Slurry hydroprocessing
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsTapantosh Chakrabarty, Ghosh Mainak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reactor system is provided which is particularly suitable for hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon under catalytic slurry hydroprocessing conditions. This reactor system includes a single reaction zone containing at least one filter element for the separation of liquid product from catalyst particles in the reaction zone. Means are provided for backwashing the filter element. Preferably, at least two filter elements are provided one of which is used for separation of product and the other for introduction of hydrogen into the reactor. Additionally, means are provided for switching the flow between the two filter elements thereby permitting continuous operation of the system.
Claims3
A process for slurry hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon under slurry hydroprocessing conditions to an upgraded product which comprises:
- adding a heavy hydrocarbon and particulate catalyst to a reaction vessel containing at least one first filter element disposed to be in contact with the hydrocarbon and catalyst;
- introducing hydrogen into the vessel under hydroprocessing conditions to form an upgraded product;
- filtering upgraded products formed in the vessel through the first filter element for removal from the slurry;
- at a predetermined time intervals stopping the filtering and removing of product through the first filter element and introducing hydrogen through the first filter element whereby hydroprocessing and separation of products, are conducted in a single vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.