Compaction element for reducing fluidization in catalyst supports for tubular reactors, and related methods.

Abstract

A catalyst support (10) for insertion into a reactor tube of a tubular reactor comprising a container (100) containing catalyst particles (171), the container (100) further containing a compaction element (170) for reducing fluidization of the catalyst particles (171).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to catalyst supports for tubular reactors, or improvements related to catalyst supports, and related methods. More specifically, this disclosure relates to catalyst supports for insertion into the reaction tubes of tubular reactors, and methods for filling catalyst supports. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional, so-called fixed-bed tubular reactors are typically cylindrical and include a reactor shell that houses multiple tubes, usually filled directly with catalyst particles. During use, a heat transfer medium flows outside these tubes through the reactor shell, thereby regulating the temperature of the catalyst inside the tubes through heat exchange across the entire tube wall. Therefore, if the reaction is exothermic, the heat transfer medium removes heat from the catalyst, and if the reaction is endothermic, the heat transfer medium transfers heat to the catalyst.

[0003] Depending on the reaction, the thermal effect may be negligible or easily manageable. In some cases, the thermal effect is so small that large-diameter tubes can be used. This has the advantage of allowing a large amount of catalyst to be present in the tube.

[0004] However, for more exothermic or endothermic reactions, efficient heat transfer via the tube walls to the heat transfer medium is necessary to allow for control of reactor conditions in order to maintain a stable operating temperature and avoid harmful effects. In the case of exothermic reactions, such effects may include the occurrence of side reactions, damage to the catalyst due to sintering of the catalytic active site, and, in the worst case, thermal runaway. In the case of endothermic reactions, harmful effects may include the disappearance of the reaction.

[0005] To achieve the desired efficiency, the surface area of ​​the tube wall per unit length must be maximized. Traditionally, this maximization has been achieved by installing numerous small-diameter tubes. In some reactions, size limitations mean that the tubes have an inner diameter of only about 15-40 mm. However, the use of many of this type of tube increases the cost and complexity of the reactor.

[0006] Therefore, to mitigate these problems, specifically for more exothermic or endothermic reactions, alternative approaches have been developed in which the catalyst is not directly packed into the reaction tube, but instead housed in multiple catalyst supports configured to sit within the reaction tube.

[0007] A first type of such catalyst support is described in International Publication No. 2011 / 048361. This configuration seeks to optimize heat transfer in the tube wall, thereby allowing the use of larger tubes with larger quantities of smaller catalyst particles, even for highly exothermic or endothermic reactions. The catalyst support described in International Publication No. 2011 / 048361 comprises an annular container for holding the catalyst during use. The container has a perforated inner wall defining the tube, a perforated outer wall, a top surface that closes the annular container, and a bottom surface that closes the annular container. The surface that closes the bottom of the tube is formed by the inner wall of the annular container. A skirt extends upward from the perforated outer wall of the annular container to a position below the location of the seal, from or near the bottom of the container. The seal is located on or near the top surface and extends from the container by the distance that extends beyond the outer surface of the skirt.

[0008] A second type of such catalyst support is described in International Publication No. 2016 / 050520. In this configuration, the catalyst support comprises a container for holding the catalyst during use. The container has a bottom surface and a top surface that close the container. The outer wall of the support extends from the bottom surface to the top surface, and a seal extends from the container by a distance that extends beyond the outer wall of the support. The outer wall of the support has an opening located below the seal.

[0009] Within a catalyst carrier filled with particulate catalyst, sedimentation may occur, for example, during transport. Sedimentation can create voids or gaps in the catalyst particles that can be fluidized at use by gases passing through the catalyst. In some cases, fluidization can lead to catalyst abrasion, which can result in catalyst loss from the container and thus worsen the possibility of fluidization.

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome the problem of catalyst fluidization in catalyst carriers. [Overview of the project]

[0011] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a catalyst support for insertion into a reaction tube of a tubular reactor, wherein the catalyst support comprises a container for containing catalyst particles, A catalyst carrier is provided, the container further accommodating a compaction element to reduce the fluidization of catalyst particles.

[0012] Advantageously, the consolidation element reduces the fluidization of the catalyst particles by applying compressive force to them. In this way, the consolidation element can reduce the movement of catalyst particles within the container during operation. As a result, wear and erosion of the catalyst particles can be reduced. This advantageously increases the practical life of the catalyst and / or increases the efficiency of catalytic reactions using the catalyst.

[0013] In some embodiments, the consolidation element may be a compressible element.

[0014] A compressible element may be interposed between the catalyst particles and the top of the container. In some embodiments, the compressible element may be interposed between the catalyst particles and the lid or closing end of the container. The compressible element may be directly adjacent to the lid or closing end of the container. The compressible element is compressed relative to the catalyst when the container is closed.

[0015] The compressible element may be attached to the lid or closing end of the container, for example, to the underside of the lid or closing end. Attachment may be by a suitable fastener, such as an adhesive, clip, or rivet. Alternatively, the compressible element may be separate from the lid or closing end.

[0016] The compressible element may include pads of compressible material. The compressible element may include the thickness of a single pad or the thickness of multiple pads joined together. The multiple pads may be attached to each other by a suitable fastener, such as an adhesive, sutures, staples, etc.

[0017] In some embodiments, the compressible element may include a ceramic material. The ceramic material may consist of refractory ceramic fibers, including refractory oxide fibers. In some examples, the ceramic material may include alumina fibers, silica fibers, aluminosilicate fibers, titania fibers, zirconia fibers, or a mixture of two or more of these. The ceramic material may include a nonwoven fabric material.

[0018] Catalyst particles can form a catalyst bed, and compaction elements can be positioned at the upper end of the catalyst bed.

[0019] The compressible material has a load capacity of approximately 400 kg / m³. 3 Less than, preferably about 200 kg / m³ 3 Less than, optionally, 100-200 kg / m 3 , optionally, 150-200 kg / m 3 It may have a lower bulk density. Beneficially, it has been found that these lower bulk densities can be particularly effective in reducing the fluidization of catalyst particles. Specifically, compressible elements with such bulk densities may be less likely to settle in the bed of catalyst particles during operation. By holding the compressible elements above the catalyst bed, an improved flow mode in the container can be achieved.

[0020] The catalyst bed may include a radially flowing bed or an axially flowing bed of the catalyst.

[0021] In some embodiments, the container may include an annular chamber for containing the catalyst particles, the annular chamber having a perforated inner chamber wall defining an inner channel, a perforated outer chamber wall, an upper surface closing the annular chamber, and a bottom surface closing the annular chamber. Suitable containers are described, for example, in WO 2011 / 048361 and WO 2016 / 050520.

[0022] The densification element may be above the catalyst particles within the annular chamber. The densification element may include an annular element. The densification element may be configured as an interference fit within the annular chamber.

[0023] In some embodiments, the densification element may include a tamping element configured to tamp the catalyst particles. The tamping element may form part of the lid or closed end of the container. For example, the tamping element may form part of a lid or closed end that projects into the container and is shaped to contact the catalyst particles upon closure and compress them. Alternatively, the tamping element may be interposed between the lid or closed end of the container and the catalyst particles. The tamping element may include rigid, elastic, and / or compressible parts. For example, the tamping element may include a movable metal plate or wire mesh formed from a metal such as steel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the densification element may include an expansion material. The expansion material is interposed between the lid or closed end of the container and the catalyst particles and may expand upon heating to fill any voids or gaps between the catalyst particles and the lid or closed end. The expansion material may expand sufficiently to fill any voids or gaps or to provide a compressive force between the lid or closed end and the catalyst particles. More than one expansion material may be included.

[0025] The compressible element or expansion material preferably does not contain catalyst poisons. Catalyst poisons typically include sulfur compounds, halogen compounds, alkali metal compounds, and heavy metals such as mercury that can interfere with the function of the catalyst during use.

[0026] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of filling a catalyst carrier, the method comprising: i) filling the catalyst carrier with catalyst particles in an open container; ii) providing a densification element on or in the container; iii) closing the open container and using the densification element to densify the catalyst particles to form a closed container of the catalyst carrier. A method is provided that includes the above steps.

[0027] In step i), the catalyst particles may form a catalyst bed.

[0028] The catalyst particles may first be filled into the open container, and then the densification element may be installed in the open container such that the densification element is positioned at the upper end of the catalyst bed.

[0029] The densification element may include a compressible element or a tamping element. Closing the open container may compress the compressible element or tamp the tamping element against the catalyst particles.

[0030] In step iii), the open container may be closed by applying a lid or a closing end to the catalyst carrier, and closing the lid or the closing end may compress the compressible element against the catalyst particles. Alternatively, the densification element may include a tamping element, and closing the open container may cause the tamping element to tamp the catalyst particles and densify the catalyst bed.

[0031] Alternatively, the densification element may include an expansion material.

[0032] The method and the catalyst carrier can be usefully employed for a wide range of processes. Examples of suitable uses include processes and reactors for reactions for the production of methanol, reactions for the production of ammonia, methanation reactions, shift reactions, oxidation reactions such as the formation of maleic anhydride, and exothermic reactions such as ethylene oxide reactions and the like. A particularly preferred use is in processes and reactors for performing Fischer-Tropsch reactions.

[0033] Endothermic reactions such as pre-reforming, dehydrogenation, and similar processes can also be carried out in conjunction with this method and catalyst support.

[0034] The catalyst support of this disclosure may be filled or partially filled with any catalyst suitable for the intended reaction. For example, a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be used for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. A cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is preferred. The catalyst may be provided as catalyst particles. The catalyst may be provided as a single catalyst bed or as a plurality of catalyst beds. The catalyst support may be configured to promote axial and / or radial flow through the catalyst. In some embodiments, the catalyst support may be configured to preferentially promote radial flow through the catalyst.

[0035] The catalyst support of this disclosure may be formed from any suitable material. Such material will generally be selected to withstand the operating conditions of the tubular reactor. The catalyst support may be made from carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, other alloys, or any material that can withstand the reaction conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described only as examples with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the catalyst support. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the catalyst support. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the decomposed catalyst support. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the compaction element of the catalyst support. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of another catalyst support having an alternative compaction element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] In the following, aspects and embodiments of this disclosure will be described only by reference to exemplary configurations of catalyst supports. However, it will be understood from this disclosure that catalyst supports can take various forms. For example, catalyst supports 10 can take other forms, including, but are not limited to, those disclosed in International Publication No. 2011 / 048361 and International Publication No. 2016 / 050520. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0039] In addition, any references to orientation in this specification, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, above, below, and similar terms, are used in reference to the orientation of parts shown in the referenced drawings, but should not be considered to limit the potential orientation of such parts in actual use. For example, a part described as being oriented vertically may also be oriented horizontally.

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 show an example of the catalyst support 10 according to this disclosure.

[0041] The catalyst support 10 may generally include a container sized to be smaller than the internal dimensions of the reaction tube in which the catalyst support 10 will be placed during use. Typically, a seal will be provided that is sized to interact with the inner wall of the reaction tube when the catalyst support 10 is in a predetermined position within the reaction tube. Parameters such as the length and diameter of the support may be selected to accommodate different reactions and configurations of the reaction tube.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the catalyst carrier 10 may include a container 100 for holding catalyst particles during use. The container 100 may generally have a bottom surface 101 that closes the lower end of the container 100, and a top surface 102 at the upper end of the container 100. The carrier outer wall 103 may extend from the bottom surface 101 to the top surface 102. The seal 104 may extend from the container 100 by the distance that extends beyond the carrier outer wall 103. The carrier outer wall 103 may have an opening 105 located below the seal 104.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, in at least some embodiments, the catalyst carrier 10 may more specifically include an annular container 110 for holding the catalyst during use. The annular container 110 may include a perforated inner container wall 111 defining an inner channel 112, and a perforated outer container wall 113 which may be concentrically arranged around the perforated inner container wall 111. An annular top surface 114 may close the upper end of the annular container 110, and an annular bottom surface 115 may close the lower end of the annular container 110. The lower end of the inner channel 112 may be closed by a channel end face 116, except for one or more discharge openings (not shown) which may be provided within the lower end of the inner channel 112. The channel end face 116 may be formed integrally with or separately from the inner container wall 111.

[0044] As shown in the exploded view of Figure 3, the catalyst carrier 10 may be formed from a number of individual components that can be joined together by any preferred means, including welding. In some embodiments, such components may include a perforated inner tube 120, a perforated intermediate tube 121, an outer tube 122, a bottom cap 123, an annular upper ring 124, an upper cap 125, and an annular sealing ring 126.

[0045] The catalyst support 10 can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials will generally be selected to withstand the operating conditions of the reactor. Generally, the catalyst support will be made from carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, other alloys, or any material that can withstand the reaction conditions.

[0046] A suitable thickness for the component is approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 1.0 mm, preferably approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 1.0 mm.

[0047] The perforated inner tube 120 may include a perforated inner container wall 111. The perforated intermediate tube 121 may include a perforated outer container wall 113. The outer tube 122 includes a carrier outer wall 103 and may define an opening 105. The bottom cap 123 may include a bottom surface 101 and / or annular bottom surface 115. The bottom cap 123 may also extend over the entire perforated inner tube 120 to include a channel end face 116. The annular upper ring 124 and upper cap 125 may include an annular top surface 114 and may include at least a portion of the top surface 102. The annular seal ring 126 may include a seal 104.

[0048] The size of the perforations in the perforated inner tube 120 and the perforated intermediate tube 121 will be selected, for example, to allow a uniform flow of reactants (one or more) and products (one or more) through the catalyst while keeping the catalyst within the annular vessel 110. Therefore, it will be understood that their sizes will depend on the size of the catalyst particles used. In an alternative configuration, the perforations may be larger but sized to have a filter mesh covering the perforations to ensure the catalyst is kept within the annular vessel 110.

[0049] It will be understood that the perforation can be of any preferred configuration. In fact, when it is described that a wall or tube is perforated, all that is required is that there are means to allow the reactants(s) and products(s) to pass through the wall or tube.

[0050] The bottom surface 101, for example, the bottom cap 123, may be shaped to engage with the upper end of another catalyst carrier 10. For example, the bottom surface 101 may include an annular recess 130 around a perforated inner tube 120. The top cap 125 may be shaped to engage with the annular recess 130 of another catalyst carrier 10. For example, the top cap 125 may include an annular ring 131 erected from an annular plug body 132. The annular ring 131 may be shaped and sized to be received within the annular recess 130.

[0051] The bottom surface 101, for example, the bottom cap 123 and / or the channel end face 116, may include one or more discharge holes. If one or more discharge holes are present, they may be covered by a filter mesh.

[0052] The annular upper ring 124 may be shaped and sized to engage with the upper end of the outer tube 122. The annular plug body 132 of the upper cap 125 may have an outer diameter configured to engage with the central opening of the annular upper ring 124. The engagement of the upper cap 125 with the annular upper ring 124 may function to sandwich and hold the annular seal ring 126 in place.

[0053] The upper cap 125 may include a central inlet 134 within an annular plug body 132 to allow liquids and gases to enter the upper end of the inner channel 112. The annular ring 131 may include a lateral opening 133 to allow liquids and gases to reach the central inlet 134.

[0054] The upper cap 125 and the annular upper ring 124 together may constitute a lid for the catalyst carrier 10, which can be used to close the upper end of the annular container 110. Alternatively, a lid or closing end formed from a single component may be used.

[0055] The outer wall 103 of the carrier may be smooth, or it may be shaped. Preferred shapes include pleats, corrugations, and the like.

[0056] The opening 105 within the carrier outer wall 103 can be of any configuration. In some embodiments, the opening 105 may be a hole or a slot.

[0057] The seal 104 can be formed in any preferred manner; however, it will generally be sufficiently compressible to accommodate the smallest diameter of the reaction tube. The seal 104 will generally be a flexible sliding seal. In some embodiments, the seal 104 may include a deformable flange 140 extending from the outer wall 103 or top surface 102 of the catalyst carrier 10. The flange 140 may be sized larger than the inner diameter of the reaction tube so that, when the catalyst carrier 10 is inserted into the reaction tube, it will deform to fit inside the reaction tube and interact with it.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 2, the deformable flange 140 constitutes the outer portion of the annular seal ring 126. The inner portion 141 of the annular seal ring 126 may define a clamping surface that is sandwiched and held between the upper cap 125 and the annular upper ring 124. The deformable flange 140 may be inclined with respect to the inner portion 141. The deformable flange 140 may be inclined toward the upper end of the catalyst carrier 10.

[0059] The carrier outer wall 103 may be continuous above the seal 104. Therefore, the seal 104 may optionally be positioned on the upper part of the catalyst carrier 10 as part of the upper surface 102, or it may be positioned at a suitable location on the carrier outer wall 103, provided that it is positioned above the opening 105 within the carrier outer wall 103.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, for example, a compaction element 170 for reducing the fluidization of catalyst particles 171 may be provided within the container 100.

[0061] In the illustrated examples of Figures 2 and 4, the consolidation element 170 includes a compressible element 180 configured to apply a compressive force to the catalyst particles 171 within the annular channel 110. The compressible element 180 is interposed between the catalyst particles 171 and the upper part of the container, specifically between the catalyst particles 171 and the upper cap 125 and the annular upper ring 124. Therefore, the compressible element 180 may be interposed between the catalyst particles 171 and the lid or closing end of the container 100.

[0062] Catalyst particles 171 may form a catalyst bed, and compressible elements 180 may be positioned at the upper end of the catalyst bed. The catalyst bed may include a radially flowing bed or an axially flowing bed of catalyst.

[0063] The compressible element 180 may include, for example, a pad 182 made of compressible material, as shown in Figure 4.

[0064] The compressible element 180 may include ceramic materials, such as refractory ceramic fibers, including refractory oxide fibers. In some examples, the ceramic material includes alumina fibers, silica fibers, aluminosilicate fibers, titania fibers, zirconia fibers, or mixtures of two or more of these.

[0065] Ceramic materials may be in the form of nonwoven fabrics.

[0066] The compressible material has a load capacity of approximately 400 kg / m³. 3 Less than, preferably about 200 kg / m³ 3 Less than, optionally, 100-200 kg / m 3 , optionally, 150-200 kg / m 3 It may have a bulk density.

[0067] The compressible element 180 can be shaped and sized to fit within the container 100, for example, within the annular container 110. As shown in Figure 2, the compressible element 180 can sit on catalyst particles 171 within the annular container 110.

[0068] To facilitate this, the compressible element 180 includes an annular element having a central opening 183. The annular element may be sized to fit within an annular container 110 that encloses the inner container wall 111. In some examples, the compressible element 180 may be configured as an interference fit within the annular container 110.

[0069] In some embodiments, the consolidation element 170 may include an expandable material.

[0070] In some embodiments, the compaction element 170 may include a tamping element 190 configured to tamp catalyst particles 171.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the tamping element 190 may constitute part of the lid or closing end of the container 100. In the illustrated example, part of it may be an annular projection 191 on the underside of the lid or closing end that protrudes into the annular container 110 and is shaped to come into contact with and compact the catalyst particles 171.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, when the lid or closing end of the container 100 is closed, the compaction element 170 (whichever is the compressible element 180 and / or the tamping element 190) acts to compact, compress, and / or densify the catalyst particles 171. This disclosure may include the following: [Aspect 1] A catalyst support for insertion into the reaction tube of a tubular reactor, wherein the catalyst support comprises a container for containing catalyst particles, A catalyst carrier wherein the container further contains a compaction element for reducing the fluidization of the catalyst particles. [Aspect 2] The catalyst support according to embodiment 1, wherein the consolidation element includes a compressible element configured to apply a compressive force to the particles of the catalyst. [Aspect 3] The catalyst support according to embodiment 2, wherein the compressible element is interposed between the catalyst particles and the upper part of the container. [Aspect 4] The catalyst carrier according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the compressible element is interposed between the particles of the catalyst and the lid or closed end of the container. [Aspect 5] The catalyst support according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the compressible element includes one or more pads of a compressible material. [Aspect 6] The catalyst support according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the compressible element includes a ceramic material. [Aspect 7] The catalyst support according to embodiment 6, wherein the ceramic material includes refractory ceramic fibers. [Aspect 8] The catalyst support according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the ceramic material comprises alumina fibers, silica fibers, aluminosilicate fibers, titania fibers, zirconia fibers, or a mixture of two or more of these. [Aspect 9] The catalyst carrier according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the ceramic material includes a nonwoven fabric material. [Aspect 10] The aforementioned compressible material has a density of approximately 400 kg / m³. 3 Less than, preferably about 200 kg / m³ 3 Less than, optionally, 100-200 kg / m 3 , optionally, 150-200 kg / m 3 A catalyst support having a bulk density, according to any one of embodiments 6 to 9. [Aspect 11] A catalyst support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the catalyst particles form a catalyst bed, and the compaction element is positioned at the upper end of the catalyst bed. [Aspect 12] The catalyst carrier according to embodiment 11, wherein the catalyst bed includes a radially flowing bed or an axially flowing bed of catalyst. [Aspect 13] The container includes an annular chamber for containing the particles of the catalyst, the annular chamber having a perforated inner chamber wall defining an inner channel, a perforated outer chamber wall, a top surface for closing the annular chamber, and a bottom surface for closing the annular chamber, A catalyst support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the compaction element is optionally located on the catalyst particles within the annular chamber. [Aspect 14] The catalyst support according to embodiment 13, wherein the compaction element includes a cyclic element. [Aspect 15] The catalyst carrier according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the compaction element is configured as an interlocking fit within the annular chamber. [Aspect 16] The catalyst support according to embodiment 1, wherein the compaction element includes a tamping element configured to tamp the particles of the catalyst. [Aspect 17] The tamping element includes the lid or closing end portion of the container, or The tamping element is interposed between the lid or closing end of the container and the particles of the catalyst. The catalyst support according to embodiment 16. [Aspect 18] The catalyst support according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the tamping element includes a rigid, elastic, and / or compressible portion. [Aspect 19] The catalyst support according to embodiment 1, wherein the compaction element includes an expansion material. [Aspect 20] A method for packing a catalyst support, wherein the method is i) A step of filling the open container of the catalyst carrier with catalyst particles, ii) Providing a compaction element on or inside the container, iii) The steps of closing the open container, compacting the catalyst particles using the compaction element, and forming a closed container for the catalyst support, A method that includes this. [Aspect 21] The method according to embodiment 20, wherein in step i), the particles of the catalyst form a catalyst bed. [Aspect 22] The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the catalyst particles are first filled into the open container, and then the compaction element is placed in the open container so that the compaction element is positioned at the upper end of the catalyst bed. [Aspect 23] The compaction element includes a compressible element, and by closing the open container, the compressible element is compressed relative to the particles of the catalyst. The method according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein in step iii), the open container is closed by applying a lid or closing end to the catalyst carrier, and the compressible element is compressed relative to the particles of the catalyst by closing the lid or closing end. [Aspect 24] The method according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the compaction element includes a tamping element, and by closing the open container, the tamping element causes the particles of the catalyst to tamp and densify the catalyst bed. [Aspect 25] The method according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the compaction element includes an expanding material, and heating the expanding material in the closed container causes the expanding material to expand between the catalyst particles and the closed container.

Claims

1. A catalyst carrier for insertion into the reaction tube of a tubular reactor, wherein the catalyst carrier comprises a container for containing catalyst particles, and the catalyst particles form a radially flowing catalyst bed. The container further contains a compaction element for reducing the fluidization of the catalyst particles, The compaction element includes a compressible element comprising one or more pads of compressible material and configured to apply compressive force to the particles of the catalyst, A catalyst carrier wherein the compressible element is positioned at the upper end of the radial flow catalyst bed and is interposed between the catalyst particles and the lid or closed end of the container so as to compact the catalyst particles using the compaction element by closing the container.

2. The catalyst support according to claim 1, wherein the compressible element includes a ceramic material.

3. The catalyst support according to claim 2, wherein the ceramic material includes refractory ceramic fibers.

4. The catalyst support according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ceramic material comprises alumina fibers, silica fibers, aluminosilicate fibers, titania fibers, zirconia fibers, or a mixture of two or more of these.

5. The catalyst carrier according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the ceramic material includes a nonwoven fabric material.

6. The compressible material has a compressibility of approximately 400 kg / m³. ３ The catalyst support according to claim 1, having a bulk density of less than 1.

7. The catalyst carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container includes an annular chamber for containing the particles of the catalyst, the annular chamber having a perforated inner chamber wall defining an inner channel, a perforated outer chamber wall, a top surface for closing the annular chamber, and a bottom surface for closing the annular chamber.

8. The catalyst support according to claim 7, wherein the compaction element includes a cyclic element.

9. The catalyst carrier according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the compaction element is configured as a tight fit within the annular chamber.

10. The catalyst support according to claim 1, wherein the compaction element includes a tamping element configured to tamp the particles of the catalyst.

11. The tamping element includes the lid or closing end portion of the container, or The tamping element is interposed between the lid or closing end of the container and the particles of the catalyst. The catalyst support according to claim 10.

12. The catalyst support according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the tamping element includes a rigid, elastic, and / or compressible portion.

13. The catalyst carrier according to claim 1, wherein the compaction element includes an expansion material.

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