Method and system for handling slurries of varying liquid rates and solids content
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsDavid G. Hammond, Jorge L. Soto
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for collecting a plurality of slurries containing solid particles of varying particle size distribution and amount and performing a classification and separation on the slurries is provided whereby a fines-rich stream and a stream containing substantially coarse particles is obtained. The method and system includes separating the fines from the slurry liquid and thickening the separated coarse particles in a settling zone for subsequent use.
Claims7
In a three-phase slurry process wherein a plurality of liquid slurries are generated having different volumes and different solids content all of which require solids classification and separation, the improvement comprising:
- collecting the slurries as generated in one or more collection drums;
- agitating the collected slurries to maintain the solids therein suspended;
- withdrawing the collected slurries from the drum or drums when separation and classification is desired;
- and
- transferring the withdrawn slurries to a hydrocyclone wherein an overflow stream enriched in fines is obtained and an underflow stream containing coarse particles is obtained whereby the solids in said slurries is classified and separated.
A Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process comprising:
- contacting synthesis gas with a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst in a three-phase slurry bubble column under Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis conditions;
- processing a portion of the reactor slurry within or outside of the bubble column to provide a fines-laden slurry stream;
- removing catalyst of reduced activity from the bubble column for regeneration and subsequent return to the bubble column wherein the removed catalyst is first washed with liquid prior to regeneration thereby providing a slurry stream;
- collecting at least the fines-laden slurry stream and the slurry stream from pre-regeneration washing in a collection drum or drums;
- agitating and heating the collected slurries to maintain the solids therein in suspension and to prevent wax therein to solidify;
- transferring at a selected time the collected slurries to a hydrocyclone or bank of hydrocyclones to provide a fines-containing overflow stream or streams and a coarse catalyst-containing underflow stream or streams;
- transferring the overflow stream(s) to a solids concentration zone;
- removing solids from the concentration zone;
- removing liquid from the concentration zone and transferring for upgrading;
- transferring the underflow stream(s) to a solids settling zone;
- and
- periodically removing the solids from the settling zone and transferring it to the catalyst regeneration system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.