Method for fluidizing spent catalyst

A method for fluidizing a spent catalyst in a regenerator during a combustion process, the regenerator including a vessel and an air distributor, the air distributor including an air grid disposed proximate to a lower tangent line of the vessel and a plurality of first nozzles extending from the air grid, the method comprising:

• introducing the spent catalyst into the vessel;
• providing air to the vessel via the plurality of first nozzles at a base combustion air rate;
• and
• providing additional air to the vessels via a plurality of second nozzles of a fluffing air distributor to fluidize the spent catalyst, the plurality of second nozzles having outlets that are disposed below the air grid and above a bottom head of the vessel;
• wherein the outlets of the plurality of second nozzles are disposed on at least two levels, each of the two levels being disposed at a different height distance from the air grid.

An apparatus for regenerating a spent catalyst, the apparatus comprising:

• a vessel for receiving the spent catalyst through a catalyst inlet and an air distributor disposed in the vessel, the air distributor comprising an air grid below the catalyst inlet and a plurality of first nozzles extending from the air grid into the vessel;
• an air source coupled to said air distributor;
• and
• a fluffing air distributor disposed in said vessel for fluidizing the spent catalyst, said fluffing air distributor comprising a plurality of second nozzles having outlets disposed below the air grid and above a bottom head of the vessel;
• wherein the plurality of second nozzles are disposed on at least two levels, each of the two levels being disposed at a different height distance from the air grid.