Catalytic reaction chamber for gravity-flowing catalyst particles

Abstract

A catalytic reaction chamber for contacting a reactant stream with catalyst particles which are disposed as an annular-form bed and are downwardly movable therethrough via gravity-flow. The annular catalyst bed is spaced between a catalyst-retaining screen and a scalloped, perforated centerpipe. A plurality of vertically-positioned catalyst-transfer, or withdrawal, conduits are circumferentially-disposed substantially adjacent the outer surface of the scalloped centerpipe and extend the entire length of the catalyst bed. These contain a first plurality of apertures which face into the bed of catalyst particles and which are sized to permit catalyst particles to flow therethrough. A second plurality of apertures is disposed opposite the first plurality of apertures, and sized to inhibit the flow of catalyst particles therethrough. The latter serve to conduct reactant stream vapors out of the transfer conduits into the scalloped, perforated centerpipe and insure a hydrogen atmosphere surrounding the catalyst particles flowing therethrough.