Mobil Oil Corporation

Fouad A Aly

Richard G Graven

Paul W Snyder

David W Lewis

Simon Y Yeung

The present invention comprises a fixed bed reactor, a method of loading catalyst into the reactor to minimize plugging and to improve the uniformity of fluid flow across the reactor, and a hydrotreating process employing the novel reactor. The system utilizes removable partition forms and/or permanent interbed baskets to create gradual transition zones between catalyst layers and to significantly increase the open area available for flow at the interface of such zones.

Loading techniques for downflow reactors

A distributor system for use in multiple bed, downflow reactors which provides improved distribution across the reactor and improved vapor/liquid contact and distribution. The system comprises a collection tray arranged below the first catalyst bed in the reactor, a first, rough distributor tray which is arranged below the collection tray and which is fed from the collection tray by means of spillways in the tray and a mixing chamber beneath the spillways. The first distributor tray provides for separate vapor and liquid flow by means of apertures in the tray or downward flow of liquid and vapor chimneys for downward flow of vapor. After the first distributor tray, a second, final distributor tray is provided with downcomers for flow of liquid and vapor onto the lower catalyst bed. Each downcomer comprises an open-topped tube with a side aperture for entry of liquid into the tube, vapor entering through the open top of the tube.

Distribution system for downflow reactors

A vapor distribution device for installation inside a vessel at the outlet of conduit means, a packed bed tower employing said vapor distribution device, and a method of sizing said vapor distribution device are disclosed. The present invention provides uniform vapor flow distribution across the vessel diameter.

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Newtown, PA, United States of America

Fouad A Aly