Rotatable holding device for tubular reactors

Abstract

A reactor tube (8) for a tubular reactor (1) and a retention device (20) associated with the reactor tube, wherein the reactor tube (8) comprises an elongated tube defining a bore (11) for receiving a catalyst (9) in use and having an outlet (12) at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst (9) from the bore, and the retention device (20) is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the retention device (20) at least partially obstructs the outlet (12) to retain the catalyst (9) within the bore, and in the second position the outlet (12) is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the catalyst (9) through the outlet (12).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements in or relating to tubular reactors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a retention device for use with reactor tubes of a tubular reactor. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional so-called fixed-bed tubular reactor includes a reactor shell containing multiple reactor tubes, which are typically cylindrical and typically directly packed with catalyst particles. During use, a heat transfer medium flows through the reactor shell outside the reactor tubes, thereby regulating the temperature of the catalyst within the reactor tubes by heat exchange across the tube walls. Thus, if the reaction is exothermic, the heat transfer medium allows heat to be removed from the catalyst, and if the reaction is endothermic, the heat transfer medium provides heat to the catalyst.

[0003] For some reactions, the thermal effects of the reaction are so mild that they are either not a problem or can be easily managed. In some cases, the thermal effects are small enough that large diameter reactor tubes may be used. This has the advantage of allowing a large amount of catalyst to be present within the reactor tube.

[0004] However, for more exothermic or endothermic reactions, efficient heat transfer through the tube wall to the heat transfer medium is necessary so that conditions within the reactor can be controlled to maintain a stable operating temperature and avoid harmful effects. For exothermic reactions, such effects can include side reactions, damage to the catalyst, such as by sintering catalytic active sites, and, in the worst case, thermal runaway. For endothermic reactions, harmful effects can include quenching of the reaction.

[0005] To achieve the desired efficiency, the surface area of ​​the tube wall per unit length must be maximized. This has been achieved in the past by installing a larger number of smaller diameter reactor tubes. In some reactions, size limitations mean that the reactor tubes only have internal diameters on the order of about 15 to 40 mm. However, the use of this large number of reactor tubes increases the cost and complexity of the reactor.

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

[0007] A first type of such catalyst support is described in WO 2011 / 048361. This arrangement optimizes heat transfer in the tube wall, allowing for the use of larger tubes and smaller catalyst particles with a larger volume, even for more exothermic or endothermic reactions. The catalyst support described in WO 2011 / 048361 includes an annular container for holding the catalyst during use. The container has a perforated inner wall defining the tube, a perforated outer wall, a top surface closing the annular container, and a bottom surface closing the annular container. The bottom surface closing the tube is formed by the inner wall of the annular container. A skirt extends upward from the perforated outer wall of the annular container from a position at or near the bottom of the container to a position below the location of the seal. The seal is located at or near the top surface and extends from the container a distance that extends beyond the outer surface of the skirt.

[0008] A second type of such catalyst support is described in WO 2012 / 136971. In this arrangement, the catalyst support includes a container for holding a monolith catalyst in use, the container having a bottom closing the container and a skirt extending upwardly from the bottom of the container to a position below and spaced apart from the position of a seal, the skirt being positioned such that there is a space between an outer surface of the monolith catalyst and the skirt, and the seal being positioned at or near an upper surface of the monolith catalyst and extending from the monolith catalyst a distance extending beyond the outer surface of the skirt.

[0009] A third type of such catalyst support is described in WO 2016 / 050520. In this configuration, the catalyst support includes a container for holding the catalyst during use. The container has a bottom surface that closes the container and a top surface. An outer wall of the support extends from the bottom surface to the top surface, and a seal extends from the container a distance that extends beyond the outer wall of the support. The outer wall of the support has an opening located below the seal.

[0010] To prevent loss of containment of particulate catalyst from the reactor tubes, various means have been provided, typically including meshes or grilles that can be permanently held in place by resilient means or frameworks attached to or located below the lower tube sheet. For catalyst supports, support grids have been used as retention systems that are bolted together within the reactor and secured to the lower tube sheet via studs and bolts.

[0011] In both fixed-bed tubular reactors and those configured to receive catalyst contained on a catalyst support, it may be necessary to empty the reactor tubes of catalyst. This need may arise, for example, because the catalyst deteriorates over time and requires replacement. The deterioration may be physical, resulting from processes such as catalyst breakage caused by repeated tube expansion and contraction, or chemical, resulting from catalyst poisoning, for example. This need may also arise from the need to perform periodic inspections or maintenance on the tubular reactor.

[0012] Emptying reactor tubes of catalyst can be a labor-intensive, dangerous, and time-consuming process. Tubular reactors can contain multiple reactor tubes. Each reactor tube can contain a significant amount of catalyst or multiple catalyst supports. Tubular reactor downtime can result in significant costs in terms of lost production time. Furthermore, controlled discharge of particulate catalyst or catalyst supports may not be possible or easy to achieve using known retention systems.

[0013] For all these reasons, it would be desirable to provide a method for improving the process of emptying catalyst from reactor tubes. In particular, it would be desirable to facilitate the discharge of catalyst from the reactor tube by tube in a rapid and controllable manner. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a reactor tube and a retention device associated with the reactor tube for a tubular reactor, comprising: the reactor tube being in the form of an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving the catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore; the retaining device is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In the first position, a retention device at least partially blocks the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore; In a second position, the reactor tube and retention device are provided with the outlet sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst from the outlet.

[0015] Advantageously, the retention device may provide an improved means for emptying the reactor tube of catalyst.

[0016] The retaining device may be rotatable about an axis that is parallel to but not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube.

[0017] The retaining device may include a rotatable body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position.

[0018] The rotatable body may comprise at least one occluding portion and at least one non-occluding portion disposed at different circumferential regions of the rotatable body; In the first position, the at least one occluding portion may be configured to at least partially occlude the outlet, and in the second position, the at least one non-occluding portion may be configured to be aligned with the outlet.

[0019] The rotatable body may include a central pivot about which the rotatable body is configured to rotate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rotatable body may comprise a rotatable disk.

[0021] The rotatable disc may comprise a disc body and at least one opening; In the first position, the disk body may be configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore, and in the second position, the at least one opening may be configured to be aligned with the outlet.

[0022] The at least one opening may be at least one open opening that extends to a periphery of the disc body to define at least one cutout segment of the rotatable disc.

[0023] In some embodiments, the or each cut-out segment of the rotatable disc may be lenticular in shape.

[0024] In some embodiments, the disc body may be crescent shaped.

[0025] The rotatable body may comprise one, two, three or four openings, in particular if the retention device is intended to control the discharge of catalyst from one, two, three or four outlets.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rotatable disc may comprise arms or lobes or In a first position, the arm or lobe or lobes may be configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore, and in a second position, the arm or lobe or lobes may be configured to be out of alignment with the outlet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the rotatable body may comprise two, three or four arms or lobes, particularly where the retention device is intended to control the discharge of catalyst from two, three or four outlets.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bore may be configured, in use, to receive catalyst in the form of a plurality of catalyst supports that contain the catalyst and are insertable into the bore; In the first position, the retention device may at least partially block the outlet so as to retain the plurality of catalyst supports within the bore; In the second position, the outlet may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the plurality of catalyst supports from the outlet.

[0029] In the first position, the retaining device may be configured to support an endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports.

[0030] In the first position, the retaining device directly supporting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports by contacting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports; or The most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports may be indirectly supported by being in contact with a support device that itself supports the most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bore may be configured to receive, in use, catalyst in the form of catalyst particles loosely packed within the bore; In the first position, the retention device may at least partially block the outlet so as to retain the catalyst particles within the bore; In the second position, the outlet may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow the catalyst particles to exit the outlet.

[0032] The reactor tube and retention device may further comprise a support device for supporting catalyst particles within the bore; In the first position, the retention device may at least partially block the outlet so as to retain the support device, and thus the catalyst particles, within the bore; In the second position, the outlet may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the support device and subsequent discharge of the catalyst particles from the outlet.

[0033] The support device may take any suitable form. For example, the support device may include a hollow or porous body having at least an upper mesh for supporting the particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the support device may include an inert support material. The inert support material may include inert balls, such as alumina balls, having a diameter larger than the particulate catalyst. The inert balls may be size-graded to avoid loss of catalyst from the reactor tube. Alternatively, the support device may include one or more coil springs that expand against the reactor tube wall to hold the particulate catalyst like a basket.

[0034] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tubular reactor comprising a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of retention devices, each reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore; each retention device is associated with one or more reactor tubes and configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In a first position, each retention device at least partially blocks one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes to retain catalyst within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; A tubular reactor is provided in which, in a second position, an outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst from the outlet.

[0035] In the first position, each retention device may at least partially block all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes to retain catalyst within the bores of all of the one or more associated reactor tubes.

[0036] In the second position, at least two or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst from the outlets.

[0037] Each reactor tube may have two, three or four retention devices associated with its outlet.

[0038] In some embodiments, each of the multiple retaining devices may be rotatable independently of one another.

[0039] In some other embodiments, two or more of the plurality of holding devices may be interconnected so as to be rotatable in synchrony.

[0040] The two or more retaining devices may be interconnected by a link member, and the link member may be operable to rotate the two or more retaining devices.

[0041] The plurality of reactor tubes may be arranged in an equally spaced, regular pattern, with each pair of reactor tubes separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D; The plurality of retaining devices may also be arranged in an evenly spaced regular pattern, with each pair of retaining devices separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D; and The evenly spaced, regular pattern of the retention devices may deviate from the evenly spaced, regular pattern of the reactor tubes.

[0042] Each retention device may be aligned with the gap between two, optionally three or four reactor tubes.

[0043] Each retainer may be rotatable about an axis that is parallel to, but not coincident with, the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube.

[0044] Each retainer may include a rotatable body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position.

[0045] Each rotatable body may comprise at least one occluding portion and at least one non-occluding portion disposed at different circumferential regions of the rotatable body; In a first position, the at least one obstructing portion may be configured to at least partially obstruct one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the at least one non-obstructing portion may be configured to be aligned with one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes.

[0046] Each rotatable body may include a central pivot about which the rotatable body is configured to rotate.

[0047] In some embodiments, each rotatable body may comprise a rotatable disk.

[0048] Each rotatable disc may comprise a disc body and at least one aperture; In a first position, the disk body may be configured to at least partially block one, some, or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the at least one opening may be configured to be aligned with one, some, or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes.

[0049] The at least one opening may be at least one open opening that extends to a periphery of the disc body to define at least one cutout segment of the rotatable disc.

[0050] The or each cut-out segment of the rotatable disc may be lenticular in shape.

[0051] Each disc body may be crescent shaped.

[0052] Each rotatable body may comprise one, two, three or four openings, in particular if the retention device is intended to control the discharge of catalyst from one, two, three or four outlets.

[0053] Each rotatable body may comprise an arm or lobe or lobes; In a first position, the arm or lobe or lobes may be configured to at least partially block one, some, or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the arm or lobe or lobes may be configured to be out of alignment with one, some, or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes.

[0054] In the first position, the arm or lobe may extend across two or more associated reactor tubes.

[0055] The arms or lobes may be straight or curved.

[0056] Each rotatable body may comprise two, three or four arms or lobes, particularly if the retaining device is intended to control the discharge of catalyst from two, three or four outlets.

[0057] The tubular reactor may further comprise a tube plate supporting a plurality of reactor tubes, and a plurality of retention devices may be attached to the tube plate.

[0058] In some embodiments, multiple retention devices may be attached to the studs of the tubesheet.

[0059] In some embodiments, the tube sheet may be a lower tube sheet.

[0060] The tubular reactor may further comprise a plurality of locking elements for selectively preventing rotation of the retention device.

[0061] Each locking element may comprise a locking body that can be engaged with one or more retention devices to prevent rotation of the retention devices.

[0062] In some embodiments, each bore may be configured, in use, to receive catalyst in the form of a plurality of catalyst supports that contain the catalyst and are insertable into the bore; In the first position, each retention device may at least partially block the outlets of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes so as to retain a plurality of catalyst supports within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; In the second position, the outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the plurality of catalyst supports from the outlet.

[0063] In the first position, each holding device may be configured to support an endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports.

[0064] In the first position, each retaining device: directly supporting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports by contacting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports; or The most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports may be indirectly supported by being in contact with a support device that itself supports the most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports.

[0065] The support device may be first pushed or placed into the reactor tube, followed by placement of the multiple catalyst supports.

[0066] In some other embodiments, each bore may be configured to receive catalyst in the form of catalyst particles that, in use, are packed within the bore; In a first position, each retention device may at least partially block one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes so as to retain catalyst particles within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; In the second position, the outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst particles through the outlet.

[0067] In some other embodiments, the tubular reactor may further comprise a plurality of support devices for supporting catalyst particles within the bore; In the first position, each retention device may at least partially block the outlets of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes so as to retain the support device, and thus the catalyst particles, within the bore of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; In the second position, one, some, or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes may be sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the support device and subsequent discharge of catalyst particles through the one or more outlets.

[0068] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of loading and unloading a catalyst into and from a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving the catalyst and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore, the method of loading comprising: associating a retention device with the outlet of the reactor tube; rotating the retaining device to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by a holding device; The way to extract it is rotating the retaining device to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and and discharging the catalyst through an outlet.

[0069] Two or more holding devices may be associated with the outlet of the reactor tube, and the method of loading may comprise: rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tubes such that the catalyst is held and supported by the holding device; The way to extract it is rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and discharging the catalyst through an outlet.

[0070] The tubular reactor may comprise a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of holding devices, and the method of loading may comprise: rotating each retention device to a first position at least partially blocking an outlet of at least one reactor tube; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by the holding device; The way to extract it is rotating one or more of the retaining devices to a second position such that an outlet of at least one of the reactor tubes is substantially unobstructed; and discharging the catalyst through one or more outlets.

[0071] In some embodiments, the reactor tubes may be removed one at a time by selectively rotating the retaining device to sufficiently unblock the outlet of only one reactor tube at a time.

[0072] In some other embodiments, the reactor tubes may be removed more than one at a time by selectively rotating the retaining device so as not to sufficiently block the outlets of more than one reactor tube at the same time.

[0073] In some embodiments, catalyst may be loaded into each bore by providing the catalyst in multiple catalyst supports and loading multiple catalyst supports into each bore.

[0074] In some other embodiments, catalyst may be loaded into each bore by packing each bore with loose catalyst particles.

[0075] The tubular reactors, reactor tubes, and support structures disclosed herein can be used in a wide variety of processes. Examples of suitable processes include reactors for exothermic reactions, such as those for the production of methanol, ammonia, methanation, water-gas shift reactions, oxidation reactions, such as those for the formation of formaldehyde, maleic anhydride, and ethylene oxide, and Fischer-Tropsch reactions. Endothermic reactions, such as pre-reforming, steam reforming, and dehydrogenation, may also be carried out in reactors containing the catalyst supports disclosed herein.

[0076] The tubular reactors, reactor tubes, and support devices of the present disclosure may advantageously allow the catalyst to be used in moderate to highly exothermic or endothermic reactions.

[0077] The catalysts of the present disclosure may be provided, for example, as free catalyst particles or as catalyst particles or monoliths contained within a catalyst monolith or catalyst support. 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tubular reactor. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a reactor tube containing a catalyst support. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a section of another reactor tube containing catalyst. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a section of another reactor tube containing catalyst and support equipment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a tubular reactor. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the reactor tube and three retention devices in a first position. [Figure 7] 7 shows the arrangement of FIG. 6 with the retaining device in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of multiple reactor tubes and a holding device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic end view of a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of different types of retention devices. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a catalyst carrier. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the catalyst carrier of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the catalyst carrier of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below 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 will be understood that the present disclosure may also be applied to other configurations of tubular reactors that may employ other orientations.

[0080] Additionally, any references to orientation herein, such as terms like top, bottom, upper, lower, above, below, etc., are used with respect to the orientation of the parts shown in the referenced drawings, but should not be considered as limiting the potential orientation of such parts in actual use. For example, a part described as being vertically oriented may be oriented horizontally.

[0081] 1 shows a typical layout of a tubular reactor 1 of the present disclosure. The tubular reactor 1 includes a housing 2. The interior of the housing may be divided into a headspace 3, a heat exchange zone 4, and a footer space 5 by two tube sheets, an upper tube sheet 6 and a lower tube sheet 7. The upper tube sheet 6 separates the headspace 3 from the heat exchange zone 4. The lower tube sheet 7 separates the footer space 5 from the heat exchange zone 4.

[0082] A plurality of reactor tubes 8 extend between the upper tube plate 6 and the lower tube plate 7. Each reactor tube 8 comprises an elongated tube defining a bore 11 having an outlet 12 at one end thereof. The outlet 12 may be at the lower end of the reactor tube 8. An inlet 13 for the reactor tube 8 may be provided at the opposite end of the reactor tube 8, for example, at the upper end.

[0083] A large number of reactor tubes 8 may be provided, for example, there may be 20 to 80,000 reactor tubes 8. The bore 11 of each reactor tube 8 may have an inner diameter of, for example, 20 to 150 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter may be about 85 mm.

[0084] Each reactor tube 8 is intended to receive, in use, a catalyst 9 within its bore 11. The catalyst 9 may be loose or packaged in various forms.

[0085] In a first example, as shown in FIG. 2, the catalyst 9 may be packaged in a plurality of catalyst supports 10. The catalyst supports 10 may be arranged in a stacked arrangement of catalyst supports 10 within the bore 11 of each reactor tube 8. One or more support devices 10a may be provided at the bottom of the stacked arrangement. The support devices 10a may not contain catalyst 9, and may serve to prevent the catalyst 9 from being retained within the tubular reactor 1 at the level of the lower tube sheet 7, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the support devices 10a may help to ensure that all of the catalyst 9 is positioned within the heat exchange zone 4 of the tubular reactor 1.

[0086] The catalyst support 10 can take a variety of different forms. Suitable examples include those described in WO 2011 / 048361, WO 2012 / 136971, and WO 2016 / 050520. Another example of a suitable catalyst support 10 is shown in Figures 10-12 and is further described below.

[0087] Each support device 10a may take any suitable form. In one example, the support device 10a may take the same or similar form as the catalyst support 10, but may not be filled with catalyst 9.

[0088] In a second example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the catalyst 9 may be catalyst particles loosely packed in the bore 11 of each reactor tube 8. As shown in Figure 4, one or more support devices 10b may be provided at the bottom of the bed of particulate catalyst 9. As mentioned above, the support devices 10b may serve to prevent the catalyst 9 from being retained within the tubular reactor 1 at the level of the lower tube sheet 7, as shown in Figure 5. The support devices 10b may consequently help to ensure that all of the catalyst 9 is positioned within the heat exchange zone 4 of the tubular reactor 1.

[0089] Each support device 10b can take any suitable form. In one example, the support device 10b may comprise a hollow or porous body having at least an upper mesh for supporting the particulate catalyst 9. In another example, the support device 10b may comprise an inert support material, such as alumina balls, having a diameter larger than that of the particulate catalyst. The alumina balls may be size-graded to prevent loss of catalyst from the reactor tube 8. For example, for a particulate catalyst having a particle size of 3 mm, the alumina balls may comprise a layer of 25 mm balls, a layer of 13 mm balls, and a layer of 6 mm balls. In another example, the support device 10b may comprise one or more coil springs that expand against the reactor tube wall and hold the particulate catalyst like a basket.

[0090] Typically, it is desirable for the catalyst 9 or catalyst support 10 to cover all or substantially all of the length of the reactor tubes 8 between the upper tube sheet 6 and the lower tube sheet 7, i.e., to cover all or substantially all of the length of the heat exchange zone 4.

[0091] Typically, bulk catalyst 9 or catalyst support 10 is loaded into inlet 13 at the upper end of reactor tube 8 when filling reactor tube 8 and discharged through outlet 12 at the lower end of reactor tube 8 when emptying reactor tube 8.

[0092] The headspace 3 may provide access to the upper end of the reactor tube 8 to allow for loading of the catalyst 9 or catalyst support 10 into the reactor tube 8. The footspace 5 may provide access to the lower end of the reactor tube 8 to allow for removal of the catalyst 9 or catalyst support 10 from the reactor tube 8.

[0093] According to the present disclosure, and as shown, by way of example, in Figures 2-5, each reactor tube 8 has one or more retention devices 20 associated therewith. For example, a single retention device 20 may control the discharge of catalyst 9 from each reactor tube 8. Alternatively, two, three, four, or more retention devices 20 may be associated with the outlet 12 of each reactor tube 8.

[0094] Each retention device 20 is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, retention device 20 at least partially blocks outlet 12 of reactor tube 8 to retain catalyst 9 within bore 11. In the second position, outlet 12 is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst 9 therethrough.

[0095] The retaining device 20 may be rotatable about an axis that is parallel to, but not coincident with, the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube 8 with which it is associated.

[0096] Retention device 20 may be positioned at or near outlet 12 of reactor tube 8. For example, as shown in Figures 2-5, retention device 20 may extend partially or completely across outlet 12 of reactor tube 8 in its first position.

[0097] The retention device 20 may be attached directly or indirectly to the reactor tubes 8 and / or the lower tube sheet 7. For example, the retention device 20 may be attached to a stud bolt on the lower tube sheet 7.

[0098] Each retaining device 20 may be aligned in the gap between two, optionally three or four reactor tubes 8 .

[0099] The retention device 20 can be formed from any suitable material. Such materials are generally selected to withstand the operating conditions of the reactor. Typically, the retention device 20 is fabricated from carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, other alloys, or any material that can withstand the reaction conditions.

[0100] The retaining device 20 may include a rotatable body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The rotatable body may include a central pivot about which the rotatable body is configured to rotate.

[0101] The rotatable body may include at least one occluding portion and at least one non-occluding portion disposed at different circumferential regions of the rotatable body.

[0102] In the first position, the at least one occluding portion may be configured to at least partially occlude the outlet 12, and in the second position, the at least one non-occluding portion may be configured to be aligned with the outlet 12.

[0103] The preferably rigid form of the catalyst support 10 and / or support device 10a, 10b can be effectively held within the bore 11 by narrowing the opening of the outlet 12, so that partial blocking of the outlet 12 in the first position of the rotatable body can be utilized when catalyst 9 is packaged within the catalyst support 10 or when the support device 10a, 10b is used to support a bed of catalyst support 10 or particulate catalyst 9.

[0104] An example of a rotatable body is one that comprises a rotatable disk, such as those shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows an end view of a single reactor tube 8 and three retention devices 20 associated with the outlet 12 of the reactor tube 8.

[0105] The three holding devices 20 may be distributed around the circumference of the reactor tube 8. The holding devices 20 may optionally be arranged in an evenly spaced distribution. In the example shown, the three holding devices 20 are spaced approximately 120° apart from one another.

[0106] The rotatable disc may include a disc body 21, which may form, for example, a closed portion, and at least one opening 22, which may form, for example, one or more non-closed portions. The disc body 21 may be planar. The disc body 21 may be formed, for example, from a sheet material. The disc body 21 may have a thickness of 5 to 25 mm.

[0107] The disk body 21 may be rotatable about a pivot 23 which may be located at the center of the disk body 21. The disk body 21 may be crescent-shaped, i.e., have the general form of a concave and convex area bounded by two circular arcs.

[0108] 6 and 7, there may be one opening 22 in each holding device 20. The openings 22 may extend to the periphery of the disc body 21 so as to define cutout segments of the rotatable disc. The cutout segments may be lenticular, i.e., have the general form of a convex area bounded by two circular arcs joined to each other at their endpoints.

[0109] The disc body 21 may be provided with one or more notches 24 around its periphery. The notches 24 may provide anchor points for engaging a tool to assist in rotating the disc body 21 from the first position to the second position.

[0110] 6 shows all three retention devices 20 in a first position. In the first position, each disk body 21 may be configured to at least partially block the outlet 12, thereby, for example, retaining the catalyst support 10 within the bore 11. In particular, the position of the pivot 23 and the diameter of the disk body 21 may be configured such that, in the first position, at least a portion of the disk body 21 extends partially across the outlet 12, and in particular extends sufficiently to prevent passage of the catalyst support 10 beyond the level of the retention devices 20.

[0111] 7 shows all three retainers 20 rotated to a second position, in which the opening 22 of each retainer 20 may be aligned with the outlet 12. In particular, this alignment is such that a window is formed between the retainers 20 large enough to allow the catalyst support 10 to pass above the level of the retainers 20 and exit the reactor tube 8.

[0112] In practice, the tubular reactor 1 includes a large number of reactor tubes 8. The reactor tubes 8 are typically arranged in a regular array between an upper tube plate 6 and a lower tube plate 7. When viewed from the end, e.g., when viewing the lower tube plate 7 from below, the reactor tubes 8 may be arranged in a regular pattern. The spacing between adjacent reactor tubes 8 may be constant and equal. The reactor tubes 8 may be arranged in a quadrilateral-based pattern, e.g., a square pitch, where the reactor tubes 8 form rows and columns, and each reactor tube 8 has up to eight adjacent reactor tubes 8. Alternatively, in another example, the reactor tubes 8 may be arranged in a triangular pitch, where the reactor tubes 8 are formed of triangular subunits of three reactor tubes 8, and each reactor tube 8 has up to six adjacent reactor tubes 8. It will be appreciated that other configurations are possible.

[0113] Figure 8 shows an end view of a portion of a tubular reactor 8 in which multiple reactor tubes 8 are arranged in a triangular pitch. Figure 8 shows how each retention device 20 can be associated with two or more reactor tubes 8. Each retention device 20 is aligned with the gaps between three reactor tubes 8.

[0114] The reactor tubes 8 may be arranged in an evenly spaced, regular pattern with each pair of reactor tubes 8 separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D, and the retaining devices 20 may also be arranged in an evenly spaced, regular pattern with each pair of retaining devices 20 separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D. However, it should be noted that the evenly spaced, regular pattern of retaining devices 20 is offset from the evenly spaced, regular pattern of reactor tubes 8, as shown by way of example in FIG.

[0115] For example, as shown, reactor tube 8a has three retention devices 20a, 20b, and 20c associated with it. Reactor tube 8b also has three retention devices 20c, 20d, and 20e associated with it. Note that retention device 20c is associated with both reactor tubes 8a and 8b.

[0116] 8, because retaining devices 20a, 20b, and 20c are all in the second position relative to reactor tube 8a, i.e., their openings are aligned with outlet 12 of reactor tube 8a, reactor tube 8a can freely discharge catalyst support 10. At the same time, retaining device 20c is in the first position relative to reactor tube 8b, because its disk body 22c partially blocks outlet 12 of reactor tube 8b.

[0117] It can thus be seen that by selectively rotating the retaining device 20, the retaining device 20 can be selectively operated to control the discharge of catalyst from the desired reactor tubes 8.

[0118] The retaining devices 20 may be configured to be rotatable independently of one another. For example, each retaining device 20 may be manually rotated by an operator, for example, by engaging a hand tool with the notches 24 of a particular retaining device 20.

[0119] Alternatively, two or more retaining devices 20 may be interconnected so as to be synchronously rotatable. For example, two or more retaining devices 20 may be interconnected by a link member. A single link member may rotate a group of retaining devices 20, for example, some or all of the retaining devices 20 in a single row or column or in a single triangular subunit may be rotated by the operation of a single link member.

[0120] The tubular reactor 1 may further be provided with a plurality of locking elements 30 for selectively preventing rotation of the holding devices 20. In the example shown in FIG. 8 , each locking element 30 may comprise a locking body that can be engaged with one or more holding devices 20 to prevent rotation of the holding devices 20. Each locking element 30 may be shaped and sized to interengage and / or interlock with one or more of the holding devices 20. For example, the shape of the locking element 30 may be shaped to interlock with the disk bodies 21 of one or more holding devices 20. As shown in FIG. 8 , the locking element 30 may be a circular disk that can interlock with the disk bodies 21 of one, two, or three adjacent holding devices 20, i.e., by occupying the voids of the openings 22.

[0121] The locking element 30 may be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The movement may be in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the retaining device 20. For example, moving the locking element 30 to the unlocked position may include raising or lowering the locking element 30 out of the plane of the disc body 21.

[0122] The locking elements 30 may be interconnected to move in synchrony.

[0123] The locking elements 30 may be arranged in a regular, evenly spaced pattern.

[0124] Another example of a rotatable body is one that comprises at least one arm or lobe, as shown, for example, in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an end view of a portion of a tubular reactor 8 in which the reactor tubes are arranged in a triangular pitch. Figure 9 shows how each retention device 20 can be associated with two or more reactor tubes 8.

[0125] Three holding devices 20 may be distributed around the circumference of each reactor tube 8. The holding devices 20 may optionally be arranged in an evenly spaced distribution. In the illustrated example, the three holding devices 20 are spaced approximately 120° apart from one another.

[0126] As shown, each rotatable body includes three arms or lobes 41. The three arms or lobes 41 may be spaced approximately 120° apart from one another. The rotatable bodies may be rotatable about a pivot 42, which may be located at the center of the rotatable body.

[0127] In other examples, each rotatable body may include one, two, four, or more arms or lobes 41. Optionally, the number of arms or lobes 41 may be equal to the number of adjacent reactor tubes 8 with which the rotatable body is associated, i.e., a rotatable body 8 located in a gap between three reactor tubes 8 may have three arms or lobes 41.

[0128] As mentioned above, the retaining device 20 may be attached directly or indirectly to the lower tube sheet 7. As shown, the retaining device 20 is attached to stud bolts that form part of a support framework that is coupled to the lower tube sheet 7, by way of example.

[0129] Each retention device 20 is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the or each arm or lobe 41 may be configured to at least partially block the outlet 12 of the reactor tube 8 to retain the catalyst 9 within the bore 11. In the second position, the or each arm or lobe 41 may be configured to be out of alignment with the outlet 12.

[0130] In the first position, the or each arm or lobe 41 may extend across one, two, or more associated reactor tubes 8. The or each arm or lobe 41 may be straight or curved.

[0131] 9 shows the retention device 20i in a first position. In the first position, each arm or lobe 41 may be configured to at least partially block the outlet 12 of the adjacent reactor tube 8, thereby retaining the catalyst 9, catalyst support 10, or support 10a or 10b within the bore 11. In particular, the position of the pivot 42 and the length of the arm or lobe 41 may be configured such that, in the first position, at least a distal portion of the arm or lobe 41 extends partially across the outlet 12, and in particular, extends sufficiently to prevent passage of the catalyst support 10 or support 10a or 10b beyond the level of the retention device 20. Thus, in the first position, the arm or lobe 41 may be configured to support the endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports 10. The support may directly support the most end catalyst carrier 10 of the plurality of catalyst carriers 10 by contacting the most end catalyst carrier 10 of the plurality of catalyst carriers 10, or may indirectly support the most end catalyst carrier 10 of the plurality of catalyst carriers 10 by contacting a support device 10a that itself supports the most end catalyst carrier 10 of the plurality of catalyst carriers 10.

[0132] 9 shows the retainer 20j in a second position, in which the arms or lobes 41 are rotated out of alignment with the outlet 12, thereby allowing the catalyst 9 or catalyst support 10 to pass above the level of the retainer 20 and exit the reactor tube 8.

[0133] Thus, as in the previous example, it can be seen that by selectively rotating the retaining device 20, the retaining device 20 can be selectively operated to control the discharge of catalyst 9 from the desired reactor tube 8.

[0134] As described above, the retaining devices 20 may be configured to be rotatable independently of one another. For example, each retaining device 20 may be rotated manually by an operator. Alternatively, two or more retaining devices 20 may be interconnected to be synchronously rotatable. For example, two or more retaining devices 20 may be interconnected by a link member. A single link member may rotate a group of retaining devices 20; for example, some or all of the retaining devices 20 in a single row or column or in a single triangular subunit may be rotated by the operation of a single link member.

[0135] In use, catalyst 9 (loose or packaged, for example, on a catalyst support 10) may be loaded into each reactor tube 8 of the tubular reactor 1 by rotating at least one retention device 20 associated with that reactor tube 8 to a first position that at least partially blocks outlet 12. The catalyst 9 may then be loaded into the reactor tube 8 so that it is held and optionally supported by the retention device 20. To remove the reactor tube 8, the retention device 20 may be rotated to a second position that sufficiently unobstructs outlet 12 so that the catalyst 9 is discharged therethrough.

[0136] If two or more holding devices 20 are associated with a single reactor tube 8, one or more or all of the associated holding devices 20 may be moved to the first position prior to loading the catalyst 9.

[0137] Removal of reactor tubes 8 may be accomplished one at a time by selectively rotating holding device 20 to sufficiently unblock outlet 12 of only one reactor tube 8 at a time. Alternatively, more than one reactor tube 8 may be removed at a time by selectively rotating holding device 20 to sufficiently unblock outlets 12 of two or more reactor tubes 8 simultaneously.

[0138] As noted above, the catalyst 9 may be packaged within a catalyst support 10. Examples of suitable catalyst supports 10 are shown, by way of example, in FIGS. 10-12. However, as already noted above, it will be understood that, in accordance with the present disclosure, the catalyst support 10 may take a variety of forms. For example, as with the examples described herein, the catalyst support 10 may take other forms, including, but not limited to, those disclosed in WO 2011 / 048361, WO 2012 / 136971, and WO 2016 / 050520, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0139] The catalyst support 10 may generally comprise a container sized to be smaller than the interior dimensions of the reactor tube 8 in which it will be placed during use. Typically, a seal is 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.

[0140] As shown in Figures 10-12, the catalyst support 10 may include a container 100 for holding the catalyst during use. The container 100 may generally have a bottom surface 101 closing the lower end of the container 100 and a top surface 102 at the upper end of the container 100. A support outer wall 103 may extend from the bottom surface 101 to the top surface 102. A seal 104 may extend from the container 100 a distance that extends beyond the support outer wall 103. The support outer wall 103 may have an opening 105 located below the seal 104.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 10 , in at least some embodiments, the catalyst support 10 may more specifically comprise an annular vessel 110 for holding the catalyst during use. The annular vessel 110 may comprise a perforated inner vessel wall 111 defining an interior channel 112 and a perforated outer vessel wall 113 that may be concentrically disposed around the perforated inner vessel wall 111. An annular top surface 114 may close an upper end of the annular vessel 110, and an annular bottom surface 115 may close a lower end of the annular vessel 110. The lower end of the interior channel 112 may be closed by a channel end surface 116, except for one or more discharge openings (not shown) that may be provided at the lower end of the interior channel 112. The channel end surface 116 may be formed integrally with or separately from the inner vessel wall 111.

[0142] 11, the catalyst support 10 may be formed from several individual components that may be assembled together by any suitable means, including, for example, welding. In some embodiments, such components may include a perforated inner tube 120, a perforated intermediate tube 121, an outer tube 122, a bottom cap 123, an annular top ring 124, a top cap 125, and an annular seal ring 126.

[0143] The catalyst support 10 may be formed from any suitable material. Such materials are generally selected to withstand the operating conditions of the reactor. Typically, the catalyst support is fabricated from carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, other alloys, or any material capable of withstanding the reaction conditions.

[0144] Suitable thicknesses of the components are on the order of about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably on the order of about 0.3 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0145] The perforated inner tube 120 may comprise a perforated inner vessel wall 111. The perforated intermediate tube 121 may comprise a perforated outer vessel wall 113. The outer tube 122 may comprise the carrier outer wall 103 and may define the opening 105. The bottom cap 123 may comprise the bottom surface 101 and / or the annular bottom surface 115. The bottom cap 123 may also extend across the perforated inner tube 120 to include the channel end face 116. The annular top ring 124 and the top cap 125 may include the annular top surface 114 and may include at least a portion of the top surface 102. The annular seal ring 126 may comprise the seal 104.

[0146] The size of the holes in the perforated inner tube 120 and the perforated intermediate tube 121 are selected to allow uniform flow of reactants and products through the catalyst while maintaining the catalyst within the annular vessel 110. It will be appreciated that their size will therefore depend on the size of the catalyst particles used. In an alternative configuration, the holes may be larger but sized with a filter mesh covering the holes to ensure that the catalyst is maintained within the annular vessel 110.

[0147] It will be understood that the holes may be of any suitable configuration, and indeed, where a wall or tube is described as being perforated, all that is required is that there be a means to allow reactants and products to pass through the wall or tube.

[0148] The bottom surface 101, e.g., bottom cap 123, may be shaped to mate with the top end of another catalyst support 10. For example, the bottom surface 101 may include an annular recess 130 around the perforated inner tube 120. The top cap 125 may be shaped to mate with the annular recess 130 of another catalyst support 10. For example, the top cap 125 may include an annular ring 131 upstanding from an annular plug body 132. The annular ring 131 may be shaped and sized to be received within the annular recess 130.

[0149] The bottom surface 101, for example the bottom cap 123 and / or the channel end surface 116, may include one or more drain holes. If one or more drain holes are present, they may be covered by a filter mesh.

[0150] The annular top ring 124 may be shaped and sized to engage the upper end of the outer tube 122. The annular plug body 132 of the top cap 125 may have an outer diameter configured to engage with the central opening of the annular top ring 124. The engagement between the top cap 125 and the annular top ring 124 may function to sandwich the annular seal ring 126 and hold it in place.

[0151] The top cap 125 may include a central inlet 134 in the annular plug body 132 to allow liquids and gases to enter the upper end of the interior channel 112. The annular ring 131 may include side openings 133 to allow liquids and gases to reach the central inlet 134.

[0152] The carrier outer wall 103 may be smooth or shaped. Suitable shapes include pleated, corrugated, and the like.

[0153] The openings 105 in the carrier outer wall 103 may be of any configuration. In some embodiments, the openings 105 may be holes or slots.

[0154] The seal 104 may be formed in any suitable manner. However, it is generally sufficiently compressible to accommodate the smallest diameter of the reactor tube 8. The seal 104 is generally a flexible sliding seal. In some embodiments, the seal 104 may include a deformable flange 140 extending from the support outer wall 103 or the top surface 102 of the catalyst support 10. The flange 140 may be sized larger than the inner diameter of the reactor tube 8 so that it deforms to fit inside and interact with the reactor tube 8 when the catalyst support 10 is inserted into the reactor tube 8.

[0155] 10 , the deformable flange 140 comprises an outer portion of the annular sealing ring 126. An inner portion 141 of the annular sealing ring 126 may define a clamping surface that is sandwiched and held between the top cap 125 and the annular top ring 124. The deformable flange 140 may be angled relative to the inner portion 141. The deformable flange 140 may be angled toward the top end of the catalyst support 10.

[0156] The carrier outer wall 103 may continue above the seal 104. Thus, the seal 104 may be located at the top of the catalyst carrier 10, optionally as part of the upper surface 102, or at a suitable point on the carrier outer wall 103, provided that it is located above the opening 105 in the carrier outer wall 103.

[0157] During insertion into the reactor tube 8, the seal 104 of the catalyst support 10 may sealingly engage with the inner surface of the reactor tube 8. In particular, the engagement of the seal 104 with the reactor tube 8 may cause deformation of the seal 104.

[0158] The deformation of the seal 104 may create a resistance force that may help maintain the axial position of the catalyst support 10 within the reactor tube 8 after installation. Additionally, the deformation of the seal 104 may be used to promote a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight seal between the top end of the catalyst support 10 and the interior surface of the reactor tube 8.

[0159] When installed within the reactor tube 8, the catalyst supports 10 may form a stacked arrangement one on top of the other with their longitudinal axes aligned and coincident. As mentioned above, the stack of catalyst supports 10 may be supported directly or indirectly by the retaining device 20 when in the first position.

[0160] When used in a downflow tubular reactor 1, the reactants flow downward through the reactor tubes 8, thus first contacting the top surface 102 of the uppermost catalyst support 10 in the stacked configuration. Seals 104 prevent the passage of the reactants around the sides of the catalyst support 10. The top surface 102 thus directs the reactants inward through side openings 133 to a central inlet 134 at the top end of an internal channel 112 in the inner vessel wall 111 defined by the perforated inner tube 120.

[0161] The reactants then enter the annular vessel 110 through the perforated inner tube 120 and then pass radially through the catalyst bed toward the outer vessel wall 113 defined by the perforated intermediate tube 121. During this passage, the reactants contact the catalyst and react to form products.

[0162] The unreacted reactants and products then exit the annular vessel 110 through the perforated intermediate tube 121. The carrier outer wall 103, defined by the outer tube 122, then directs the reactants and products upward between the inner surface of the carrier outer wall 103 and the perforated intermediate tube 121 until they reach the openings 105 in the carrier outer wall 103. The reactants and products are then directed through the openings 105 and flow downward between the outer surface of the carrier outer wall 103 and the inner surface of the reactor tube 8, where heat transfer occurs.

[0163] The unreacted reactants and products may then contact the upper surface 102 of the catalyst support 10 below in the stacked configuration, and the above process may be repeated. This pattern may be repeated as the reactants and products travel down the stacked configuration until they are collected from the lower end of the reactor tube 8.

[0164] A portion of the products, particularly liquid products, may be discharged from the internal channels 112 into the internal channels 112 of the underlying catalyst supports 10 through discharge holes provided in the channel end faces 116. Such products may then continue to be discharged from the stacked arrangement of catalyst supports 10 and collected from the outlet 12 at the lower end of the reactor tube 8.

[0165] Further aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following sections. Clause 1. A reactor tube for a tubular reactor and a holding device associated with the reactor tube, comprising: the reactor tube being in the form of an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving the catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore; The retaining device is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the retention device at least partially blocks the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore; In the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the catalyst from the outlet, the reactor tube and the retention device. Clause 2. The reactor tube and holding device of clause 1, wherein the holding device is rotatable about an axis parallel to but not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. Clause 3. The reactor tube and holding device of clause 1 or 2, wherein the holding device comprises a rotatable body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. Clause 4. The rotatable body comprises at least one occluding portion and at least one non-occluding portion disposed at different circumferential regions of the rotatable body; 4. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 3, wherein in a first position, the at least one obstructing portion is configured to at least partially obstruct the outlet, and in a second position, the at least one non-obstructing portion is configured to be aligned with the outlet. Clause 5. The reactor tube and holding device of clause 3 or 4, wherein the rotatable body comprises a central pivot about which the rotatable body is configured to rotate. Clause 6. The reactor tube and retention device of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the rotatable body comprises a rotatable disk. Clause 7. The rotatable disc may comprise a disc body and at least one opening; 7. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 6, wherein in a first position, the disk body is configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain catalyst within the bore, and in a second position, the at least one opening is configured to be aligned with the outlet. Clause 8. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 7, wherein the at least one opening is at least one open opening that extends to a periphery of the disk body to define at least one cutout segment of the rotatable disk. Clause 9. The reactor tube and holding device of clause 8, wherein the or each cut-out segment of the rotatable disc is lenticular in shape. Clause 10. The reactor tube and retention device of any one of clauses 7 to 9, wherein the disk body is crescent-shaped. Clause 11. The reactor tube and retention device of any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein the rotatable body comprises one, two, three, or four openings. Clause 12. The rotatable body has arms or lobes, 12. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of any one of clauses 3-11, wherein in a first position, the arm or lobe is configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain catalyst within the bore, and in a second position, the arm or lobe is configured to be out of alignment with the outlet. Clause 13. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 12, wherein the rotatable body comprises two, three, or four arms or lobes. Clause 14. The bore is configured, in use, to receive catalyst in the form of a plurality of catalyst supports that contain the catalyst and are insertable into the bore; In the first position, a retention device at least partially blocks the outlet so as to retain the plurality of catalyst supports within the bore; 14. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of any one of clauses 1-13, wherein in the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the plurality of catalyst supports from the outlet. Clause 15. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 14, wherein in the first position, the retention device is configured to support an endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports. Article 16. In the first position, the retaining device: directly supporting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports by contacting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports; or 16. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 15, wherein the endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports is indirectly supported by contacting a support device that itself supports the endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports. Clause 17. The bore is configured to receive, in use, catalyst in the form of catalyst particles loosely packed within the bore; In the first position, the retention device at least partially blocks the outlet to retain the catalyst particles within the bore; 14. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of any one of clauses 1-13, wherein in the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst particles from the outlet. Clause 18. Further comprising a support device for supporting catalyst particles within the bore; In the first position, the retention device at least partially blocks the outlet so as to retain the support device, and thus the catalyst particles, within the bore; 18. The reactor tube and retention device of clause 17, wherein in the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the support device and subsequent discharge of catalyst particles from the outlet. Clause 19. A tubular reactor comprising a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of holding devices, each reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore; each retention device is associated with one or more reactor tubes and configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In a first position, each retention device at least partially blocks one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes to retain catalyst within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; A tubular reactor in a second position, wherein an outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of catalyst from the outlet. Clause 20. The tubular reactor of clause 19, wherein in the first position, each retention device at least partially blocks all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes to retain catalyst within the bores of all of the one or more associated reactor tubes. Clause 21. The tubular reactor of clause 19 or 20, wherein in the second position, at least two or all of the outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes are sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of catalyst from the outlets. Clause 22. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein each reactor tube has two, three, or four retention devices associated with its outlet. Clause 23. The tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein each of the plurality of holding devices is rotatable independently of each other. Clause 24. The tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 19 to 22, wherein two or more of the plurality of holding devices are interconnected so as to be rotatable synchronously. Clause 25. The tubular reactor of clause 24, wherein the two or more holding devices are interconnected by a link member, the link member being operable to rotate the two or more holding devices. Clause 26. A plurality of reactor tubes are arranged in an equally spaced, regular pattern, each pair of reactor tubes being separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D; The plurality of retaining devices are also arranged in an evenly spaced, regular pattern, with each pair of retaining devices separated by a uniform center-to-center distance D; and 26. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19 to 25, wherein the equally spaced, regular pattern of the retention devices deviates from the equally spaced, regular pattern of the reactor tubes. Clause 27. The tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 19 to 26, wherein each retention device is aligned in the gap between two reactor tubes, optionally between three or four reactor tubes. Clause 28. A tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 19 to 27, wherein each holding device is rotatable about an axis parallel to but not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. Clause 29. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19 to 28, wherein each holding device comprises a rotatable body that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. Clause 30. Each rotatable body comprises at least one occluding portion and at least one non-occluding portion disposed in different circumferential regions of the rotatable body; 30. The tubular reactor of claim 29, wherein in a first position, the at least one obstructing portion is configured to at least partially obstruct one, some, or all outlets of the one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the at least one non-obstructing portion is configured to be aligned with one, some, or all outlets of the one or more associated reactor tubes. Clause 31. The tubular reactor of clause 29 or 30, wherein each rotatable body comprises a central pivot about which the rotatable body is configured to rotate. Clause 32. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 29 to 31, wherein each rotatable body comprises a rotatable disk. Clause 33. A rotatable disk comprising a disk body and at least one opening; 33. The tubular reactor of claim 32, wherein in a first position, the disk body is configured to at least partially block one, some, or all outlets of the one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the at least one opening is configured to be aligned with one, some, or all outlets of the one or more associated reactor tubes. Clause 34. The tubular reactor of clause 33, wherein the at least one opening is at least one open opening extending to a periphery of the disc body so as to define at least one cutout segment of the rotatable disc. Clause 35. A tubular reactor according to clause 34, wherein the or each cut-out segment of the rotatable disc is lenticular in shape. Clause 36. A tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, wherein each disc body is crescent-shaped. Clause 37. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 29 to 36, wherein each rotatable body comprises one, two, three, or four openings. Clause 38. Each rotatable body has an arm or lobe; 38. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 29-37, wherein in a first position, the arm or lobe is configured to at least partially block one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes, and in a second position, the arm or lobe is configured to be out of alignment with one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes. Clause 39. The tubular reactor of clause 38, wherein in the first position, the arms or lobes extend across two or more associated reactor tubes. Clause 40. A tubular reactor according to clause 38 or 39, wherein the arms or lobes are straight or curved. Clause 41. A tubular reactor according to any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein each rotatable body comprises two, three, or four arms or lobes. Clause 42. Further comprising a tube plate supporting a plurality of reactor tubes; 42. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19 to 41, wherein a plurality of retention devices are attached to the tube sheet. Clause 43. The tubular reactor of clause 42, wherein a plurality of retention devices are attached to stud bolts of the tube sheet. Clause 44. The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19 to 43, further comprising a plurality of locking elements for selectively preventing rotation of the retention device. Clause 45. The tubular reactor of clause 44, wherein each locking element comprises a locking body that can be engaged with one or more retaining devices to prevent rotation of the retaining devices. Clause 46. Each bore is configured, in use, to receive catalyst in the form of a plurality of catalyst supports which contain the catalyst and are insertable into the bore; in a first position, each retention device at least partially blocks one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes so as to retain a plurality of catalyst supports within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; 46. ​​The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19-45, wherein in the second position, the outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the plurality of catalyst supports from the outlet. Clause 47. The tubular reactor of clause 46, wherein in the first position, each retention device is configured to support an endmost one of the plurality of catalyst supports. Article 48. In the first position, each retaining device: directly supporting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports by contacting the most extreme one of the catalyst supports; or 48. The tubular reactor of claim 47, wherein the most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports is indirectly supported by contacting a support device that itself supports the most extreme one of the plurality of catalyst supports. Clause 49. Each bore is configured to receive, in use, catalyst in the form of catalyst particles packed within the bore; In the first position, each retention device at least partially blocks the outlets of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes to retain catalyst particles within the bores of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; 46. ​​The tubular reactor of any one of clauses 19-45, wherein in the second position, an outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of catalyst particles from the outlet. Clause 50. Further comprising a plurality of support devices for supporting catalyst particles within the bore; In the first position, each retention device at least partially blocks the outlets of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes to retain the support device, and thus the catalyst particles, within the bore of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; 50. The tubular reactor of claim 49, wherein in the second position, one, some, or all outlets of one or more associated reactor tubes are sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the support device and subsequent discharge of catalyst particles through the one or more outlets. Clause 51. A method of loading and unloading a catalyst into and from a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving the catalyst and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore, the method of loading comprising: associating a retention device with the outlet of the reactor tube; rotating the retaining device to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by a holding device; The way to extract it is rotating the retaining device to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and and discharging the catalyst through an outlet. Clause 52. Two or more holding devices are associated with the outlets of the reactor tubes, and the method of loading comprises: rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by a holding device; The way to extract it is rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and discharging the catalyst through the outlet. Clause 53. A tubular reactor is provided with a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of holding devices, the method of loading comprising: rotating each retention device to a first position at least partially blocking an outlet of at least one reactor tube; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by a holding device; The way to extract it is rotating one or more of the retaining devices to a second position such that an outlet of at least one of the reactor tubes is substantially unobstructed; 53. The method of claim 51 or 52, comprising: discharging the catalyst through one or more outlets. Clause 54. The method of clause 53, wherein the reactor tubes are removed one at a time by selectively rotating the holding device to sufficiently unblock the outlet of only one reactor tube at a time. Clause 55. The method of clause 53, wherein the reactor tubes are removed more than one at a time by selectively rotating the holding device so as not to sufficiently block the outlets of more than one reactor tube at the same time. Clause 56. The method of any one of clauses 51-55, wherein the catalyst is loaded into each bore by providing the catalyst in a plurality of catalyst supports and loading the plurality of catalyst supports into each bore. Clause 57. The method of any one of clauses 51 to 55, wherein the catalyst is loaded into each bore by packing each bore with loose catalyst particles.

Claims

1. 1. A reactor tube for a tubular reactor and a retention device associated with said reactor tube, comprising: the reactor tube being in the form of an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving a catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore; the retaining device is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In the first position, the retention device at least partially blocks the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore; in the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the catalyst therethrough; A reactor tube and a holding device, wherein the holding device is rotatable about an axis parallel to but not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube.

2. 10. The reactor tube and retention device of claim 1, wherein the retention device comprises a rotatable body that is rotatable between the first position and the second position.

3. The reactor tube and retention device of claim 2 , wherein the rotatable body comprises a rotatable disk.

4. the rotatable disk comprises a disk body and at least one opening; 4. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of claim 3, wherein in the first position, the disk body is configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore, and in the second position, the at least one opening is configured to be aligned with the outlet.

5. the rotatable body comprises arms or lobes; 3. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the first position, the arms or lobes are configured to at least partially block the outlet to retain the catalyst within the bore, and in the second position, the arms or lobes are configured to be out of alignment with the outlet.

6. the bore is configured, in use, to receive the catalyst in the form of a plurality of catalyst carriers that contain the catalyst and are insertable into the bore; In the first position, the retention device at least partially blocks the outlet so as to retain the plurality of catalyst carriers within the bore; 6. The reactor tube and retention apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the second position, the outlet is sufficiently unobstructed to allow discharge of the plurality of catalyst carriers therethrough.

7. A tubular reactor comprising a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of retention devices, each reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving catalyst in use and having an outlet at one end of said bore for discharging said catalyst from said bore; each retention device is associated with one or more reactor tubes and configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position; In the first position, each retention device at least partially blocks the outlets of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes to retain the catalyst within the bore of one, some, or all of the one or more associated reactor tubes; in the second position, the outlet of at least one of the one or more associated reactor tubes is sufficiently unobstructed to permit discharge of the catalyst therefrom; A tubular reactor wherein each holding device is rotatable about an axis parallel to and not coincident with the longitudinal axis of said elongated tube.

8. 8. The tubular reactor of claim 7, wherein each reactor tube has two, three, or four retention devices associated with its outlet.

9. the plurality of holding devices are rotatable independently of one another; or 9. The tubular reactor according to claim 7 or 8, wherein two or more of the plurality of holding devices are interconnected so as to be synchronously rotatable.

10. 10. The tubular reactor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each retention device is aligned in the gap between two reactor tubes.

11. a tube plate supporting the plurality of reactor tubes; The tubular reactor according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the plurality of retention devices are attached to the tube sheet.

12. 11. The tubular reactor of any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a plurality of locking elements for selectively preventing rotation of the retention device.

13. 1. A method of loading and unloading a catalyst into and from a reactor tube of a tubular reactor, the reactor tube comprising an elongated tube defining a bore for receiving catalyst and having an outlet at one end of the bore for discharging the catalyst from the bore, the method comprising: associating a retention device with the outlet of the reactor tube; rotating the retaining device to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by the holding device; The way to extract it is rotating the retaining device to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and and discharging the catalyst through the outlet. The method wherein the retaining device is rotatable about an axis parallel to but not coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube.

14. Two or more holding devices are associated with the outlets of the reactor tubes, and the method of loading comprises: rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by the holding device; The method of extracting includes: rotating each of the two or more retention devices to a second position in which the outlet is substantially unobstructed; and discharging the catalyst through the outlet.

15. The tubular reactor comprises a plurality of reactor tubes and a plurality of holding devices, and the method of loading comprises: rotating each retention device to a first position at least partially blocking the outlet of at least one reactor tube; loading the catalyst into the reactor tube such that the catalyst is held and supported by the holding device; The method of extracting includes: rotating one or more of the retention devices to a second position such that the outlet of at least one of the reactor tubes is substantially unobstructed; and discharging the catalyst from one or more of the outlets.

16. the reactor tubes are removed one at a time by selectively rotating the holding device sufficiently to unobstruct the outlet of only one reactor tube at a time; or 16. The method of claim 15, wherein more than one reactor tube is removed at a time by selectively rotating the holding device to leave the outlets of more than one reactor tube sufficiently unobstructed at the same time.

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the catalyst is loaded into each bore by providing the catalyst in a plurality of catalyst carriers and loading the plurality of catalyst carriers into each bore.

18. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the catalyst is loaded into each bore by packing loose catalyst particles into each bore.

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