Uop Lcc

David J Fecteau

Christopher Naunheimer

Paul Alvin Sechrist

Leon Yuan

Kenneth David Peters

Gary A Dziabis

One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves. Each of the third and fourth valves can have a first position that is open and a second position that is closed, which may correspond, respectively, to the opening and closing of the first and second valves to allow gas to pass therethrough.

Hydrocarbon conversion unit including a reaction zone receiving transferred catalyst

A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a reforming unit can include passing a gas including a halogen-containing material from a product separation zone through an adsorption zone to remove at least some of the halogen-containing material before the gas enters a first reforming stage having at least one fixed bed reaction zone.

Process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a unit having fixed and moving bed reaction zones

The distribution of fluids within a radial-flow reactor is improved using vertically extended cylinders distributed around the circumference of the vessel. Cylinders with a circular cross-section provide substantial vertical strength, and the configuration minimizes low-flow areas which could cause undesirable reactions. The cylinders are isolated from particles in the reactor by a particle-retaining outer conduit. The cylinders may be fabricated in panels for ease of installation and servicing.

Fluid distributor for radial-flow reactor

One exemplary embodiment can include a method of controlling a catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading based on an expected level of a catalyst in a downstream vessel for a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The method can include calculating an expected catalyst level in the downstream vessel based on the unloading of the catalyst transfer vessel to adjust a setpoint to change the catalyst transfer vessel cycle of loading and unloading.

Method of transferring particles from one pressure zone to another pressure zone

In one exemplary embodiment, a process for regenerating a hydrocarbon conversion catalyst for a hydrocarbon conversion zone can generally include passing the hydrocarbon conversion catalyst through, sequentially, a catalyst-disengaging zone having a first atmosphere, an adsorption zone having a second atmosphere, and a regeneration zone including a combustion zone; introducing an inert gas between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere; and passing a flue gas from the combustion zone to the adsorption zone.

Process for regenerating catalyst for a hydrocarbon conversion zone

This invention is a reforming process that employs at least two moving bed reaction zones. One of the reaction zones, called the lead reaction zone, passes catalyst particles and a hydrocarbon-containing effluent to the other reaction zone, which operates at an inlet temperature that is at least 60.degree. F. (33.degree. C.) hotter than the lead reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, this invention employs no heating between the combined feed exchanger and the lead reaction zone. This invention is particularly applicable to reforming processes that employ continuous regeneration sections.

Growing community of inventors

Prospect Heights, IL, United States of America

David J Fecteau