Praxair Technology, Inc.

Perry Raymond Pacouloute

Vasilis Papavassiliou

Raymond Francis Drnevich

Troy Michael Raybold

Shawn M Cecula

Thomas Edward Gajewski

A method and apparatus for producing a treated hydrocarbon containing stream for use as a feed to a hydrogen plant having a steam methane reformer in which an untreated hydrocarbon containing stream is introduced into two reaction stages connected in series to hydrogenate olefins and to convert organic sulfur species to hydrogen sulfide. The second of the two stages can also be operated in a pre-reforming mode to generate additional hydrogen through introduction of the oxygen and steam into such stage. A sulfur tolerant catalyst is used in both stages to promote hydrogenation and oxidation reactions. Sulfur is removed between stages by adsorption of the hydrogen sulfide to prevent deactivation of the catalyst in the second of the stages that would otherwise occur during operation of the second reaction stage in a pre-reforming mode of operation.

Hydrocarbon treatment method and apparatus

A catalytic reactor having a mixing section connected to a downstream reaction section containing a catalyst to promote a reaction of oxygen and a hydrocarbon fed to the catalytic reactor. The mixing section is provided with a flame arrestor to prevent a stable flame from propagating should any reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbons occur during mixing. The flame arrestor permits flow in both axial and radial directions to promote mixing. Baffle elements and a downstream static mixer can also be used. The catalyst is preferably in the form of monolithic blocks enclosed by a ceramic tube that is maintained as a unitary catalyst assembly that can be removed for replacement and installation of the catalyst as a single unit.

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Amherst, NY, United States of America

Perry Raymond Pacouloute