Methods and tool relating to catalyst carrier

Abstract

A method of removing a catalyst carrier (10) engaged in a reactor tube (8) of a tubular reactor, the method comprising: i) inserting an extraction tool (100) through an open end of the reactor tube (8) and extending the extraction tool (100) along the reactor tube (8) to contact and engage the catalyst carrier (10); and ii) subsequently applying a force to the extraction tool to attempt to move the catalyst carrier (10) and displace the catalyst carrier (10) towards the open end of the reactor tube (8); the extraction tool comprises: a head portion (101) comprising a plurality of spring mounting arms (110); a handle portion (102); and an elongate body (103) extending between the head portion (101) and the handle portion (102); wherein engaging the removal tool with the catalyst carrier (10) comprises engaging a spring mounting arm (110) of the head portion (101) with one or more features formed in the catalyst carrier (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for removing a catalyst support engaged in a reactor tube of a tubular reactor and to a removal tool for use in the method. Background Art

[0002] Conventional so-called fixed bed tubular reactors comprise a reactor housing a plurality of tubes, which are usually cylindrical and are usually directly filled with catalyst particles. In use, a heat transfer medium flows through the reactor housing outside the tubes and thus regulates the temperature of the catalyst in the tubes by heat exchange on the tube walls. Thus, when the reaction is exothermic, the heat transfer medium allows heat to be removed from the catalyst, and when the reaction is endothermic, the heat transfer medium provides heat to the catalyst.

[0003] For some reactions, the heat of the reaction is modest and therefore does not cause a problem or can be easily managed. In some cases, the heat is small enough that a larger diameter tube can be used. This has the following benefits: There is a large amount of catalyst inside the tube.

[0004] However, for reactions that are more exothermic or endothermic, effective heat transfer through the tube walls to the heat transfer medium is necessary to be able to control the conditions within the reactor to maintain a stable operating temperature in order to avoid deleterious effects. For exothermic reactions, such effects may include the occurrence of side reactions, catalyst damage (such as sintering of catalytically active sites), and in the worst case, thermal runaway. For endothermic reactions, deleterious effects may include quenching of the reaction.

[0005] In order to achieve the desired efficiency, the surface area of ​​the tube wall per unit length must be maximized. In the past, this was achieved by installing more tubes of smaller diameter. In some reactions, size constraints mean that the inner diameter of these tubes is only on the order of about 15 mm to 40 mm. However, using so many tubes increases the cost and complexity of the reactor.

[0006] Therefore, to alleviate these problems, an alternative approach has been developed, particularly for more exothermic or endothermic reactions, in which the catalyst is not loaded directly into the reactor tube, but is instead contained in a plurality of catalyst supports configured to be located within the reactor tube.

[0007] WO2011 / 048361, WO2012 / 136971, WO2016 / 050520 and WO2022 / 064211 describe some examples of catalyst supports configured for use in tubular reactors.

[0008] The catalyst support can be effectively used in various processes. Examples of suitable uses include processes and reactors for exothermic reactions such as reactions to produce methanol, reactions to produce ammonia, methanation reactions, shift reactions, oxidation reactions (such as the formation of maleic anhydride and ethylene oxide reactions), etc. A specific example in which the catalyst support can be used is a process and reactor for performing a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The catalyst support can also be used for endothermic reactions such as pre-reforming, dehydrogenation, etc.

[0009] Each reactor tube may hold a large number of catalyst supports, and a single tubular reactor may hold a large number of reactor tubes. For example, because the catalyst has become poisoned, it may be necessary to remove a number of catalyst supports from the top of the tube. Since the supports may fit tightly against the tube wall, reasonable force may be required. Summary of the invention

[0010] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of removing a catalyst support engaged in a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the method comprising:

[0011] i) inserting a retrieval tool through the open end of the reactor tube and extending the retrieval tool along the reactor tube to contact and engage the catalyst support; and

[0012] ii) subsequently applying a force to the extraction tool in an attempt to move the catalyst support and displace the catalyst support toward the open end of the reactor tube;

[0013] The extraction tool comprises: a head portion including a plurality of spring mounted arms; a handle portion; and an elongated body extending between the head portion and the handle portion;

[0014] Wherein engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging the spring mounted arms of the head portion with one or more features formed in the catalyst support.

[0015] Advantageously, the method provides a means for removing catalyst supports that fit tightly within the walls of a reactor tube and cannot be removed using other means without removing the entire catalyst support. This can allow the use of the reactor tube to be maintained, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the tubular reactor.

[0016] In some examples, extending the extraction tool along the reactor tube includes connecting together a plurality of connectable elements of the elongated body to increase the spacing between the head portion and the handle portion to enable access to the handle portion from outside the reactor tube.

[0017] In a preferred example, the catalyst support is frictionally engaged in the reactor tube. In other words, there is a sliding seal between the catalyst support and the reactor tube. Beneficially, the method may also allow for removal of a stuck catalyst support from any position along the length of the reactor tube. Thus, a first aspect may be a method of removing a catalyst support stuck in a reactor tube.

[0018] In some examples, the one or more features include one or more apertures, one or more lips, or one or more recesses formed in the catalyst support.

[0019] In some examples, the open end of the reactor tube is a lower end of the reactor tube, and engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging a spring-mounted arm of the head portion with a bottom end of the catalyst support.

[0020] In some other examples, the open end of the reactor tube is an upper end of the reactor tube, and engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging a spring-mounted arm of the head portion with the upper end of the catalyst support.

[0021] In some examples, engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes inserting a spring-mounted arm into a skirt portion of the catalyst support including one or more apertures, and biasing the spring-mounted arm in a radially outward direction to engage the spring-mounted arm into the one or more apertures of the skirt portion by extending the spring-mounted arm outward. In some examples, the skirt portion is located at an upper end of the catalyst support. In some other preferred examples, the skirt portion is located at a bottom end of the catalyst support.

[0022] In some other examples, engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes inserting a spring-mounted arm into a cover portion of the catalyst support including an aperture, and biasing the spring-mounted arm in a radially outward direction to engage the spring-mounted arm below a lip of the aperture of the cover portion by extending the spring-mounted arm outward. In some examples, the cover portion is located at a bottom end of the catalyst support. In some other preferred examples, the cover portion is located at an upper end of the catalyst support. In some particularly preferred examples, the cover portion includes a single central aperture and the spring-mounted arm engages below a lip of the aperture.

[0023] The method may further include releasing the spring mounted arms from the one or more features of the catalyst support if the applied force is insufficient to move the catalyst support and displace the catalyst support toward the open end of the reactor tube.

[0024] In some examples, releasing the spring mounted arms includes retracting the spring mounted arms to release each spring mounted arm from the feature with which the spring mounted arm was engaged.

[0025] In some examples, retracting the spring mounted arm comprises pulling a cable connected directly or indirectly to the or each spring mounted arm.

[0026] In some examples, one or more cables extend from the head portion to the handle portion, and the one or more cables are pulled from the end of the handle portion of the extraction tool. In some examples, each cable connected to the spring-mounted arm can be connected together at the head portion to form a single cable extending from the head portion to the handle portion. The single cable can include a single uninterrupted cable or can include multiple cables connected together in series. For example, the single cable can include individual cables that are interconnected by suitable means (e.g., by a carabiner connection).

[0027] In instances where the elongated body of the extraction tool includes multiple connectable elements to increase the spacing between the head portion and the handle portion, the one or more cables extending from the head portion to the handle portion may preferably include a single cable that can be wound onto and unwound from a reel to reduce and increase its effective length as needed, or include multiple cables that can be connected together in series as described above when increasing the length of the elongated body and disconnected from each other when reducing the length of the elongated body.

[0028] In some examples, the force that moves the catalyst support is applied by an external mechanism coupled to the elongated body and / or the handle portion.

[0029] In some other examples, the force to move the catalyst support is applied by a sliding hammer of the extraction tool or other suitable external mechanism that can apply an impact force to the elongated body of the extraction tool.

[0030] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an extraction tool for removing a catalyst support from a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the extraction tool comprising:

[0031] a head portion including a plurality of spring mounted arms configured to engage one or more features formed in the catalyst support;

[0032] A handle portion; and

[0033] an elongated body extending between the head portion and the handle portion;

[0034] Therein, the elongated body includes a plurality of connectable elements for selectively increasing and decreasing the spacing between the head portion and the handle portion.

[0035] In some examples, the spring mounting arms are configured to be inserted into a skirt portion or a cover portion of a catalyst support including one or more apertures, and the spring mounting arms are biased in a radially outward direction to engage the spring mounting arms into and / or through the one or more apertures. The skirt portion can be disposed at an upper end of the catalyst support, but more typically, is disposed at a lower end of the catalyst support. The cover portion can be disposed at a lower end of the catalyst support, but more typically, is disposed at an upper end of the catalyst support.

[0036] In some examples, the or each spring mounting arm comprises a hook-like element at its distal end.Preferably, the hook-like element faces radially outwardly.

[0037] In some examples, the spring mounted arm includes two, three, four, or more arms.

[0038] The extraction tool may also include a release mechanism for disengaging the spring mounted arms from one or more features of the catalyst support.

[0039] In some examples, the release mechanism includes a retraction element connected to each spring mounted arm for moving each spring mounted arm against the bias of the spring mounted arm to disengage each spring mounted arm from the feature with which it is engaged.

[0040] In some examples, each retraction element includes a cable connected to a spring mounted arm.

[0041] Preferably, each cable is connected at or near the distal end of the spring mounted arm.

[0042] As mentioned above, each cable connected to the spring-mounted arm can be connected together at the head portion to form a single cable extending from the head portion to the handle portion. The single cable can include a single uninterrupted cable or can include multiple cables connected together in series. For example, the single cable can include individual cables that are interconnected by suitable means (e.g., by a carabiner connection).

[0043] In some examples, at least one cable extends from the head portion to the handle portion to allow a user to actuate the release mechanism from the end of the handle portion of the extraction tool. Preferably, the at least one cable extends through the interior of the elongated body.

[0044] In some examples, the handle portion includes a handle coupled to one or more cables extending from the head portion.

[0045] In some examples, the connectable element of the elongated body comprises a threaded connection or a bayonet connection.Other suitable means may also be used.

[0046] In some examples, the elongated body includes an anchor point for a pulley block, or other manual means for applying a force or impact to the elongated body.

[0047] In some examples, the elongated body includes a sliding hammer for applying an impact force to the head portion.

[0048] The catalyst support of the present disclosure may be filled or partially filled with any catalyst suitable for the intended reaction. For example, a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be used for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. A cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is preferred. The catalyst may be provided as catalyst particles or as a catalyst monolith. The catalyst may be provided as a single catalyst bed or multiple catalyst beds. The catalyst support may be configured to promote axial and / or radial flow through the catalyst. In some embodiments, the catalyst support may be configured to preferentially promote radial flow through the catalyst.

[0049] The catalyst support of the present disclosure can be made of any suitable material. Such materials are generally selected to withstand the operating conditions of the tubular reactor. The catalyst support can be made of carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, other alloys or any material that can withstand the reaction conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a tubular reactor;

[0052] Figure 2 A catalyst support is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an extraction tool according to the present disclosure in use;

[0054] Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of an extraction tool according to the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 5 Is in the first configuration Figure 4 A close-up view of the head portion of the extraction tool in FIG.

[0056] Figure 6 is a close-up view of the head portion in a second configuration;

[0057] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The head of the extraction tool is Figure 2 A close-up view of the catalyst support in FIG. 1 when it is engaged;

[0058] Figure 8 yes Figure 4A close-up view of the handle portion of the extraction tool;

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a removal tool according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig.10 is a view of a head portion of a third embodiment of an extraction tool according to the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig.11 yes Figure 2 a view of a cover portion of a catalyst carrier in FIG.

[0062] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 The head of the extraction tool is Fig.11 A view of the cover part of the catalyst carrier in FIG. 1 when it is engaged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Hereinafter, aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to a vertically oriented tubular reactor having a plurality of vertical reactor tubes extending between an upper tube sheet and a lower tube sheet. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may also be applied to other configurations of tubular reactors that may employ other orientations.

[0064] In addition, any reference to orientation in this specification; for example, terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, above, below, etc. are used with respect to the orientation of components shown in the referenced drawings, but should not be considered as limiting the potential orientation of these components in actual use. For example, a component described as being oriented vertically may also be oriented horizontally.

[0065] Figure 1 The typical layout of the tubular reactor 1 of the present disclosure is shown. The tubular reactor 1 includes a shell 2. The interior of the shell can be divided into a top space 3, a heat exchange area 4 and a bottom space 5 by two tube sheets (an upper tube sheet 6 and a lower tube sheet 7). The upper tube sheet 6 separates the top space 3 from the heat exchange area 4. The lower tube sheet 7 separates the bottom space 5 from the heat exchange area 4.

[0066] A plurality of reactor tubes 8 extend between the upper tube sheet 6 and the lower tube sheet 7. A large number of reactor tubes 8 may be provided, for example, there may be 20 to 5000 reactor tubes 8. The inner diameter of each reactor tube 8 may be, for example, between 20 mm and 150 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter may be about 85 mm.

[0067] Each reactor tube 8 is intended to be filled or substantially filled with the stacked arrangement of catalyst supports 10. In particular, it is generally desired that the catalyst supports 10 cover the entire or substantially the entire length of the reactor tube 8 between the upper tube sheet 6 and the lower tube sheet 7, i.e., the catalyst supports cover the entire or substantially the entire length of the heat exchange region 4.

[0068] The head space 3 may provide access to the upper end of the reactor tube 8 to allow the catalyst support 10 to be loaded into the reactor tube 8. An access opening 11 may be provided in the housing 2 to provide access to the head space 3. The access opening 11 may be, for example, a manhole or other access panel that can be selectively opened and closed.

[0069] The bottom space 5 may provide access to the lower end of the reactor tube 8 to allow the catalyst support 10 to be unloaded from the reactor tube 8 .

[0070] In order to better understand the present disclosure, reference will be made to Figure 2 Examples of general configurations of the catalyst support 10 are described. However, it should be understood that the catalyst support 10 can take various forms. For example, in addition to the examples described herein, the catalyst support 10 can take other general configurations, including but not limited to those disclosed in WO2011 / 048361, WO2012 / 136971, WO2016 / 050520, and WO2022 / 064211, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] Each catalyst support 10 may generally include a container 20 that is sized to be smaller than the interior dimensions of the reactor tube 8 into which it will be placed when in use. Typically, a seal 22 will be provided that is sized to interact with the interior wall of the reactor tube 8 when the catalyst support 10 is in place within the reactor tube 8. Parameters such as the length and diameter of the support may be selected to accommodate different reactions and configurations of the reactor tube 8.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown in , the container 20 includes an elongated body 21 having an outer wall 23 extending between an upper end 24 and a bottom end 25. A cover portion 26 is provided at the upper end 24, which at least partially closes the elongated body 21 at the upper end 24. A skirt portion 27 is provided at the bottom end 25. The seal 22 is located toward the upper end 24 and is preferably located close to the cover portion 26, for example, directly below the cover portion.

[0073] The cover portion 26 is provided with a central aperture 28 which allows a fluid (ie a gas or liquid, typically a gas) to enter the container 20 in use. The central aperture 28 may be surrounded by a lip 29, such as in Fig.11The lip extends inwardly into the interior of the container 20, as best seen in FIG.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown in , the outer wall 23 can be provided with a plurality of orifices configured to allow fluid to pass through the outer wall 23. At the bottom end 25 of the outer wall 23, the skirt portion 27 may include a plurality of bottom orifices 30. The bottom orifices 30 may be spaced apart around the circumference of the elongated body 21. Each bottom orifice 30 may have a shape of, for example, a square or rectangular. Similarly, at the upper end 24 of the outer wall 23, a plurality of upper orifices 31 may be provided. The upper orifices 31 may be spaced apart around the circumference of the elongated body 21. Each upper orifice 31 may have a shape of, for example, a square or rectangular.

[0075] The catalyst support 10 may define an annular container for containing the catalyst in use. The annular container may include a perforated container inner wall 35 defining an internal passage (in Fig.11 23 ), and a perforated container outer wall that may be arranged concentrically around the perforated container inner wall and within the outer wall 23. An annular top surface defined by a portion of the cover portion 26 may close the upper end of the annular container, and an annular bottom surface may close the lower end of the annular container.

[0076] The seal 22 may be sufficiently compressible to accommodate the smallest diameter of the reactor tube 8. The seal 22 may generally be a flexible sliding seal. The seal 22 may engage, e.g., frictionally engage, against the inner surface of the reactor tube 8 so that liquids and gases passing along the reactor tube 8 are preferably directed to flow through the interior of the catalyst support 10. The seal 22 may, for example, be configured to form a sliding seal against the inner surface of the reactor tube 8, i.e., the sliding seal frictionally engages against the inner surface of the reactor tube.

[0077] exist Figure 2 In the example shown in , the seal 22 may include a deformable flange extending from the outer wall 23. The flange may be sized to be larger than the inner diameter of the reactor tube 8 so that when the catalyst support 10 is inserted into the reactor tube 8, the flange deforms to fit inside the reactor tube 8 and interact with the reactor tube.

[0078] Further details of the construction of such catalyst supports 10 may be found in WO 2011 / 048361, WO 2012 / 136971 and WO 2016 / 050520, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] According to the invention, a removal tool 100 may be provided for assisting in removing the catalyst support 10 from the reactor tube 8 .

[0080] like Figure 3As shown in the schematic diagram in , the extraction tool 100 includes: a head portion 101, which includes a plurality of spring-mounted arms 110, which are configured to engage with one or more features formed in the catalyst carrier 10; a handle portion 102; and a slender body 103, which extends between the head portion 101 and the handle portion 102.

[0081] The first embodiment of the removal tool 100 is Figures 4 to 8 In this embodiment, the elongated body 103 has a fixed length. The head portion 101 is Figure 5 The head portion 101 comprises a base portion 105 on which four spring mounting arms 110 are mounted. The base portion 105 comprises a central aperture 106 in communication with the elongated body 103. The spring mounting arms 110 are arranged around the central aperture 106.

[0082] Each spring-mounted arm 110 includes an elongated body 111 having a proximal end 112 and a distal end 113. The distal end 113 of each elongated body 111 includes a hook-shaped element, which may include a radially outwardly facing catch 115. An aperture 118 is also provided for receiving a cable 120. Each catch 115 includes: a catch surface 116, oriented toward the handle portion 102 of the extraction tool 100; and an inclined ramp surface 117, oriented generally away from the handle portion 102.

[0083] The proximal end 112 of each elongated body 111 is pivotally mounted to the base portion 105 at the pivot point 107. A biasing mechanism is provided for each elongated body 111, such as a torsion spring acting at the pivot point 107 to bias the spring-mounted arm 110 radially outwardly into a Figure 5 , in which the elongated body 111 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 103 of the extraction tool 100.

[0084] The cables 120 of each spring mounted arm 110 are gathered together and connected to a main cable 121 which extends along the interior of the length of the elongated body 103 and down to the handle portion 102 where it is connected to the handle 140 as shown. Figure 8 as shown in .

[0085] like Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the spring mounted arm 110 can be pivoted about the pivot point 107 against the bias to move the distal end 113 of the spring mounted arm 110 radially inward. This action can be achieved by pulling the handle 140 to pull the main cable 121 relative to the elongated body 103, which in turn pulls the four cables 120 acting on the spring mounted arm 110. The cables 120 and the main cable 121 thus provide a release mechanism for disengaging the spring mounted arm 110 from the catalyst support 10.

[0086] In use, such as Figure 3 As schematically shown in Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the spring mounting arm 110 can be inserted into the skirt portion 27 of the catalyst support 10 so that the catch 115 of the spring mounting arm 110 engages in the bottom aperture 30 of the catalyst support 10. The connection of the head portion 101 to the bottom end 25 of the catalyst support 10 is achieved in the following manner: when the inclined ramp surface 117 contacts the lower edge of the bottom end 25 of the catalyst support 10, the spring mounting arm 110 deflects / pivots inwardly, which forces the spring mounting arm 110 to pivot inwardly when the head portion 101 is pushed into the skirt portion 27. After fully engaging in the skirt portion, the spring mounting arm 110 moves radially outwardly so that the catch 115 protrudes through the bottom aperture 30.

[0087] Fig. 9 A variation of the extraction tool 100 is shown, wherein the elongated body 103 may include a plurality of connectable elements 103a-103d for selectively increasing and decreasing the spacing between the head portion 101 and the handle portion 102. The connectable elements 103a-103d of the elongated body 103 may include, for example, threaded connections or bayonet connections.

[0088] The second embodiment of the removal tool 100 is Figures 10 to 12 In this embodiment, the head portion 101 is engaged with the upper end 24 of the catalyst carrier 10, in particular with the cover portion 26. Fig.10 As shown in FIG, the head portion 101 has a modified configuration in which the spring mounting arm 110 is positioned closer to the center of the base portion 105, that is, closer to the central aperture 106. Fig.10 In the other configurations shown in , the lateral span of the catch 115 is less than that of the first embodiment. In this way, the head portion 101 is configured to engage with the central aperture 28 of the cover portion 26, rather than the skirt portion 27. As in the first embodiment, the spring mounting arm 110 is biased in a radially outward direction.

[0089] In use, the spring mounting arm 110 is inserted into the central aperture 28 of the cover portion 26, during which insertion, the spring mounting arm 110 pivots / deflects radially inwardly when the inclined ramp surface 117 contacts the edge of the central aperture 28, which forces the spring mounting arm 110 to pivot inwardly as the head portion 101 is pushed into the central aperture 28. After fully engaging the central aperture 28, the spring mounting arm 110 moves radially outwardly so that the catch 115 catches on the lip 29 of the central aperture 28.

[0090] Optionally, the extraction tool 100 in any embodiment may be provided with an anchor point for a pulley block or with an integral sliding hammer 150 for applying an impact force to the head portion 101 and / or the elongated body 103 .

[0091] In use, to remove the catalyst support 10, the extraction tool 100 is first inserted through the open end of the reactor tube 8. The open end may be the upper end or the bottom end of the reactor tube 8.

[0092] The extraction tool 100 extends along the reactor tube 8 to contact and engage the catalyst support 10. As discussed above, engaging the extraction tool 100 with the catalyst support 10 includes engaging the spring-mounted arms 110 of the head portion 101 with one or more features formed in the catalyst support 10 (e.g., the bottom aperture 30 of the skirt portion 27 or the lip 29 of the cover portion 26).

[0093] Subsequently, after engagement, a force is applied to the extraction tool 100 in an attempt to move and displace the catalyst support 10 toward the open end of the reactor tube 8 .

Claims

1. A method for removing a catalyst support engaged with a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the method comprising: i) inserting a retrieval tool through the open end of the reactor tube and extending the retrieval tool along the reactor tube to contact and engage the catalyst support; as well as ii) subsequently applying a force to the extraction tool in an attempt to move the catalyst support and displace the catalyst support towards the open end of the reactor tube; The extraction tool comprises: a head portion including a plurality of spring mounted arms; a handle portion; and an elongated body extending between the head portion and the handle portion; Wherein engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging the spring mounted arms of the head portion with one or more features formed in the catalyst support.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Extending the extraction tool along the reactor tube includes connecting together a plurality of connectable elements of the elongated body to increase the spacing between the head portion and the handle portion, thereby making the handle portion accessible from outside the reactor tube.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more features include one or more apertures, one or more lips, or one or more recesses formed in the catalyst support.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The open end of the reactor tube is a lower end of the reactor tube, and engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging the spring mounted arms of the head portion with a bottom end of the catalyst support.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The open end of the reactor tube is an upper end of the reactor tube, and engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst support includes engaging the spring mounted arms of the head portion with the upper end of the catalyst support.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst carrier includes inserting the spring mounting arm into a skirt portion of the catalyst carrier including one or more apertures, and biasing the spring mounting arm in a radially outward direction so as to engage the spring mounting arm into the one or more apertures of the skirt portion by extending the spring mounting arm outward.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Engaging the extraction tool with the catalyst carrier includes inserting the spring mounting arm into a cover portion of the catalyst carrier including an aperture, and biasing the spring mounting arm in a radially outward direction so that the spring mounting arm engages beneath a lip of the aperture of the cover portion by extending the spring mounting arm outward.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: If the applied force is insufficient to move the catalyst support and displace the catalyst support toward the open end of the reactor tube, the spring mounted arms are released from the one or more features of the catalyst support.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Releasing the spring mounted arms includes retracting the spring mounted arms to release each spring mounted arm from the feature with which it is engaged.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Retracting the spring mounted arm comprises pulling a cable connected directly or indirectly to the or each spring mounted arm.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: One or more cables extend from the head portion to the handle portion, and the one or more cables are pulled from a distal end of the handle portion of the extraction tool.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The force to move the catalyst support is applied by an external mechanism coupled to the elongated body and / or the handle portion.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The force which moves the catalyst support is applied by a sliding hammer of the extraction tool.

14. A removal tool for removing a catalyst support from a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the removal tool comprising: a head portion including a plurality of spring mounted arms configured to engage one or more features formed in the catalyst support; Handle part; as well as an elongated body extending between the head portion and the handle portion; Wherein, the elongated body includes a plurality of connectable elements for selectively increasing and decreasing the spacing between the head portion and the handle portion.

15. The extraction tool according to claim 14, wherein: The spring mounting arm is configured to be insertable into a skirt portion or a cover portion of the catalyst carrier including one or more apertures, and the spring mounting arm is biased in a radially outward direction so that the spring mounting arm engages into and / or through the one or more apertures.

16. The extraction tool according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein: The or each spring mounted arm comprises a hook-like element at a distal end thereof.

17. The extraction tool according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The spring mounted arms may include two, three, four or more arms.

18. The extraction tool of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising a release mechanism for disengaging the spring mounted arms from the one or more features of the catalyst support.

19. The extraction tool according to claim 18, wherein: The release mechanism includes a retraction element connected to each of the spring mounted arms for moving each of the spring mounted arms against the bias of the spring mounted arm to disengage each of the spring mounted arms from the feature engaged with the spring mounted arm.

20. The extraction tool according to claim 19, wherein: Each of the retraction elements includes a cable connected to the spring mounted arm.

21. The extraction tool according to claim 20, wherein: Each of the cables is connected at or near a distal end of the spring mounted arm.

22. A removal tool according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein: At least one of the cables extends from the head portion to the handle portion to allow a user to actuate the release mechanism from an end of the handle portion of the extraction tool.

23. The extraction tool according to claim 22, wherein: At least one of the cables extends through the interior of the elongated body.

24. The extraction tool according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein: The connectable element of the elongated body comprises a threaded connection or a bayonet connection.

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