A distributor support system for chemical feed distributors in fluidized bed systems

Abstract

A fluidized bed treatment system includes a vessel having a vessel wall and a plurality of chemical feed distributors coupled to the vessel wall and extending into an interior volume of the vessel. Each of the chemical feed distributors includes a distributor body forming a chemical feed flow path and a plurality of chemical feed outlets. The fluidized bed treatment system also includes at least one intermediate beam having a plurality of slots spaced along a beam length. The intermediate beam is coupled to the vessel wall at both ends, each chemical feed distributor passes through one of the slots of the intermediate beam, and the intermediate beam provides vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors. The fluidized bed treatment system can include lateral guides. The intermediate beam and the lateral guides vertically and laterally support the chemical feed distributors.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 085,261, filed September 30, 2020, entitled “Distributor Support System for Chemical Feed Distributors in Fluidized Bed Systems,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology Technical Field

[0004] This specification relates generally to chemical processing, and more specifically to systems and methods for introducing chemical feed streams. Background Technology

[0006] Gaseous chemicals can be fed into reactors or other containers via feed distributors. Feed distributors can be used to facilitate the balanced distribution of the feed chemical stream within such reactors or containers. This distribution of the feed chemicals can promote preferred reactions. For example, in a burner, the balanced distribution of the fuel gas stream within the container can promote the mixing of the fuel gas with air for more complete combustion. In reactor containers, the balanced distribution of the feed chemical stream can promote more consistent contact between the various reactants in the chemical feed stream or between the feed chemical stream and the catalyst. Moreover, this balanced distribution of the chemical feed stream can also promote better temperature distribution because the heat generated by combustion or exothermic reactions is distributed uniformly within the container. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Pipe distributors are widely used as chemical feed distributors in fluidized bed processing systems, such as fluidized bed reactors, fluidized bed burners, or other fluidized bed devices. These fluidized bed processing systems can operate at temperatures exceeding 600°C. Mechanically, cantilevered pipe distributors operating at high temperatures (e.g., above or equal to 600°C) can be constructed to be 7-8 feet long, with one end fixed to the container wall. With both ends supported by the container wall, pipe distributors operating at high temperatures can be constructed to be up to 15 feet long across the container from wall to wall. However, in larger-scale fluidized bed systems, the container can have an inner diameter of 15 to 70 feet. Larger container sizes require longer chemical feed distributors to distribute the chemical feed across the entire 15- to 70-foot inner diameter. In containers with an inner diameter greater than approximately 15 feet, support only at the pipe end attached to the container wall is no longer sufficient to adequately support the weight of the pipe distributor or withstand the vertical forces exerted by the material flowing upwards or downwards through the container.

[0008] The added weight of a longer pipe distributor increases stress on the distributor at the point where it attaches to and passes through the vessel wall. Additionally, the stress sufficient to cause damage and failure of the pipe distributor increases with increasing temperature. Therefore, at high operating temperatures (e.g., above or equal to 600°C), the threshold stress leading to damage or mechanical failure of the pipe distributor is significantly reduced, which only increases the risk of mechanical failure for pipe distributors used in vessels with an inner diameter greater than 15 feet.

[0009] Furthermore, as the temperature of the fluidized bed processing system increases, the material of the pipe distributor (typically a metal) undergoes thermal expansion. This thermal expansion effect becomes more pronounced along the length of the pipe distributor as its length increases. Any restriction on the thermal expansion of the pipe distributor can further increase the stress placed on it, leading to an increased likelihood of damage or mechanical failure.

[0010] Lateral forces can also act on the pipe distributors in a fluidized bed system. These lateral forces can be caused by a number of effects, such as, but not limited to, solid motion, steam bubbles passing through the fluidized bed, droplet evaporation, and associated rapid volume expansion or other effects. These lateral forces can potentially cause lateral movement of the pipe distributor, leading to mechanical failure, particularly at the point where the pipe distributor is connected to the container wall. Therefore, there is a continued need for chemical feed distribution systems comprising a chemical feed distributor and a distributor support system for vertically and laterally supporting the chemical feed distributor within the container, the distributor support system also allowing for thermal expansion of the components of the chemical feed distributor and the distributor support system.

[0011] The chemical feed distribution system disclosed herein addresses these needs by providing multiple chemical feed dispensers and a dispenser support system. The dispenser support system includes one or more intermediate beams orthogonal to the chemical feed dispensers and having multiple slots through which the chemical feed dispensers are positioned. The intermediate beams can provide vertical support for the chemical feed dispensers, supplementing the vertical support at the ends of the chemical feed dispensers connected to the container wall. The dispenser support system may also include one or more lateral guides that interconnect two or more chemical feed dispensers to provide lateral support. The vertical and lateral support provided by the intermediate beams and lateral guides can reduce or prevent vertical and / or lateral displacement of the chemical feed dispensers during operation of the fluidized bed system, while allowing thermal expansion of the intermediate beams, lateral guides, chemical feed dispensers, or combinations thereof. Reducing vertical and / or lateral movement of the chemical feed dispensers can reduce or prevent stress on the chemical feed dispensers and extend their service life. Extended service life and reduced probability of mechanical failure can improve process safety and other features.

[0012] According to one or more aspects, a fluidized bed processing system may include a container with container walls and a plurality of chemical feed distributors coupled to and extending from the container walls into the internal volume of the container. Each chemical feed distributor may include a distributor body forming a chemical feed flow path and a plurality of chemical feed outlets distributed along the length of the distributor body. The fluidized bed processing system may also include at least one intermediate beam, which may include a plurality of slots spaced apart along the beam length. The at least one intermediate beam may be coupled to the container wall at both ends. Each chemical feed distributor may pass through one slot of the at least one intermediate beam. The at least one intermediate beam may provide vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors.

[0013] Further features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from those description or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments described herein (including the following detailed description and claims).

[0014] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various implementation schemes and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fluidized bed processing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0016] Figure 2 A top cross-sectional view of a fluidized bed processing system including a chemical feed distribution system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted.

[0017] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the chemical feed distribution system of a fluidized bed processing system;

[0018] Figure 4A The support is schematically depicted according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3 A side perspective view of the seat at one end of the middle beam of the chemical feed and distribution system;

[0019] Figure 4B The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 4A Side view of the seat;

[0020] Figure 4C The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 4A A bottom perspective view of the seat;

[0021] Figure 5 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 3 A side view of a portion of another embodiment of the intermediate beam of the chemical feed and distribution system;

[0022] Figure 6 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 3 A side view of a portion of another embodiment of the intermediate beam of the chemical feed and distribution system;

[0023] Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 Top perspective view of the lateral guide of the chemical feed and distribution system;

[0024] Figure 8 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 7 Side view of the lateral guide;

[0025] Figure 9 A side view of another lateral guide according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0026] Figure 10AThe illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Top perspective view of a lateral guide positioned near the end of the chemical feed dispenser;

[0027] Figure 10B The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 10A A top cross-sectional view of a lateral guide positioned near the end of a chemical feed dispenser;

[0028] Figure 11 A perspective view of one or more end guides according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, said end guides engaging with the end of a chemical feed dispenser;

[0029] Figure 12 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 11 Side view of the end guide;

[0030] Figure 13 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 11 A top view of the end guide;

[0031] Figure 14 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 Top perspective view of the T-shaped distributor of the fluidized bed treatment system;

[0032] Figure 15 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments for use according to the present and described herein. Figure 14 Side view of the support at the end of the T-shaped distributor;

[0033] Figure 16 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 A perspective view of the chemical feed distributor of a fluidized bed processing system;

[0034] Figure 17 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 16 A side cross-sectional view of a chemical feed distributor;

[0035] Figure 18 A schematic front cross-sectional view of a chemical feed dispenser according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is depicted.

[0036] Figure 19A side cross-sectional view of another chemical feed dispenser according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0037] Figure 20 A side sectional view of yet another chemical feed dispenser according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0038] Figure 21 A top cross-sectional view of yet another chemical feed dispenser according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted; and

[0039] Figure 22 A top cross-sectional view of yet another chemical feed dispenser according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted.

[0040] Reference will now be made in more detail to various embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure relates to a fluidized bed processing system, comprising a container, a plurality of chemical feed dispensers disposed within the container, and a dispenser support system providing vertical and horizontal support for the plurality of chemical feed dispensers. See also Figure 2 This illustration schematically depicts one embodiment of a fluidized bed processing system 100 including multiple chemical feed distributors 120 and a distributor support system 200. The fluidized bed processing system 100 may include a container 102, which includes a container wall 104. The fluidized bed processing system 100 may also include multiple chemical feed distributors 120 coupled to and extending from the container wall 104 into the internal volume of the container 102. Each chemical feed distributor 120 may include a distributor body 125 and multiple chemical feed outlets 124 distributed along the length of the chemical feed distributor 120. The fluidized bed processing system 100 may include a distributor support system 200, which may include at least one intermediate beam 210 having multiple slots 216 spaced apart along the beam length of the intermediate beam 210. Figure 3 The at least one intermediate beam 210 may be connected to the container wall 104 at both ends. Each chemical feed dispenser 120 may pass through a slot 216 of the at least one intermediate beam 210, such that the at least one intermediate beam 210 provides vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120. The dispenser support system 200 may also include a plurality of lateral guides 240 and a plurality of end guides 270. Figure 11These guides, or both, are operable to provide lateral support for the chemical feed dispenser 120. The dispenser support system 200 can provide vertical and lateral support for the chemical feed dispenser 120, which can reduce stress on the chemical feed dispenser 120 and extend the service life of the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0042] As used in this disclosure, the term "connection" can refer to a first component being directly or indirectly connected to a second component, such as by connecting the first component to one or more third components of the second component. The term "connection" can include a rigid or fixed connection, wherein the first and second components are connected such that the two components are immovable relative to each other. The term "connection" can also include a non-rigid connection, wherein the first and second components are connected in a manner that allows one component to move relative to the other. "Sliding connection" can refer to a first component being directly or indirectly connected to a second component such that the first component can slide relative to the second component in at least one direction.

[0043] As used in this disclosure, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" can refer to the relative positioning of an element with respect to the flow direction of the process flow. If the process flow through the system encounters the first element before encountering the second element, the first element of the system can be considered to be "upstream" of the second element. Similarly, if the process flow through the system encounters the first element before encountering the second element, the second element can be considered to be "downstream" of the first element.

[0044] In the accompanying figures, the + / -Z directions of the coordinate axes generally correspond to the vertical direction parallel to the direction of the gravity vector. The + / -X directions of the coordinate axes are perpendicular to the + / -Z axes and approximately parallel to the chemical feed dispenser, and the + / -Y directions of the coordinate axes are perpendicular to the + / -Z axes and orthogonal to the chemical feed dispenser.

[0045] As used in this disclosure, "chemical feed" can refer to any process feed stream or fuel gas, such as, but not limited to, methane, natural gas, ethane, propane, hydrogen, or any gas that has an energy value when burned. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, "container" can refer to a hollow container for containing liquids, gases, or solids, such as a reactor or burner (which is a type of reactor) in which one or more chemical reactions may optionally occur between one or more reactants in the presence of one or more catalysts.

[0046] As used in this disclosure, the term "burner" may refer to a reactor used to carry out a combustion reaction.

[0047] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, "coking" can refer to the formation of carbonaceous deposits or coke. "Blocking" can refer to the accumulation of coke that partially or completely blocks a passage or port.

[0048] See Figure 1 This document depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluidized bed processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fluidized bed processing system 100 may include a container 102 having a lower portion 110, typically cylindrical in shape, and an upper portion including a truncated section 112. The angle between the truncated section 112 and an internal horizontal imaginary line drawn at the intersection of the truncated section 112 and the lower portion 110 may range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees. All individual values ​​and sub-ranges from 10% by weight to 80% by weight are included and disclosed herein; for example, the angle between the tubular component and the truncated section 112 may range from a lower limit of 10 degrees, 40 degrees, or 60 degrees to an upper limit of 30 degrees, 50 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. In embodiments, the angle may vary continuously or discontinuously along the height of the truncated section 112. In embodiments, the container 102 may or may not be lined with a refractory material.

[0049] The fluidized bed processing system 100 can be a reactor, burner, catalyst conditioner, or catalyst stripper. In one embodiment, the fluidized bed processing system 100 can be a reactor, burner, catalyst conditioner, or catalyst stripper in a catalytic dehydrogenation process. In another embodiment, the fluidized bed processing system 100 can be a fluidized fuel gas burner for heating or at least partially regenerating the catalyst in a catalytic dehydrogenation process. However, as detailed herein, the fluidized bed processing system 100 can be used in various capacities within a chemical processing system.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the catalyst can enter the container 102 through downcomer 114, such as when the fluidized bed processing system 100 is a fluidized catalyst burner and the catalyst is a spent or deactivated catalyst. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments, the catalyst can enter the container 102 from a side inlet (not shown) or a bottom feed (not shown), passing upward through air distributor 116. The catalyst can impinge on and be distributed through the splash guard. The container 102 may also include air distributor 116, which may be located at or slightly below the height of the splash guard. A grid 117 may be located above the outlet 115 of the air distributor 116 and the downcomer 114. A plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 may be located above the grid 117. One or more additional grids 118 may be positioned above the chemical feed distributors 120 within the container 102. In one embodiment, the chemical feeder 120 can enter and substantially traverse container 102, as described in U.S. Patent 9,889,418, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] See now Figure 2Each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a chemical feed inlet 121 that can deliver a chemical feed stream 122 into the chemical feed dispenser 120. Therefore, the chemical feed stream 120 can be delivered to the chemical feed dispenser 120 through the chemical feed inlet 121. As described herein, the chemical feed inlet 121 may refer to a location entering the container 102, allowing the chemical feed dispenser 120 and the chemical feed stream 122 within the chemical feed dispenser 120 to be delivered to the container 102. See also Figures 16 to 18 Each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a dispenser body 125, which may include one or more walls 126. The dispenser body 125 may also include a plurality of chemical feed outlets 124. The plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 may be openings in one or more walls 126 of the dispenser body 125 and may provide a passage for a chemical feed stream 122 to enter the container 102 from the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0052] In one embodiment, multiple chemical inlet outlets 124 may be arranged in a single row along the chemical feed dispenser 120. In other embodiments, multiple chemical inlet outlets 124 may be arranged in alternating positions along the chemical feed dispenser 120, such as in two rows. It is contemplated that the chemical inlet outlets 124 may be arranged along the chemical feed dispenser 120 in any configuration. See also Figure 18 Each of the multiple chemical feed outlets 124 may include an orifice 137 at the beginning of each chemical feed outlet 124 to create a pressure drop and a uniform distribution of the chemical feed. The chemical feed distributor 120 may also include a diffuser 138 coupled to the distributor wall 126 at each chemical feed outlet 124. The diffuser 138 may slow the apparent gas velocity exiting the orifice 137 to reduce or prevent catalyst depletion, damage to the internal structure of the container 102, or damage to the chemical feed distributor 120. The diffuser may allow gas velocities ranging from 50 feet per second (ft / sec) to 300 ft / sec.

[0053] The one or more walls 126 may define an elongated chemical feed flow path 127. A plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 may be spaced apart along at least a portion of the length of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127. Each of the plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 is operable to allow a portion of the chemical feed flow 122 to exit the chemical feed dispenser 120 and enter the container 102. The total flow rate of the chemical feed flow 122 entering the chemical feed dispenser 120 may be equal to the flow rate of the portion of the chemical feed flow 122 that passes through each of the plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 and enters the container 102.

[0054] See you again Figure 2 Container 102 may have an inner diameter greater than or equal to 15 feet (4.6 meters, where 1 foot equals 0.3048 meters), such as 15 feet (4.6 meters) to 70 feet (21.3 meters). As previously mentioned, when the inner diameter of container 102 exceeds approximately 15 feet, a longer chemical feed dispenser 120 is required to distribute the chemical feed across the entire 15- to 70-foot inner diameter. A cantilevered chemical feed dispenser 120 may be constructed to be 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters) long, with one end of the chemical feed dispenser 120 fixed to the container wall 104. With both ends supported at the container wall 104, the chemical feed dispenser 120 may be constructed to span container 102 up to 15 feet (4.57 meters) in length. However, when the chemical feeder 120 exceeds these limits (7-8 feet when one end is attached to the container wall, or 15 feet when both ends are attached to the container wall), the added weight of the longer chemical feeder 120 can increase the stress on the chemical feeder 120 at the point where it is attached to and passes through the container wall 104. Additionally, the stress sufficient to cause damage and failure of the chemical feeder 120 increases with increasing temperature. Therefore, at high operating temperatures (e.g., above or equal to 600°C), the threshold stress causing damage or mechanical failure of the chemical feeder 120 is significantly reduced, which only increases the risk of mechanical failure of the chemical feeder 120 for containers 102 with an inner diameter greater than 15 feet (4.57 meters).

[0055] Furthermore, as the temperature of the fluidized bed processing system 100 increases, the material (typically metal) of the chemical feed distributor 120 undergoes thermal expansion. The thermal expansion effect of the chemical feed distributor 120 becomes more pronounced along its length as the length of the chemical feed distributor 120 increases. Any restriction on the thermal expansion of the chemical feed distributor 120 could further increase the stress placed on the chemical feed distributor 120, leading to an increased likelihood of damage or mechanical failure of the chemical feed distributor 120.

[0056] Additionally, in a fluidized bed processing system, lateral forces on the chemical feed distributor 120 can be caused by several effects, such as, but not limited to, solid motion, steam bubbles passing through the fluidized bed, droplet evaporation, and associated rapid volume expansion or other effects. These lateral forces can potentially cause lateral movement of the chemical feed distributor 120, resulting in stress on the chemical feed distributor 120, particularly at the point where the pipe distributor is connected to the container wall 104. Stress on the chemical feed distributor 120 caused by vertical and / or lateral displacement during operation can lead to mechanical failure of the chemical feed distributor 120.

[0057] Therefore, there is a continued need for a fluidized bed processing system 100 that provides support for the chemical feed distributor 120 to reduce stress on the chemical feed distributor 120 and enables the use of larger containers 102 with larger inner diameters. See now. Figure 2 The fluidized bed processing system 100 of this disclosure includes a container 102 and a chemical feed distribution system 110. The chemical feed distribution system 110 may include a plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 and a distributor support system 200. As previously described, each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 may be coupled to the container wall 102 and may extend from the container wall 104 into the internal volume of the container 102. Each chemical feed distributor 120 includes a chemical feed inlet 121, a distributor body 125 forming a flow path, and a plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 distributed along the length of the distributor body 125.

[0058] The dispenser support system 200 may include one or more intermediate beams 210 operable to vertically support the chemical feed dispenser 120. The dispenser support system 200 may also include one or more lateral guides 240 operable to restrict lateral movement of the chemical feed dispenser 120. Referring to FIG10, in an embodiment, the dispenser support system 200 may optionally include one or more end guides 270 coupled to the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120 refers to the end not coupled to the container wall 104.

[0059] See now Figure 2 and Figure 3 As previously described, the dispenser support system 200 may include one or more intermediate beams 210, which may be oriented generally orthogonal to the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120. Each intermediate beam 210 may be coupled to the container wall 104 at both ends 212, 214 of the intermediate beam 210. Each intermediate beam 210 may include a plurality of slots 216 extending through the intermediate beam 210 and spaced apart along the length of the intermediate beam 210. Each slot 216 may receive one of the chemical feed dispensers 120 such that the chemical feed dispenser 120 passes through the slot 216. One or more chemical feed dispensers 120 may each pass through at least one slot 216 of at least one intermediate beam 210. The intermediate beam 210 may provide vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 disposed through the slot 216 (i.e., in Figure 3 Support in the + / -Z direction of the coordinate axes (in the image).

[0060] At least one end of each intermediate beam 210 may be able to slide laterally relative to the container wall 104 (i.e., in the XY plane, such as in...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (In the coordinate axes along the + / -Y direction). See also Figure 3 Each intermediate beam 210 may have a first end 212, a second end 214, or both slidably coupled to the container wall 104. Slidably coupling at least one of the first end 212, the second end 214, or both to the container wall 104 allows the intermediate beam 210 to thermally expand during operation of the fluidized bed processing system 100. In an embodiment, the first side 212 or the second side 214 may be rigidly coupled to the container wall 104, such as to the inner surface 106 of the container wall 104. As used herein, the term "slidably coupled" means that the first structure is non-rigidly coupled to the second structure such that the first structure can slide relative to the second structure in at least one direction.

[0061] See Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C In one embodiment, one or both ends of each intermediate beam 210 may be connected to the container wall 104 via a seat 230, which supports the intermediate beam 210 while allowing the intermediate beam 210 to slide laterally relative to the seat 230 (e.g., in the + / - Y direction of the coordinate axis in Figure 4) to accommodate the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 when heated to an operating temperature exceeding 600°C. See also Figure 4A Each seat 230 may include a base 232, extending vertically from the base 232 (i.e., in...). Figure 4B The system comprises two sidewalls 234 extending in the + or -Z direction of the coordinate axis, and a mounting plate 235 for attaching the seat 230 to the container wall 104. In one embodiment, the sidewalls 234 may extend vertically upward from the base plate 232 (i.e., in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis in FIG. 4) such that the intermediate beam 210 is positioned above the seat 230. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sidewalls 234 may extend vertically downward from the base plate 232 (i.e., in the -Z direction).

[0062] At least a portion of the end of the intermediate beam 210 can be received in the seat 230 within a hanger defined by the base 232 and the two side walls 234. See also Figure 4BA portion of the bottom surface 228 of the intermediate beam 210 may contact the base 232 of the seat 230. This contact between the bottom surface 228 of the intermediate beam 210 and the base 232 provides vertical support for the intermediate beam 210 at the container wall. In an embodiment, the ends of the intermediate beam 210 (first end 212, second end 214, or both) may include a notch 229 defined by the portion of the vertical surface and the bottom surface 228 that contacts the base 232 of the seat 230. The notch 229 provides a gap D1 that allows the intermediate beam 210 to thermally expand when heated to an operating temperature exceeding 600°C, without the vertical surface of the notch 229 contacting the base 232. In an embodiment, the notch 229 may be sized such that when the end of the intermediate beam 210 engages with the seat 230, the gap D1 between the vertical surface of the notch 229 and the base plate 232 of the seat 230 is greater than the length of each mounting slot 236. The sidewalls 234 of the seat 230 can restrict the lateral movement of the intermediate beam 210 (e.g., in...). Figure 4B and Figure 4C (The movement of the coordinate axes in the + / -X direction).

[0063] See Figure 4C In one embodiment, the base 232 of the seat 230 may include one or more mounting slots 236. The mounting slots 236 in the base 232 allow the ends of the intermediate beam 210 to be slidably coupled to the base 232, such that the intermediate beam 210 is positioned vertically (e.g., Figure 4B and Figure 4C Movement in the + / -Z direction is restricted, while the end of the intermediate beam 210 can slide relative to the seat 230 in the + / -Y direction to allow thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 during system heating to operating temperature. In embodiments, the intermediate beam 210 may include one or more pins extending downward (e.g., in the -Z direction) through a mounting slot 236 in the seat 230 to facilitate attachment of the intermediate beam 210 to the seat 230. Although shown and described herein as disposed in the base 232 of the seat 230, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the mounting slot 236 may also be positioned in the two side walls 234 of the seat 230.

[0064] When the intermediate beam 210 is slidably connected to the vessel wall 104 at both its first end 212 and second end 214, each of the first end 212 and second end 214 can be disposed and supported by one of the seats 230. When both the first end 212 and second end 214 are supported by the seats 230, each mounting slot 236 in each seat 230 can have a length less than the incremental expansion length of the intermediate beam 210 and greater than 0.5 times the incremental expansion length of the intermediate beam 210. The length of the mounting slot 236 can be in Figure 4CThe dimensions of the mounting slot 230 are measured in the + / -Y directions of the coordinate axes. The incremental expansion length of the intermediate beam 210 represents the total incremental thermal growth of the intermediate beam 210 in the + / -Y direction when the intermediate beam 210 is heated from ambient temperature to the operating temperature of the fluidized bed treatment system 100. The incremental expansion length can be the length L of the intermediate beam 210 at the operating temperature of the fluidized bed treatment system 100 (e.g., ≥600°C). Figure 6 The difference between the length L of the intermediate beam 210 at ambient temperature (e.g., at 25°C) and the length L of the intermediate beam 210 at ambient temperature. In an embodiment, the length of each mounting slot 236 may be 0.5 to 0.8 times, 0.51 to 0.7 times, or 0.55 to 0.6 times the incremental expansion length of the intermediate beam 210. Limiting the length of the mounting slot 236 can cause the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 to grow in both directions (i.e., in...). Figure 4C This occurs (in the + and -Y directions of the coordinate axes). In other words, when the intermediate beam 210 thermally expands in a single direction for any reason, the intermediate beam 210 will expand until a pin at one end contacts the end of the mounting slot 236 in the seat 230. This contact will cause the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 to proceed in the other direction, as permitted by the remaining space in the mounting slot 236 of the other seat 230 at the other end of the beam. This allows for a reduction in the length of the mounting slot 236 and the overall size of the seat 230.

[0065] When the intermediate beam 210 is fixedly connected to the container wall 104 at one end and slidably connected to the container wall 104 at the opposite end, only one of the first end 212 or the second end 214 of the intermediate beam 210 is received and supported by one of the seats 230. In these embodiments, the length of the mounting slot 236 in the individual seat 230 may be greater than or equal to the incremental expansion length of the intermediate beam 210 to prevent limiting the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210.

[0066] See you again Figure 4C In one embodiment, the base 232 of the seat 230 may include one or more openings 239 through the base 232. The openings 239 may allow catalyst and gas to flow through the seat 230 to reduce or prevent dead spots in the container 102. See also Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CThe base 232 and sidewall 234 of the seat 230 may also include one or more cutouts 238, wherein the base 232 or sidewall 234 is welded to the mounting plate 235 or the wall 104 of the container 102. The cutouts 238 at the edges of the base 232 and sidewall 234 reduce the weld between the base 232 and the sidewall 234, which in turn reduces heat transfer from the seat 230 and the intermediate beam 210 joined to the seat 230 to the container wall 104. This reduces heat loss from the internal volume of the container 102 through the container wall 104, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the fluidized bed processing system 100.

[0067] See now Figure 5 The slots 216 of each intermediate beam 210 can be spaced apart along the length of the intermediate beam 210, such that each slot 216 can receive one of the multiple chemical feed dispensers 120. Each slot 216 can be vertical (i.e., in...). Figure 5 The slot 216 (located in the + / -Z direction of the coordinate axis) is positioned between the top and bottom of the intermediate beam 210. In one embodiment, the slot 216 may be positioned such that the slot centerline 220 of the slot 216 is approximately aligned with the centerline of the intermediate beam 210. In other embodiments, the slot 216 may be positioned such that the slot centerline 220 of the slot 216 is... Figure 5 The coordinate axes in the + or -Z direction are offset from the centerline of the intermediate beam 210. The centerline 220 of the slot refers to the axis parallel to... Figure 5 The + / - Y-axis is positioned at the vertical center of slot 216 (e.g., in...). Figure 5 The horizontal centerline at the center of slot 216 in the + / -Z direction of the coordinate axis.

[0068] Each chemical feed dispenser 120 can be positioned to pass through one of the slots 216, such that the dispenser centerline 128 is substantially vertically aligned with the slot centerline 220 of the slot 216 through which the chemical feed dispenser 120 passes. This allows the intermediate beam 210 to thermally expand in the +Z and -Z directions without affecting the vertical positioning of the chemical feed dispensers 120 within the container 102, which can induce stress at the point where each chemical feed dispenser 120 is attached to the container wall 104. The dispenser centerline 128 refers to the line parallel to the centerline 220 of the container wall 104. Figure 5 The + / - X-axis is positioned at the vertical center of the chemical feed dispenser 120 (e.g., the chemical feed dispenser 120 is located at...). Figure 5 The horizontal centerline is located at the center of the coordinate axes in the + / -Z direction. In an embodiment, the chemical feed dispenser can be vertically positioned relative to the slot 216 such that the dispenser centerline 128 of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 210 can be offset from the slot centerline 220 of the slot 216 by less than the dispenser height H of the chemical feed dispenser 120.D 10%. The distributor height H of the chemical feed distributor 210. D This can be the total height of the chemical feed dispenser 210 in the vertical direction, including the dispenser wall 126 and any reinforcing strips 132 attached to the outer surface of the dispenser wall 126. In an embodiment, the dispenser centerline 128 of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 can be at the same height as the slot centerline 220 of the slot 216 (i.e., Figure 5 Align with the same + / -Z position on the coordinate axes in the image.

[0069] The slot height H of each of the multiple slots 216 S Sufficient enough to allow the chemical feed dispenser 120 to pass through the slot 216 but close enough to the dispenser height H D To vertically support the chemical feed dispenser 120 and restrict vertical movement through which the chemical feed dispenser 120 is disposed (i.e., in Figure 5 (The movement of the coordinate axes in the + / -Z directions). In the implementation, the slot height H of each slot 216 S It can be greater than the distributor height H D 1 times and less than or equal to the distributor height H D 1.2 times that of the others. The distributor height H of each of the multiple chemical feed distributors 120 is [missing information]. D The slot height H of the slot 216 in at least one intermediate beam 210 S The difference between them is sufficient to allow some thermal expansion of the chemical feed dispenser 120 disposed through the slot 216. In an embodiment, the dispenser height H of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 is... D The slot height H of slot 216 S The difference can be less than or equal to 0.25 inches (1.27 cm), less than or equal to 0.20 inches (0.51 cm), less than or equal to 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), or even less than or equal to 0.06125 inches (0.16 cm). In an embodiment, the outer surface of each chemical feed dispenser 120 may contact the upper surface 222, lower surface 224, or both of the slot 216 in the intermediate beam 210 through which the chemical feed dispenser 120 is disposed.

[0070] See you again Figure 5 The slot 216 in the intermediate beam 210 has a width W greater than the distributor width W of each chemical feed distributor 120. D The width of the slot W SThis allows for thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 without altering the horizontal position (i.e., position in the XY plane of the coordinate axes in the figure) of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120, which would cause stress leading to mechanical failure at the point where the chemical feed dispensers 120 are attached to the container wall 104. The gap between each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 and one or both side surfaces 226 of the slot 216 of the intermediate beam 210 is sufficient to allow thermal growth of the intermediate beam 210, while the contact between the intermediate beam 210 and the chemical feed dispensers 120 does not alter the lateral position of any one of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120. In an embodiment, the dispenser width W of the chemical feed dispenser 120 is... D With the slot width W of each slot 216 S The difference can be greater than or equal to 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), greater than or equal to 0.50 inches (1.27 cm), greater than or equal to 1 inch (2.54 cm), or even greater than or equal to 2 inches (5.08 cm). In the embodiment, the distributor width W of the chemical feed distributor 120 is... D With the slot width W of each slot 216 S The difference can be 0.125 inches to 15 inches, 0.5 inches to 13 inches, 1.0 inch to 10 inches, or even 2 inches to 8 inches.

[0071] In the implementation scheme, the slot width W of all slots 216 of the intermediate beam 210 is... S The same can be used. In the implementation, the slot width W S The position of the slot 216 along the length of the intermediate beam 210 can be varied. In an embodiment where one of the first end 212 or the second end 214 of the intermediate beam 210 is rigidly and fixedly connected to the container wall 104, the slot width W of the slot 216 closest to the fixed end of the intermediate beam 210 is... S Each consecutive slot 216 may have an initial slot width, and the slot width W may be further away from the fixed end of the intermediate beam 210. S It can be enlarged to accommodate the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210. See also Figure 6 In this embodiment, both the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the intermediate beam 210 can be slidably connected to the container wall 104. In these cases, the slot 216 closest to the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 can have the minimum slot width W. S And the slot width W of each consecutive slot outward from the horizontal center 221 S It can have a continuously increasing slot width W SIn this case, the slot closest to the first end 212 and the second end 214 can have the maximum slot width W. S .

[0072] Figure 5 An embodiment of the intermediate beam 210 is shown, wherein a first end 212 of the intermediate beam 210 is fixed to the container wall 104 and a second end 214 is slidably connected to the container wall 104. Figure 5 As shown, the slot 216 closest to the first end 212 can have the minimum slot width W. S ,and Figure 5 Each consecutive slot 216 in the Y direction may have a larger slot width W than the previous adjacent slot 216. S Therefore, the slot width W S It can increase as the position along the intermediate beam 210 in the -Y direction increases. Figure 5 The intermediate beam 210 is shown at ambient temperature, and its dimensions may be enlarged for illustrative purposes. At ambient temperature, the slot 216 may be positioned along the length of the intermediate beam 210 (e.g., at...). Figure 5 (in the + / -Y direction of the coordinate axis), such that for each slot 216, the side surface 226 furthest from the first end 212 of the intermediate beam 210 fits tightly against the outermost surface of the chemical feed dispenser 120, and the side surface 226 closest to the first end 212 of the intermediate beam 210 is spaced apart from the chemical feed dispenser 120 to form a gap G between the side surface 226 of the slot 216 and the chemical feed dispenser 120. S The gap G S Available Figure 5 The coordinate axis in the -Y direction increases for each continuous slot 216. When the temperature of the intermediate beam 210 rises to the operating temperature of the fluidized bed processing system 100, the intermediate beam 210 can move along... Figure 5 Thermal expansion in the -Y direction. Continuously increasing gap G. S The intermediate beam 210 is allowed to thermally expand in the -Y direction without contacting the chemical feed distributor and causing the chemical feed distributor to shift in the -Y direction. Figure 5 It is shown that the first end 212 is fixed and the second end 214 ( Figure 3 An example of a beam 210 that can slide relative to the container wall 104. However, it should be understood that the second end 214 of the intermediate beam 210 may be fixed to the container wall 104, the first end 212 may be able to slide relative to the container wall 104, and the slot 216 may be positioned and configured to accommodate the thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 from the second end 214 toward the first end 212 (e.g., in the +Y direction).

[0073] See now Figure 6It schematically depicts an embodiment in which both the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the intermediate beam 210 are slidably connected to the container wall 104. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the slot 216 closest to the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 can have a minimum slot width W. S Furthermore, each consecutive slot 216 extending outward toward the first end 212 and the second end 214 may have a larger slot width W compared to each previously adjacent slot 216. S Therefore, the slot width W S It can increase with the increase of the distance from the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 in the + / -Y direction. Figure 6 The intermediate beam 210 is shown at ambient temperature, and its dimensions may be enlarged for illustrative purposes. At ambient temperature, slots 216 can be positioned along the length L of the intermediate beam 210 (e.g., in the + / - Y direction of the coordinate axis in FIG. 65) such that for each slot 216, the side surface 226 furthest from the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 can fit tightly against the outermost surface of the chemical feed dispenser 120, and the side surface 226 closest to the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 is spaced apart from the chemical feed dispenser 120 to form a gap G between the side surface 226 of the slot 216 and the chemical feed dispenser 120. S The gap G S It can be enlarged for each successive slot 216 further away from the horizontal center 221. When the temperature of the intermediate beam 210 rises to the operating temperature of the fluidized bed processing system 100, the intermediate beam 210 can... Figure 6 Thermal expansion occurs in the +Y and -Y directions from the horizontal center 221 of the intermediate beam 210 outwards. The gap G increases continuously. S The intermediate beam 210 is allowed to thermally expand outward from the horizontal center 221 without contacting the chemical feed distributor 120 and causing the chemical feed distributor 120 to displace in the + / -Y direction.

[0074] Various forces can act on the chemical feed distributors 120 to move them in the vertical direction. These forces may include contact with air or solid catalyst particles moving vertically through the fluidized bed processing system 100, forces caused by the flow of chemical feed exiting the multiple outlets in each chemical feed distributor 120, or other forces. See also Figures 3 to 6 The intermediate beam 210 can limit the chemical feed dispenser 120, which is positioned through the slot 216, from the vertical direction (i.e., by contacting the upper surface 222 and lower surface 224 of the slot 216 with the chemical feed dispenser 120) through the slot 216. Figures 3 to 6The movement along the coordinate axes (+ / -Z directions) counteracts these forces. Reducing the vertical movement of the chemical feed dispenser 120 reduces the stress on the chemical feed dispenser 120 at its connection to the container wall 104, thereby reducing or preventing mechanical failure of the chemical feed dispenser 120 and extending its service life. The lateral clearance between the side surface 226 of the slot 216 and the chemical feed dispenser 120 (e.g., in the direction of the coordinate axes + / -Z) is used to counteract these forces. Figures 3 to 6 The gaps in the + / -Y directions of the coordinate axes allow for thermal expansion of the intermediate beam 210 without causing displacement of the chemical feed distributor in the + / -Y directions.

[0075] See Figure 4 again. Figure 6 The chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a reinforcing strip 132 rigidly attached to the outer surface of the dispenser wall 126 at the point where the chemical feed dispenser 120 is most likely to contact the intermediate beam 210. When the chemical feed dispenser 120 is positioned in the slot 216, the reinforcing strip 132 may be positioned to contact the inner surface of the slot 216 of the intermediate beam 210 (i.e., the upper surface 222, the lower surface 224, and / or the side surface 226). The reinforcing strip 132 may be attached to the outer surface of the dispenser wall 126 along the entire length of the chemical feed dispenser 120 or only along the portion of the length of the chemical feed dispenser 120 that may contact the intermediate beam 210. The reinforcing strip 132 may reduce or prevent damage to the chemical feed dispenser 120 due to contact with the intermediate beam 210. Each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include reinforcing strips 132 on the vertical top and bottom of the dispenser wall 126, wherein the chemical feed dispenser 120 may contact the intermediate beam 210. Due to the reduced clearance, the top and bottom of each chemical feed dispenser 120 are most likely to contact the upper surface 222 and / or lower surface 224 of the slot 216 of the intermediate beam 210 to limit vertical movement of the chemical feed dispenser 120. In an embodiment, the chemical feed dispenser 120 may also have reinforcing strips 132 on its lateral sides to reduce or prevent damage to the sides resulting from contact between the sides of the chemical feed dispenser 120 and the side surfaces 226 of the slot 216 of the intermediate beam 210.

[0076] The dispenser support system 200 may include one or more intermediate beams 210 to vertically support a plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120. In an embodiment, the dispenser support system 200 may include one, two, three, four, or more than four intermediate beams 210. See also Figure 2 In one embodiment, the fluidized bed processing system 100 may include two or more subsets of chemical feed distributors 120, and each subset of chemical feed distributors 120 may engage with slots 216 of one or more intermediate beams 210. See again Figure 2The fluidized bed processing system 100 may include a first plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 and at least one first intermediate beam 210, wherein the first plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 are coupled to a first side of the container wall 104 and extend through a slot 216 in the at least one first intermediate beam 210. The fluidized bed processing system 100 may also include a second plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 and at least one second intermediate beam 210, wherein the second plurality of chemical feed distributors 120 are coupled to a second side of the container wall 104 opposite to the first side, and extend through a slot 216 in the at least one second intermediate beam 210. Figure 2 The chemical feed dispenser 120 and intermediate beam 210 may each have any of the features previously described in this disclosure for the chemical feed dispenser 120 and intermediate beam 210.

[0077] See now Figure 7 The dispenser support system 200 may include one or more lateral guides 240 that can limit and / or reduce lateral displacement of the chemical feed dispenser 120 (e.g., in...). Figure 7 The displacement in the + / -Y direction of the coordinate axis (in the coordinate system) can reduce or prevent stress at the connection between the chemical feed dispenser 120 and the container wall 104. Each lateral guide 240 may interconnect two or more chemical feed dispensers 120 to provide lateral support for two or more chemical feed dispensers 120. Each lateral guide 240 may include a flat strip 242 having a plurality of cutouts 244 disposed on the long end of the flat strip 242. The flat strip 242 may be a rectangular strip having an upper end 246 and a lower end 248. The upper end 246 or the lower end 248 may include a plurality of cutouts 244. Each lateral guide 240 may include 2, 3, 4 or more than 4 cutouts 244. Each of the plurality of cutouts 244 may be a slot with a side opening and may be shaped to receive at least a portion of the chemical feed dispenser 120. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in one embodiment, a cut 244 may be provided in the lower end 248 of the lateral guide 240, such that the lateral guide 240 is positioned on top of the chemical feed dispenser 120. However, it should be understood that in another embodiment, multiple cuts 244 may be provided in the upper end 246 of the lateral guide 240, such that the lateral guide is positioned below the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0078] See Figure 8 As previously described, each of the plurality of cutouts 244 in the lateral guide 240 may be shaped to receive one of the chemical feed dispensers 120. See also Figure 8In one embodiment, each of the plurality of cuts 244 may have a shape conforming to a portion of the outer surface of the chemical feed dispenser 120, and may include one or more reinforcing strips 132 coupled to the outer surface of the chemical feed dispenser 120 at a location where they are intended to contact the lateral guide 240. See also Figure 9 The cutout 244 may be shaped to reflect the contour of at least a portion of the outer surface of the chemical feed dispenser 120, without reinforcing strips 132 on the lateral side of the dispenser wall 126. In an embodiment, each cutout 244 may be shaped to receive half of the chemical feed dispenser 120 within the cutout 244. Under environmental conditions, one or more of the plurality of cutouts 244 may have a width greater than the dispenser width W. D Cut width W C This allows for thermal expansion of the lateral guides 240 in the + / -Y direction and the chemical feed distributor in the + / -X direction of the coordinate axes in the figure when the fluidized bed processing system 100 is heated to a higher operating temperature. Cut width W C It can be small enough that the lateral guide 240 can effectively limit the lateral movement of the chemical feed dispenser 120, such as movement in the + / -Y direction of the coordinate axis in the figure.

[0079] See Figures 7 to 9Each lateral guide 240 may engage with a subset of a plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 such that each cutout 244 receives at least a portion of one of the chemical feed dispensers 120. The lateral guide 240 may be rigidly coupled to one of the chemical feed dispensers 120 at one of the cutouts 244. The lateral guide 240 may be rigidly coupled to the chemical feed dispenser 120 by welding, brazing, adhering, or fastening the lateral guide 240 to the chemical feed dispenser 120, such as by coupling to a reinforcing strip 132 coupled to the outer surface of the dispenser wall of the chemical feed dispenser 120. In an embodiment, the lateral guide 240 may be rigidly coupled to the chemical feed dispenser 120 by one or more fasteners 250 (such as one or more bolts, screws, clamps, pins, belts, other fasteners, or combinations thereof). In one embodiment, the lateral guide 240 may include a fastening strip 252 rigidly coupled to the lateral guide 240. The fastening strip 252 may provide a plurality of fasteners 250 to rigidly engage the lateral guide 240 to the chemical feed dispenser 120. The lateral guide 240 may be coupled to the chemical feed dispenser 120 at any single cutout in the cutouts 244. In embodiments where the lateral guide 240 includes three or more cutouts 244, the lateral guide 240 may be rigidly coupled to the chemical feed dispenser 120 at a cutout 244 in the middle portion of the lateral guide 240 (such as a cutout 244 near the horizontal center 254 of the lateral guide 240).

[0080] Other chemical feed dispensers 120 in the subset may be received in the cutout 244 of the lateral guide 240, but not rigidly coupled to the lateral guide 240, to allow the lateral guide 240 to thermally expand and contract in the + / -Y direction in response to temperature changes during operation. At ambient temperature, the cutout 244 at which the lateral guide 240 is rigidly coupled to one of the chemical feed dispensers 120 can fit snugly to the external dimensions of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The cutout width W of the cutout 244 C The distributor width W of the chemical feed dispenser D The difference between them can be less than or equal to 0.25 inches (1.27 cm), less than or equal to 0.20 inches (0.51 cm), less than or equal to 0.125 inches (0.32 cm), or even less than or equal to 0.06125 inches (0.16 cm) at ambient temperature, wherein the lateral guide 240 is rigidly connected to the one chemical feed dispenser 120 at the cut.

[0081] See Figure 9At ambient temperature, the notch 244, which is not rigidly connected to the chemical feed dispenser 120, may have a notch width W that allows for greater thermal expansion of the lateral guide 240. C Each cutout 244 not rigidly connected to the chemical feed dispenser 120 may have an inner cutout surface 256 having a proximal side 258 and a distal side 259. The proximal side 258 may be the side of the cutout 244 closest to the chemical feed dispenser 120, and the distal side 259 may be the side of the cutout 244 furthest from the chemical feed dispenser 120. For a cutout 244 not rigidly connected to the chemical feed dispenser 120 at ambient temperature, the distal side 259 of the cutout 244 may fit tightly against the side of the chemical feed dispenser 120 disposed in the cutout 244, and the proximal side 258 may be spaced apart from the other side of the chemical feed dispenser 120 to form a cutout gap G between the proximal side 258 and the chemical feed dispenser 120. C The incision gap G at the proximal position 258 of incision 244. C This allows the lateral guide 240 to extend outward from the cutout 244 rigidly connected to the chemical feed dispenser 120 (e.g., in...). Figures 7 to 9 Thermal expansion (in the + / -Y direction of the coordinate axis). At ambient temperature, the cutout gap G between the near side 258 and the chemical feed dispenser 120. C It can be from 0.125 inches to 0.325 inches. If the cut gap G... C At ambient temperatures less than 0.125 inches, thermal expansion of the lateral guide 240 under the operating conditions of the fluidized bed processing system 100 can cause lateral displacement of one or more chemical feed dispensers 120 engaged therewith, which can lead to stress at the connection between the chemical feed dispenser 120 and the container wall 104. If the cut gap G C If the lateral guide 240 is greater than 0.325 inches at ambient temperature, it may not be effective in reducing the lateral displacement of the chemical feed distributor 120 caused by other external forces at the operating temperature of the fluidized bed processing system 100.

[0082] See you again Figures 7 to 9 The lateral guide 240 is operable to interconnect a subset of chemical feed dispensers 120 to limit the lateral movement of each chemical feed dispenser 120 relative to other chemical feed dispensers in that subset (i.e., in...). Figures 7 to 9(Movement in the XY plane of the coordinate axes in the figure). Various forces can act on the chemical feed dispenser 120 to cause them to move laterally, such as in the + / -Y direction of the coordinate axes in the figure. These forces may include, but are not limited to, the forces caused by the expansion of liquid water exiting one or more outlets of the chemical feed dispenser 120, the forces caused by air bubbles exiting one or more outlets of the chemical feed dispenser 120, or other forces. See also Figures 7 to 9 The lateral guide 240 can limit the chemical feed dispenser 120 in the lateral direction (i.e., by contacting the internal cut surface 256 of the cut 244 in the lateral guide 240 with the chemical feed dispenser 120) Figures 7 to 9 The movement along the coordinate axes (in the + / -Y direction) counteracts these forces. Reducing the lateral displacement of the chemical feed dispenser 120 reduces the stress on the chemical feed dispenser 120 at its inlet connected to the container wall 104, thereby extending the service life of the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0083] The dispenser support system 200 may include a plurality of lateral guides 240. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of lateral guides 240 may engage with a discrete subset of the chemical feed dispenser 120, which is separate from a subset of the chemical feed dispenser 120 that engages with other lateral guides 240. In another embodiment, one or more of the lateral guides 240 may overlap each other, such that one or more chemical feed dispensers 120 may engage with two or more lateral guides 240.

[0084] Multiple lateral guides 240 can be installed to provide lateral support for the chemical feed dispenser 120 at multiple locations along the length of the chemical feed dispenser (e.g., + / -X locations in the coordinate axes of the figure). See also Figure 2 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, one or more lateral guides 240 may be positioned between the intermediate beam 210 and the side of the container wall 104 closest to the intermediate beam 210. See also Figure 2 As shown in Figure 10, in one embodiment, one or more lateral guides 240 may be positioned near the ends 130 of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120. In this configuration, a central beam 210 is positioned between the lateral guides 240 and the nearest side of the container wall 104. Positioning one or more lateral guides 240 at the ends 130 of the chemical feed dispensers 120 stabilizes the ends 130 of the chemical feed dispensers 120 and reduces lateral displacement of the ends 130.

[0085] See Figure 10ALateral guide 240 may be positioned near the end 130 of chemical feed dispenser 120 to serve as an end guide for stabilizing the end 130 of chemical feed dispenser 120. See also Figure 10B When one or more lateral guides 240 are positioned near the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120, the lateral guides 240 can conduct additional heat to the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. This additional heat, combined with the reduced chemical feed flow rate at the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120, can cause a temperature rise at the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120, which can lead to additional coking and blockage at the outlet of the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. To reduce the effect of the lateral guides 240 on the heated end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120, in an embodiment, each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include thermal insulation material 160 disposed within the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The thermal insulation material 160 may be positioned at least at the location where the lateral guide 240 engages with the chemical feed dispenser 120. The thermal insulation material 160 can be isolated from the chemical feed in the chemical feed dispenser 120 by the partition 162. The thermal insulation material 160 can reduce or prevent heat from being conducted from the lateral guide 240 to the chemical feed in the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0086] See now Figure 11 In one embodiment, the dispenser support system 200 may include one or more end guides 270 that engage with the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The end guides 270 may be used as a supplement to or alternative to lateral guides 240, which are positioned close to the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The end guides 270 may limit the chemical feed dispenser 120 in... Figures 11 to 13 Lateral movement of the coordinate axis in the + / -Y direction, while still allowing each chemical feed dispenser 120 to thermally expand to different degrees in the + / -X direction.

[0087] See now Figure 12 Each end guide 270 may include a flat strip 272 having a mounting hole 274 and one or more slots 276 spaced apart from the mounting hole 274. Each end guide 270 may have one, two, three, or more than three slots 276. Each end guide 270 may have n-1 slots 276, where n is equal to the number of chemical feed dispensers 120 in the subset to which the end guide 270 engages. See also Figure 13 The end 130 of each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include... Figure 13The rod 278 protrudes outward from end 130 in the + / -X direction of the coordinate axes. See also Figures 11 to 13 A rod 278 of one of the chemical feed dispensers 120 may be disposed through a hole 274 in an end guide 270, and the end guide 270 may be coupled to the chemical feed dispenser 120 engaging with the hole 274 by fasteners 280, such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, clamps, pins, belts, other fasteners, or combinations thereof. The rod 278 of each of the other chemical feed dispensers 120 in the subset may be received in a slot 276 of the end guide 270. The slot 276 allows thermal expansion of the end guide 270 without causing lateral displacement of the chemical feed dispenser 120 in the + / -Y direction when the fluidized bed processing system 100 is heated to its operating temperature. In an embodiment, the rod 278 disposed through the slot 278 may optionally include fasteners 280, such as, but not limited to, bolts, clamps, pins, belts, other fasteners, or combinations thereof, which prevent the rod 278 from disengaging from the slot 276 during operation of the fluidized bed processing system 100.

[0088] See Figure 11 The end guide 270 may be spaced apart from the end 130 of each chemical feed dispenser 120, and each rod 278 may be able to slide within its disposed hole 274 or slot 276, which allows for differences in thermal expansion of the chemical feed dispenser 120 during operation. For example, when a chemical feed dispenser 120 becomes clogged due to coking or other reasons, the flow of the chemical feed may cease, reducing the cooling effect of the chemical feed flow on the chemical feed dispenser 120. The reduced cooling by the chemical feed can cause the temperature of the clogged chemical feed dispenser 120 to rise, thereby increasing the thermal expansion of the clogged chemical feed dispenser 120 in the + / -X direction relative to other unclogged chemical feed dispensers 120. Spaced apart from the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120, the rod 278 may slide relative to the end guide 270 in the + / -X direction to compensate for these differences in thermal expansion of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The engagement of the rod 278 of the chemical feed dispenser 120 with the hole 274 and slot 276 of the end guide 270 can limit the lateral displacement of the chemical feed dispenser 120 in the + / -Y direction, while still allowing thermal expansion of both the end guide 270 and the chemical feed dispenser 120.

[0089] See now Figure 2 and Figure 14The attachment of the intermediate beam 210 to the container wall 104 can create an area within the container 102 that is inaccessible to the chemical feed distributor 120. This area can create a dead zone in which no chemical feed is introduced into the container 102, which can reduce the utilization and capacity of the fluidized bed treatment system 100. In an embodiment, the fluidized bed treatment system 100 may include one or more T-distributors 300 disposed in an area of ​​the container 102 blocked by the attachment of the intermediate beam 210 to the container wall 104. Each T-distributor 300 may include a chemical feed inlet 301. The chemical feed inlet 301 may introduce a chemical feed stream 122 into the T-distributor 300. The chemical feed stream 122 may enter the T-distributor 300 through the chemical feed inlet 301. The chemical inlet 301 can refer to an inlet location in container 102 that allows the chemical feed flow 122 within the T-dispenser 300 to pass through container wall 104 and enter the internal volume of container 102. The T-dispenser 300 can be connected to container wall 104 near the chemical inlet 301.

[0090] The T-shaped dispenser 300 may include an inlet conduit 302 in fluid communication with a chemical inlet 301 and a dispensing conduit 304 in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 302. The dispensing conduit 304 may be oriented orthogonally to the inlet conduit 302 to form a T-shape. The inlet conduit 302 is operable to convey chemical feed 122 from the chemical inlet 301 of the T-shaped dispenser 300 to the dispensing conduit 304. The inlet conduit 302 may not have any chemical feed outlet along its length between the chemical inlet 301 and the dispensing conduit 304. The dispensing conduit 304 may include a T-shaped dispenser body 305, which includes one or more walls 306. The one or more walls 306 may define an elongated chemical feed flow path through it.

[0091] The T-shaped dispenser body 305 of the dispensing conduit 304 may include a plurality of chemical inlet outlets 308, which may be openings in one or more walls 306 of the body 305. The plurality of chemical inlet outlets 308 may be spaced apart along at least a portion of the length of the dispensing conduit 304. In one embodiment, the plurality of chemical inlet outlets 308 may be arranged in a single row along the dispensing conduit 304 of the T-shaped dispenser 300. In other embodiments, the plurality of chemical inlet outlets 308 may be arranged in alternating positions along the dispensing conduit 304 of the T-shaped dispenser 300, such as in two rows. It is contemplated that the chemical inlet outlets 308 may be arranged in any configuration along the dispensing conduit 304 of the T-shaped dispenser 300.

[0092] Chemical inlet outlet 308 provides a passage for the chemical feed stream 122 to enter the internal volume of container 102 from T-distributor 300. Multiple chemical inlet outlets 308 are operable to allow a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 to exit T-distributor 300 and enter the internal volume of container 102. Each of the multiple chemical inlet outlets 308 may include an orifice and an optional diffuser, as previously described. Figure 18 The chemical feed dispenser 120 is described in the image. The chemical feed outlet 308 may have previously been configured for... Figure 18 The chemical feed outlet 124 of the chemical feed dispenser 120 described and shown herein does not contain any of the features described herein.

[0093] The one or more walls 126 may define an elongated chemical feed flow path 127. A plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 may be spaced apart along at least a portion of the length of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127. Each of the plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 is operable to allow a portion of the chemical feed flow 122 to exit the chemical feed dispenser 120 and enter the container 102. The total flow rate of the chemical feed flow 122 entering the chemical feed dispenser 120 may be equal to the flow rate of the portion of the chemical feed flow 122 that passes through each of the plurality of chemical feed outlets 124 and enters the container 102.

[0094] See Figure 14 and Figure 15 The dispenser support system 200 may further include one or more supports 320 operable to provide support for each side of the dispensing conduit 304 of each T-shaped dispenser 300. Each support 320 may be coupled to the container wall 104 at an attachment end 322 of the support 320. The support end 324 of the support 320 may be shaped to engage with the top and bottom surfaces of the dispensing conduit 304 to provide vertical support for the dispensing conduit 304. In an embodiment, the support end 324 of the support 320 may be bifurcated, such as... Figure 15 As shown. See also Figure 15 In an implementation, the distribution conduit 304 of the T-shaped distributor 300 may include one or more reinforcing strips 132, which are attached to the outer surface of the distribution conduit 304 at the location where the distribution conduit 304 contacts the support member 320.

[0095] See you again Figure 2When container 102 has an inner diameter greater than or equal to 15 feet (4.6 meters), the increased length of each chemical feed distributor 120 can lead to uneven distribution of the chemical feed due to the increased temperature and decreased pressure of the chemical feed near the end 130 of the chemical feed distributor 120. For example, during operation of the fluidized bed processing system 100, the chemical feed stream 122 may be fed at a relatively cool temperature compared to the temperature inside container 102. According to embodiments, the temperature difference between the chemical feed stream 122 and the temperature inside container 102 can be greater than 300°C, such as greater than 350°C, greater than 400°C, greater than 450°C, greater than 500°C, greater than 550°C, greater than 600°C, or greater than 650°C.

[0096] In this implementation, the temperature inside container 102 can be higher than 500°C, and the temperature of the chemical feed stream 122 can be lower than the temperature inside container 102. During operation, the temperature inside container 102 can heat the chemical feed distributor 120, and thus can raise the circumferential maximum surface temperature of the chemical feed distributor 120. The circumferential maximum surface temperature can refer to the highest surface temperature of the entire chemical feed distributor 120. The heat from container 102 can also raise the temperature of the chemical feed stream 122 within the chemical feed distributor 120. If the circumferential maximum surface temperature of the chemical feed distributor 120 or the temperature of the chemical feed stream 122 within the chemical feed distributor 120 rises too much, coke may begin to deposit on the chemical feed stream 122. When coke deposits on the chemical feed distributor 120, blockages may occur at multiple chemical feed outlets 124, which can lead to uneven flow distribution and thus operational problems. As used in this disclosure, "uneven flow distribution" can refer to the difference in uniform flow distribution among the various chemical feed outlets 124.

[0097] See now Figure 16In embodiments, the chemical feed dispenser 120 of this disclosure may have a cross-sectional area varying along the length of the chemical feed dispenser 120 in order to maintain a sufficient linear gas velocity of the chemical feed 122 near the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. In other words, each chemical feed dispenser 120 may have a smaller cross-sectional area near the end 130 compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the chemical feed dispenser 120 near the chemical feed inlet 121. As used herein with respect to the chemical feed dispenser 120, the term “cross-sectional area” of the chemical feed dispenser refers to the area of ​​a two-dimensional shape defined by the inner surface of the dispenser wall 126, which is formed by passing a transverse plane through the chemical feed dispenser 120 at any given point. The “average cross-sectional area” of the chemical feed dispenser 120 is the average of the cross-sectional areas obtained over a specified length of the chemical feed dispenser 120. As the chemical feed stream 122 passes through multiple chemical feed outlets 124 from the chemical feed distributor 120 and enters the container 102, the flow rate of the chemical feed stream 122 in the chemical feed distributor 120 can be maintained or at least less affected due to the reduced cross-sectional area along the length of the chemical feed distributor 120.

[0098] See Figure 17 It schematically depicts one embodiment of a chemical feed dispenser 120, which has positions based on the length of the chemical feed dispenser 120 (e.g., at...). Figure 17The cross-sectional area varies depending on the position of the coordinate axes in the + / -X direction. As previously described, each chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a dispenser wall 126. Each chemical feed dispenser 120 may also include an end wall 134 disposed at the end 130 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. In embodiments, the dispenser wall 126 may define a first conduit 140, a truncated transition section 141, and a second conduit 142. As used herein, a conduit may refer to a cylindrical conduit having any cross-sectional shape. For example, a conduit may have a circular, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, irregular, or any other cross-sectional shape. The first conduit 140 may contact and be downstream of the chemical feed inlet 121. The truncated transition section 141 may contact and be downstream of the first conduit 140. The second conduit 142 may contact and be downstream of the truncated transition section 141. The first conduit 140, the truncated transition section 141, and the second conduit 142 may together define an elongated chemical feed flow path 127. As detailed above, the plurality of chemical inlet outlets 124 may be spaced apart along a portion of the length of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127, or alternatively spaced along a portion of the first conduit 140, the truncated transition section 141, and the second conduit 142. Therefore, after entering the chemical feed distributor 120 via the chemical inlet 121, the chemical feed flow 122 may flow along the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 and exit the chemical feed distributor 120 via the plurality of chemical inlet outlets 124.

[0099] Although Figure 17 A chemical feed distributor 120 is depicted, comprising a first conduit 140, a truncated transition section 141, and a second conduit 142. However, it is contemplated that the chemical feed distributor 120 may include any number of conduits (i.e., pipe segments) and truncated transition sections 141. For example, the chemical feed distributor 120 may include multiple pipe segments, such as three, four, five, six, or more than six pipe segments, with truncated transition sections 141 between each segment. Furthermore, it should be noted that each pipe segment does not need to comprise exactly the same length. That is, a separately formed pipe segment may be shorter or longer than other separately formed pipe segments. Although Figure 17 The first pipe 140 and the second pipe 142 may have substantially the same length, but it is conceivable that the first pipe 140 and the second pipe 142 may have different lengths. In one embodiment, the first pipe 140 may be shorter than the second pipe 142. In other embodiments, the first pipe 140 may be longer than the second pipe 142. Additionally, in some embodiments, the chemical feed dispenser 120 may include more than two pipe segments (i.e., the first pipe 140 and the second pipe 142). For example, as... Figure 19As shown, the chemical feed distributor may include three pipe sections 139, wherein the pipe sections 139 are separated from each other by a truncated transition section 141.

[0100] See you again Figure 17 The central axes of the first conduit 140 and the second conduit 142 can be collinear and both can be located along the distributor centerline 128. That is, the cross-sections of the distributor wall 126 at the first conduit 140 and the distributor wall 126 at the second conduit 142 can form concentric circles. In this embodiment, the truncated transition section 141 can be radially symmetrical about the distributor centerline 128. See also... Figure 20 The central axis 144 of the first conduit 120 and the central axis 146 of the second conduit 122 may not be collinear. That is, the cross-section of the distributor wall 126 at the first conduit 140 and the cross-section of the distributor wall 126 at the second conduit 142 may form non-concentric circles. In such embodiments, the truncated transition section 141 may not be radially symmetrical about the axis of the truncated transition section 141.

[0101] See you again Figure 17 During operation of the chemical feed distributor 120, a chemical feed stream 122 may enter the chemical feed distributor 120 via a chemical feed inlet 121. The chemical feed stream 122 may pass through a first conduit 140, a truncated transition section 141, and a second conduit 142. An elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127 may include an upstream fluid flow path portion 148 and a downstream fluid flow path portion 149. As the chemical feed stream 122 is conveyed along the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127, a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 may exit the chemical feed distributor 120 through multiple chemical feed outlets 124. As a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 exits the chemical feed distributor 120 through the multiple chemical feed outlets 124, the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed stream 122 along the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127 may vary with... Figure 17 The position on the +X dimension of the coordinate axis increases and decreases. Figure 17 Reducing the average cross-sectional area of ​​the chemical feed distributor 120 along the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 in the +X direction of the mid-coordinate axis can compensate for volume loss to maintain the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed flow 122, or alternatively minimize the reduction in the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed flow 122. By maintaining the linear gas velocity or minimizing the reduction in the linear gas velocity, stagnation of the chemical feed flow 122 within the chemical feed distributor 120 can be reduced. By reducing stagnation in the chemical feed flow 122, coking and coking-related side effects can also be reduced.

[0102] See now Figure 21According to one or more embodiments, the dispenser wall 126 may include a first wall 126A and a second wall 126B. The second wall 126B may have an inner diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the first wall 126A. The second wall 126B may surround the first wall 126A. The inner surface of the first wall 126A may define an upstream fluid flow path portion 148. The outer surface of the first wall 126A and the inner surface of the second wall 126B may define a downstream fluid flow path portion 149. Although the second wall 126B may include an inner diameter greater than the maximum outer diameter of the first wall 126A, the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 may still include an average cross-sectional area smaller than that of the upstream fluid flow path portion 148. That is, although the average cross-sectional area of ​​the second wall 126B may be greater than the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first wall 126A, the downstream fluid flow path portion 148 may be defined only by the area not occupied by the upstream fluid flow path portion 149.

[0103] See still Figure 21 The downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 may be an annular region defined between the first wall 126A and the second wall 126B and surrounding the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127. The first wall 126A may define a first conduit 140. The second wall 126B may define a second conduit 142. The first conduit 140 and the second conduit 142 may include conduits of the same shape or may include conduits of different shapes. The first wall 126A and the second wall 126B may form a coaxial geometry. It is also contemplated that the first wall 126A and the second wall 126B may form an eccentric geometry. The first wall 126A of the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 can be airtight, allowing the chemical feed flow 122 to bypass the first wall 126A except at its termination, and the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 is in fluid communication with the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the first wall 126A may have a shorter length than the second wall 126B, so that the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 can pass continuously through the chemical feed distributor 120.

[0104] See still Figure 21 During operation, the chemical feed stream 122 can enter the chemical feed distributor 120 via the chemical feed inlet 121. The chemical feed stream 122 can pass through the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127. Figure 21As shown, the first wall 126A of the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 can terminate before the end 130 of the chemical feed distributor 120 opposite to the chemical feed inlet 121. This allows the chemical feed flow 122 to continue flowing from the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 to the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127, as... Figure 21 As indicated by the arrows, as the chemical feed stream 122 travels along the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127, the chemical feed stream 122 may travel towards the chemical feed inlet 121, but return outside the first wall 126A, within the annular space defined between the first wall 126A and the second wall 126B. As the chemical feed stream 122 travels along the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127, a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 may exit the chemical feed distributor 120 through multiple chemical feed outlets 124. The linear gas velocity of the chemical feed stream 122 may be reduced as a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 exits the chemical feed distributor 120 through the multiple chemical feed outlets 124. However, as the average cross-sectional area of ​​the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 along the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 decreases, the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed flow 122 can be maintained, or alternatively, the reduction in the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed flow 122 can be minimized. By maintaining the linear gas velocity or minimizing the reduction in the linear gas velocity, stagnation of the chemical feed flow 122 within the chemical feed distributor 120 can be reduced. By reducing stagnation in the chemical feed flow 122, coking and coking-related side effects can also be reduced.

[0105] See now Figure 22According to one or more embodiments, the chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a chemical feed flow guide 152 disposed within a dispenser wall 126 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. The chemical feed flow guide 152 may contact an end wall 134 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. At least a portion of an elongated chemical feed flow path 127 may be defined between an outer surface of the chemical feed flow guide 152 and an inner surface of the dispenser wall 126. The chemical feed flow guide 152 may reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 along at least a portion of the length of the chemical feed dispenser 120. In embodiments having the chemical feed flow guide 152, the dispenser wall 126 of the chemical feed dispenser 120 may have a constant dimension along the length of the chemical feed dispenser 120, such as a constant diameter for a circular cross-sectional shape. The chemical feed flow guide 152 can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 along the length of the chemical feed distributor 120 without changing the diameter of the distributor wall 126 of the chemical feed distributor 120. However, it is contemplated that, according to one or more embodiments, the distributor wall 126 of the chemical feed distributor 120 may have a reduced cross-sectional area defined by the inner surface of the distributor wall 126 (e.g., Figure 17 (in the middle) and the chemical feed flow guide 152 disposed in the chemical feed distributor 120.

[0106] See still Figure 22 The average cross-sectional area of ​​the chemical feed flow guide 152 in the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 can be larger than the average cross-sectional area in the upstream fluid flow path portion 148. It is also conceivable that, in embodiments, the chemical feed flow guide 152 may be located only in the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. That is, in embodiments, the chemical feed flow guide 152 may not extend from the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 to the upstream fluid flow path portion 148. The chemical feed flow guide 152 may include any geometry. For example, the chemical feed flow guide 152 may have a conical, truncated conical, pyramidal, curved, or other shape.

[0107] See still Figure 22During operation, the chemical feed stream 122 can enter the chemical feed distributor 120 via the chemical feed inlet 121. The chemical feed stream 122 can be conveyed along an elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127. As the chemical feed stream 122 is conveyed along the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127, a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 can exit the chemical feed distributor 120 through multiple chemical feed outlets 124. Again, as a portion of the chemical feed stream 122 exits through the multiple chemical feed outlets 124, the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed stream 122 can decrease along the length of the chemical feed distributor 120. However, the chemical feed stream guide 152 can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127 along the length of the chemical feed distributor 120. As the average cross-sectional area along the elongated chemical feed stream flow path 127 decreases, the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed stream 122 can be maintained, or alternatively, the reduction in the linear gas velocity of the chemical feed stream 122 can be minimized. Coking and coking-related side effects can also be reduced by maintaining a linear gas velocity or minimizing its reduction.

[0108] See Figure 18 The chemical feed dispenser 120 may include a refractory material 136 lining the exterior of the dispenser wall 126 of the chemical feed dispenser 120. As used herein, the refractory material 136 is a material that resists decomposition by heat, pressure, or chemical attack and retains its strength and shape at high temperatures. Oxides of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, and calcium are common materials used in the manufacture of refractory materials. The refractory material 136 may be an insulator with a thermal conductivity of less than about 14 W / mK. According to one or more embodiments, the thickness of the refractory material 136 lining the exterior of the dispenser wall 126 defining the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 may differ from the thickness of the refractory material lining the exterior of the dispenser wall 126 defining the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 defining the elongated chemical feed flow path 127. For example, the thickness of the refractory material 136 lining the downstream fluid flow path portion 149 of the elongated chemical feed flow path 127 may be greater than the thickness of the refractory material 136 lining the wall 126 of the upstream fluid flow path portion 148 defining the elongated chemical feed flow path 127.

[0109] In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers 120 may include a first segment and at least one second segment along the longitudinal length of the chemical feed dispenser 120, wherein the first segment has a first diameter and the at least one second segment has a second diameter different from the first diameter. In another embodiment, the first diameter of the first segment may be greater than the second diameter of the at least one second segment, wherein the first segment is closer to the chemical feed inlet relative to the at least one second segment.

[0110] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a fluidized bed processing system that may include a container with a container wall and a plurality of chemical feed distributors coupled to and extending from the container wall into the internal volume of the container. Each chemical feed distributor may include a distributor body forming a chemical feed flow path and a plurality of chemical feed outlets distributed along the length of the distributor body. The fluidized bed processing system may also include at least one intermediate beam comprising a plurality of slots spaced apart along the beam's length. The at least one intermediate beam may be coupled to the container wall at both ends. Each chemical feed distributor may pass through one slot of the at least one intermediate beam. The at least one intermediate beam may provide vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors.

[0111] The second aspect of this disclosure may include the first aspect, wherein the difference between the outermost vertical dimension of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers and the height of the slot in the at least one intermediate beam may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches.

[0112] A third aspect of this disclosure may include either the first or the second aspect, wherein the distributor centerline of each chemical feed dispenser may deviate from the slot centerline of the slot through which the chemical feed dispenser passes by less than 10% of the outermost vertical dimension of the chemical feed dispenser.

[0113] The fourth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the slots of the at least one intermediate beam are alignable such that the slot centerline is vertically aligned with the distributor centerline of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

[0114] The fifth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the outer surface of each chemical feed dispenser may contact the upper or lower surface of a slot in the intermediate beam through which the chemical feed dispenser passes.

[0115] A sixth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein each chemical feed dispenser may include one or more reinforcing strips coupled to an outer surface of the chemical feed dispenser, wherein the one or more reinforcing strips may be positioned to contact an inner surface of a slot when the chemical feed dispenser is disposed in a slot.

[0116] The seventh aspect of this disclosure may include the sixth aspect, wherein the one or more reinforcing strips may contact the upper or lower surface of a slot in the intermediate beam through which the chemical feed dispenser passes.

[0117] The eighth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the gap between each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers and one or both side surfaces of the slot of the at least one intermediate beam is sufficient to allow thermal growth of the at least one intermediate beam without affecting or deflecting the lateral position of any of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

[0118] The ninth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the difference between the maximum horizontal dimension of the chemical feed dispenser and the slot width of the slot may be greater than or equal to 0.125 inches or be between 0.125 inches and 15 inches.

[0119] The tenth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein at least one end of the at least one intermediate beam is capable of lateral sliding relative to the container wall.

[0120] The eleventh aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the slot width may vary depending on the position of each slot along the length of the at least one intermediate beam.

[0121] The twelfth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein a first end of the at least one intermediate beam is rigidly connected to a container wall, and a second end of the at least one intermediate beam is slidably connected to a container wall.

[0122] The thirteenth aspect of this disclosure may include the twelfth aspect, wherein the slot width of the slot may increase from the first end to the second end of the at least one intermediate beam.

[0123] The fourteenth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the two ends of the at least one intermediate beam may be slidably connected to the container wall.

[0124] The fifteenth aspect of this disclosure may include the fourteenth aspect, wherein the slot width of the slot in the at least one intermediate beam may increase laterally outward from the horizontal center of the at least one intermediate beam toward each end of the at least one intermediate beam.

[0125] The sixteenth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, comprising a first plurality of chemical feed dispensers, at least one first intermediate beam, a second plurality of chemical feed dispensers, and at least one second intermediate beam. The first plurality of chemical feed dispensers may be coupled to a first side of a container wall and extend through a slot in the at least one first intermediate beam. The second plurality of chemical feed dispensers may be coupled to a second side of the container wall opposite the first side, and the second plurality of chemical feed dispensers extend through a slot in the at least one second intermediate beam.

[0126] The seventeenth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and further includes at least one lateral guide comprising a flat strip having a plurality of slits positioned along one side of the flat strip. Each of the at least one lateral guide may engage with a subset of a plurality of chemical feed dispensers, and each of the plurality of slits in the at least one lateral guide may receive at least a portion of one of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers. The lateral guide may be rigidly coupled to one of the chemical feed dispensers at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of slits.

[0127] The eighteenth aspect of this disclosure may include the seventeenth aspect, wherein contact between the lateral guide and the portion of the chemical feed dispenser received in the cutout can limit lateral movement of the chemical feed dispenser.

[0128] The nineteenth aspect of this disclosure may include either the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, wherein the cutout of the lateral guide connected to the chemical feed dispenser can be tightly fitted to the dispenser width of the chemical feed dispenser.

[0129] The twentieth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the seventeenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the difference between the cut width of the slit and the dispenser width of the chemical feed dispenser may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches, and the lateral guide is rigidly coupled to the chemical feed dispenser at the slit.

[0130] The twentieth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects, wherein for each cut not rigidly connected to said one chemical feed dispenser, the surface of the cut away from the cut fixed to the chemical feed dispenser may fit tightly into the surface of the chemical feed dispenser partially disposed therein, and when the gas distribution system is at ambient temperature, the surface of the cut near the cut fixed to the chemical feed dispenser may be spaced apart from the surface of the chemical feed dispenser by at least 3 / 8 inch (0.95 cm).

[0131] The 22nd aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the 17th to 21st aspects, wherein the at least one lateral guide may be positioned between the intermediate beam and the container wall.

[0132] The twentieth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the seventeenth to twenty-second aspects, wherein the at least one lateral guide may be positioned near the end of one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

[0133] The 24th aspect of this disclosure may include the 23rd aspect, wherein each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers engaged with the at least one lateral guide may include a heat-insulating material disposed within the end of the chemical feed dispenser at the location where the chemical feed dispenser engages with the lateral guide.

[0134] The 25th aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to 24th aspects, and further includes at least one end guide, wherein the at least one end guide may engage the end of a subset of a plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

[0135] The twenty-sixth aspect of this disclosure may include the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein the at least one end guide may include a lateral guide comprising a flat strip having a plurality of slits positioned along one side of the flat strip. Each of the at least one lateral guide may engage at the end of a subset of a plurality of chemical feed dispensers, each of the plurality of slits in the at least one lateral guide may receive at least a portion of one of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers, and the lateral guide may be rigidly coupled to one of the chemical feed dispensers, the chemical feed dispenser being at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of slits.

[0136] The 27th aspect of this disclosure may include the 26th aspect, wherein each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers engaged with the at least one end guide may include a heat-insulating material disposed within the end of the chemical feed dispenser at the location where the chemical feed dispenser engages with the end guide.

[0137] The twenty-eighth aspect of this disclosure may include the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein the end of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers may include a rod projecting laterally outward from the end, and the at least one end guide may include a flat strip having one or more openings. The rod at the end of each chemical feed dispenser in a subset of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers may be disposed within one of the openings in the at least one end guide, and the at least one end guide may be coupled to the rod of each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers in the subset, such that the at least one end guide is slidable on each of the rods.

[0138] The 29th aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to 28th aspects, and also includes a T-shaped distributor coupled to and extending from the container wall into the internal volume of the container, wherein each of the T-shaped distributors may be disposed in a portion of the container that is blocked by attaching the at least one intermediate beam to the container wall.

[0139] The thirtieth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to twenty-ninth aspects, wherein one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers may include at least a first section near the chemical feed inlet of the chemical feed dispenser and a second section near the end of the chemical feed dispenser, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the second section may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first section.

[0140] The thirty-first aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to thirtieth aspects, wherein one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers may include one or more reinforcing strips coupled to a conduit along at least a portion of the length of the chemical feed dispenser.

[0141] The thirty-second aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to thirty-first aspects, wherein the fluidized bed processing system may be a reactor, catalyst burner, catalyst stripper or catalyst regulator, such as a reactor, catalyst burner, catalyst stripper or catalyst regulator for a hydrocarbon dehydrogenation system.

[0142] The thirty-third aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the first to thirty-second aspects, wherein the container has an inner diameter greater than or equal to 15 feet.

[0143] The thirty-fourth aspect of this disclosure relates to a fluidized bed processing system comprising a container with a container wall and a plurality of chemical feed distributors coupled to and extending from the container wall into the internal volume of the container. Each chemical feed distributor may include a distributor body forming a chemical feed flow path and a plurality of chemical feed outlets distributed along the length of the distributor body. The fluidized bed processing system may include at least one intermediate beam comprising a plurality of slots spaced apart along the beam length, wherein each chemical feed distributor passes through one slot of the at least one intermediate beam. The fluidized bed processing system may also include at least one seat coupled to the container wall. At least one end of the intermediate beam engages with the at least one seat, and the at least one seat allows for thermal expansion of the beam.

[0144] The thirty-fifth aspect of this disclosure may include the thirty-fourth aspect, wherein the at least one intermediate beam provides vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

[0145] The thirty-sixth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the thirty-fourth or thirty-fifth aspects, wherein the seat may include at least one base and two sidewalls extending vertically from the base, and at least a portion of the end of the intermediate beam may be received in a hanger defined by the base of the seat and the two sidewalls.

[0146] The thirty-seventh aspect of this disclosure may include the thirty-sixth aspect, wherein the base may include one or more mounting slots that allow the end of the at least one intermediate beam to slide relative to the base to allow thermal expansion of the intermediate beam.

[0147] The thirty-eighth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the thirty-sixth to thirty-seventh aspects, wherein the seat further includes one or more openings located in the base, the openings allowing catalyst particles and fluid to pass through the base.

[0148] The thirty-ninth aspect of this disclosure may include any one of the thirty-sixth to thirty-eighth aspects, wherein the base, the two sidewalls, or both include one or more cuts at the edge of a mounting plate welded to or connected to the container wall, wherein the cuts may reduce heat transfer from the seat and the at least one intermediate beam to the container wall.

[0149] Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations to the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fluidized bed treatment system, the fluidized bed treatment system comprising: Container, the container including container walls; Multiple chemical feed dispensers are coupled to the container wall and extend from the container wall into the internal volume of the container. Each chemical feed dispenser includes a dispenser body that forms a chemical feed flow path and multiple chemical feed outlets distributed along the length of the dispenser body. as well as At least one intermediate beam, the at least one intermediate beam comprising a plurality of slots spaced apart along the beam length, wherein: The at least one intermediate beam is connected to the container wall at both ends; Each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers passes through a slot in the at least one intermediate beam; and The at least one intermediate beam provides vertical support for each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

2. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 1, wherein the gap between each of the plurality of chemical feed distributors and one or both side surfaces of the slot of the at least one intermediate beam is sufficient to allow thermal expansion of the at least one intermediate beam without affecting the lateral position of any of the plurality of chemical feed distributors.

3. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the difference between the maximum horizontal dimension of the chemical feed distributor and the slot width of the sluice is greater than or equal to 0.125 inches.

4. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one end of the at least one intermediate beam is capable of lateral sliding relative to the container wall.

5. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both ends of the at least one intermediate beam are slidably connected to the container wall, and the width of the plurality of slots in the at least one intermediate beam increases laterally outward from the horizontal center of the at least one intermediate beam toward each end of the at least one intermediate beam.

6. The fluidized bed treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluidized bed treatment system comprises: A plurality of chemical feed distributors and at least one first intermediate beam; as well as The second plurality of chemical feed distributors and at least one second intermediate beam, wherein: The first plurality of chemical feed dispensers are coupled to a first side of the container wall and extend through a slot in the at least one first intermediate beam; and The second plurality of chemical feed dispensers are coupled to a second side of the container wall opposite to the first side, and the second plurality of chemical feed dispensers extend through the slot in the at least one second intermediate beam.

7. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one lateral guide, the at least one lateral guide comprising a flat strip having a plurality of slits positioned along one side of the flat strip, wherein: Each of the at least one lateral guide engages with a subset of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers; Each of the plurality of cutouts in the at least one lateral guide receives at least a portion of one of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers; The lateral guide is rigidly coupled to at least partially disposed in one of the plurality of cuts of the chemical feed dispenser; and The contact between the lateral guide and the portion of the chemical feed dispenser received in the cut restricts lateral movement of the chemical feed dispenser.

8. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 7, wherein the difference between the cut width of the slit and the dispenser width of the chemical feed dispenser is less than or equal to 0.25 inches, and the lateral guide is rigidly coupled to the chemical feed dispenser at the slit.

9. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 7, wherein for each cut of the chemical feed distributor not rigidly connected to the chemical feed distributor, the surface of the cut away from the cut fixed to the chemical feed distributor fits tightly into the surface of the chemical feed distributor partially disposed therein, and when the gas distribution system is at ambient temperature, the surface of the cut near the cut fixed to the chemical feed distributor is spaced at least 3 / 8 inch from the surface of the chemical feed distributor.

10. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 7, wherein the at least one lateral guide is positioned near the end of one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers.

11. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers engaged with the at least one lateral guide includes a heat-insulating material disposed within the end of the chemical feed dispenser at the location where the chemical feed dispenser engages with the lateral guide.

12. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a T-shaped distributor coupled to and extending from the container wall into the internal volume of the container, wherein the T-shaped distributor is disposed in a portion of the container that is blocked by attaching the at least one intermediate beam to the container wall.

13. The fluidized bed processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of chemical feed distributors include at least a first section near the chemical feed inlet of the chemical feed distributor and a second section near the end of the chemical feed distributor, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the second section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first section.

14. The fluidized bed processing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of chemical feed dispensers include one or more reinforcing bars connected to the dispenser body along at least a portion of the length of the chemical feed dispenser.

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