surface;
- and
- an interior surface that includes a lip, the lip overlapping one or more edges of the lattice structure when a module is inserted into a lattice opening, the plurality of module interior surfaces forming a flow distributor when assembled,
- wherein the kit for assembly of the modular catalyst bed support is formed from pieces that can pass through an opening having a diameter of about 28 inches or less.
A method for dividing a catalyst bed in a reactor without welding a catalyst bed platform to a structural portion of the reactor walls, comprising:
- passing a plurality of modular catalyst bed support components into a reactor through an opening having a diameter of about 28 inches or less, the reactor having a first catalyst bed volume, the modular catalyst bed support components including lattice components and a plurality of modules;
- constructing a modular catalyst bed support within he reactor using the modular catalyst bed support components;
- supporting the modular catalyst bed support with a plurality of bed support hangers;
- loading a lower catalyst bed in a lower catalyst bed volume;
- supporting the modular catalyst bed support on the lower catalyst bed;
- and
- loading an upper catalyst bed that is supported by the modular catalyst bed support in an upper catalyst bed volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.