Method for revamping fixed-bed catalytic reformers

Abstract

A fixed-bed catalytic reformer unit is converted to moving bed reactor / cyclic regenerator operation by re-using the fixed bed reactors of the original unit as regenerator vessels operated in cyclic regeneration mode in a new catalyst regeneration section. A flow connection, suitably a liftpipe, is provided to convey spent catalyst from the spent catalyst outlet of a new moving bed reactor section to the converted regenerator section, together with a flow connection for regenerated catalyst from the regenerator section to the regenerated catalyst inlet of the new moving bed reactor section. A flow control distributor directs spent catalyst sequentially to each of the regenerator vessels to carry out the regeneration with regeneration gas. Each regenerator vessel is cycled through a fill, regeneration, discharge sequence to maintain a continuous flow of catalyst to and from the reactor section.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application relates to a method of converting or revamping fixed bed catalyic reformers to moving bed reactor operation and, as such, is related to US 2004 / 0129605 A1, published Jul. 8, 2004, which described a different conversion scheme. [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 564,133 filed Apr. 21, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The invention relates generally to catalytic reformers. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved method for converting or revamping high pressure, fixed-bed catalytic reformers to catalytic reformers with continuous, moving-bed reactors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Catalytic reforming is an established petroleum refinery process. It is used for improving the octane quality of hydrocarbon feeds. Generally, reforming refers to the total effect of molecular changes on a hydrocarbon feed, produced by a number of reactions. Typical reforming reactions include deh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention relates to a scheme for converting fixed-bed, catalytic reformer units to units with moving bed reactors. It differs from the scheme described in US 2004 / 0129605 A1 in that it makes use of existing reactor vessels; in the present case, these vessels are placed into new service, this time for catalyst regeneration. Because this conversion scheme requires only new reactors, it avoids the major expense connected with the provision of a moving bed regenerator and so presents an economically favorable case for conversion to moving bed reactor operation. The costs of conversion associated with the present conversion technique will be significantly less than conversions in which both the reactors and the regenerators are converted to moving bed operation because the present conversion technique makes use of existing facilities in addition to making new use of the reactor vessels while, at the same time, not requiring dedicated onsite continuous catalyst regeneration facilities. One advantage of the present conversion scheme is that the full advantages of moving bed reactor operation are secured with the reactors operated at the lower pressures characteristic of continuous operation so as to improve reformate quality and yield.

Problems solved by technology

The conversion scheme may, however, be also applied to existing semi-regenerative units although here with the marginal economic disadvantage of having to provide a new regeneration circuit.

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