Hydrocarbon processing of gas containing feed in a countercurrent moving

Abstract

A uniform feed distribution system for selectively upgrading a feed stream of hydrocarbon fluid containing metallic components, such as organometallic compounds, and/or inert materials, which deactivate or contaminate catalyst particles counterflows into a descending bed of catalyst particles. The heated feed stream is at temperatures and pressures so that lighter hydrocarbon components or hydrogen evolve as gas components as it is introduced into the reaction vessel. The evolved gas is separated into reservoir or pocket above a reservoir of liquid components and both components are then uniformly and selectively introduced into the downflowing bed of catalyst. By forming a common supply volume of gaseous and liquid components, the gas components are independently accessible to the lower end of the moving bed of catalyst particles through an inclined distribution surface preferably in the form of a cone. The cone is supported in the lower portion of the vesel to form a catalyst collection bin for removal of spent catalyst from the bed. Gas distribution to the bottom of the inclined surface is through a plurality of holes formed at different elevations, but proportioned so that gas flow into the bed is substantially uniform, or a known pattern, independent of hole elevation or the elevation of liquid feed tubes through the inclined surface.