Sulfider with removable injectors

Abstract

An improved sulfider is provided for receiving high temperature catalysts from the hydrocarbon cracking operation and subjecting the catalyst to a sulfur-containing gas. The sulfider unit includes a plurality of gas injector tubes each individually removable from the sulfider while gas is continually injected into the sulfider treatment chamber through other of the injection tubes. Each injector tube may extend through a lowermost end of the sulfider, and has a central tube axis arranged substantially vertically when the tube is mounted to the sulfider housing. Fluid output ports are provided in sidewalls of an upper portion of the tube, and the tubes may be continually operated for extended periods of time without significant plugging problems. A service valve and packing unit associated with each injector tube enable partial removal of the tube from the treatment chamber without leakage of hydrogen sulfide gas, followed by closing of the valve and complete removal of the tube and packing unit. During service or repair, flow of gas to one of the tubes may be terminated and that tube repaired and placed back in service while the sulfider remains operational, thereby substantially reducing the downtime of the sulfider.