Process for increasing the yield and selectivity of a dehydrogenation process using side-by-side reaction zones

Abstract

A method increases the feed throughput for a process of dehydrogenating light hydrocarbons without loss of conversion or selectivity by increasing the catalyst volume in only the final reactor of at least three reaction zones. The catalyst volume of the final reactor may be increased relative to the other reactors by extending the inner and outer screens that define a radial flow bed therein. Maintaining a low LHSV by increasing the catalyst volume in only the final reactor greatly reduces the expense of improving the capacity and yield of such a process. This method provides the most benefit to moving bed reactor systems since modifications are limited to the last reactor. A further benefit is derived from the simplified method of raising only a section of the last reactor to increase the catalyst volume.