Fluid catalyst regeneration process and apparatus

Abstract

Methods of control and control systems for a catalyst regeneration process and apparatus for the oxidative removal of coke from a coke-contaminated fluid catalyst. Simultaneous production of hot regenerated catalyst and a relatively-cooler flue gas is provided. The process comprises a high temperature coke combustion zone, and a lower temperature heat removal zone. Coke contaminated catalyst, oxygen containing gas and regenerated catalyst from the heat removal zone are contacted in the high temperature combustion zone, the temperature of which is controlled by adjusting the rate at which catalyst is recycled from the heat removal zone. Catalyst maybe withdrawn from the top of the combustion zone and sent to the reaction zone at the controlled combustion zone temperature, the remainder of the catalyst and the hot flue gas pass to the upper heat removal zone, where both gas and catalyst are cooled, preferably by utilizing the catalyst as a heat transfer medium in a dense-phase heat exchange system. The optimum temperature may be achieved by mixing regenerated catalyst from the two zones, and 0-100% of regenerated catalyst may be withdrawn from either of the two zones. The extent of heat removal in the upper zone can be adjusted by changing the level of the dense bed in the heat removal zone, and this would be used for making gross changes in the quantity of the heat removed from the process.