Particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing multiple particulate solids streams - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

A particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall, which may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least partially by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from the outer conduit inlet to the outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis, and a cross-section of the outer wall may encompass a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids distributor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,524, filed November 29, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments described herein relate generally to distributors, and more particularly to distributors suitable for distributing particulate solids streams. [Background technology]

[0003] Particulate solids can be utilized in a variety of ways in chemical processes. For example, particulate solids can be utilized as catalysts for chemical processes such as fluidized bed reactions. Because the requirements of various chemical processes can vary widely, chemical processes can benefit from introducing particulate solids in a specific manner. Therefore, there is an industry need for a particulate solids distributor that can distribute particulate solids to suit the needs of the process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Chemical processes may utilize particulate solids, and in some circumstances, may utilize multiple separate particulate solids streams injected into the same reactor or other vessel. Described herein are particulate solids distributors suitable for use in distributing two separate particulate solids streams to different portions of a reactor or other process unit. For example, some embodiments described herein may be suitable for passing two different particulate solids streams at different elevations. Such distributors may be operable to pass solids, such as catalysts, into a fluidized-bed reactor, and in some embodiments, such catalyst flow patterns may be beneficial. The distributors described herein may be capable of introducing multiple particulate solids streams at different elevations, with both streams being discharged from or near the center of the reactor or other process vessel.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments described herein, a particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall, which may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least in part by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from the outer conduit inlet to the outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis, and a cross-section of the outer wall may encompass a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids distributor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall, which may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least in part by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis. A cross-section of the outer wall may encompass a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an inlet conduit defined at least in part by an inlet conduit wall. The inlet conduit may extend from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet. The inlet conduit may intersect the outer wall. The inlet conduit outlet may be positioned in the inner wall such that the inlet conduit may be in communication with the inner conduit. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids distributor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a particulate solids distributor for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall. The inner wall may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least in part by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis. A cross-section of the outer wall may encompass a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an inlet conduit defined at least in part by an inlet conduit wall. The inlet conduit may extend from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet. The inlet conduit outlet may be positioned in the outer wall such that the inlet conduit may be in communication with the outer conduit. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids inductor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and will in part become apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description, the following claims, and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is designated with like reference numerals. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a particulate solids distributor according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 2] 10A-10C illustrate schematically another particulate solids distributor according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 3] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a chemical treatment vessel using the particulate solids distributor of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a reactor system that may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and will in part become apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description, the following claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to describe various embodiments and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the devices, assemblies and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0013] 1 and 2, perspective schematic views of two particulate solids distributors 100 are shown. Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an inner conduit 200 and an outer conduit 300, respectively. Generally, the particulate solids distributors 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are similar in many respects but include some differences, as will be described. In particular, the solids distributor of FIG. 1 includes an inlet conduit 270 in fluid communication with the inner conduit 200, while the embodiment of FIG. 2 includes an inlet conduit 270 in fluid communication with the outer conduit 300.

[0014] 1 and 2 , the particulate solids distributor 100 may include an inner conduit 200 and an outer conduit 300. The inner conduit 200 may extend from an inner conduit inlet 210 to an inner conduit outlet 252. The inner conduit 200 may be at least partially defined by an inner wall 260. Generally, the inner conduit 200 may be surrounded by the inner wall 260, which may be, for example, a pipe-shaped member. The inner wall 260 may be disposed about a central axis 600. The outer conduit 300 may extend from the outer conduit inlet 310 to the outer conduit outlet 352. The outer conduit 300 may be at least partially defined by the inner wall 260 and the outer wall 360, and the space between the inner wall 260 and the outer wall 360 may surround the outer conduit 300. The outer wall 360 may be disposed about the central axis 600, and the cross section of the outer wall 360 may surround the cross section of the inner wall 260 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 600. As described herein, generally, a first particulate solids stream may pass upwardly through the inner conduit 200 and a second particulate solids stream may pass upwardly through the outer conduit 300.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, inner wall 260 may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis 600. In one or more embodiments, outer wall 360 may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis 600. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , inner wall 260 and outer wall 360 may both have a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis 600. In one or more embodiments, inner wall 260 and outer wall 360 may have the same cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to central axis 600. In other embodiments, inner wall 260 and outer wall 360 may have different cross-sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to central axis 600. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, outer wall 360 may have a refractory lining 370. In some embodiments (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the outer wall 360 may not have a refractory lining 370 .

[0016] 1 and 2, the inner conduit 200 and the outer conduit 300 may form a coaxial arrangement. In such an embodiment, the inner conduit 200 may be surrounded by the outer conduit 300 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 600.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the inner conduit 200 extends beyond the outer conduit 300. In such embodiments, the inner conduit outlet 252 can be downstream of the outer conduit outlet 352. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inner wall 260 (defining the inner conduit 200) extends upwardly beyond the end of the outer wall 360 (defining the outer conduit outlet 352 of the outer conduit 300). As used in this disclosure, the term “downstream” refers to a position along a conduit closer to the outlet than the inlet, generally in the direction of flow of the particulate solids. As used in this disclosure, the term “upstream” refers to a position along a conduit closer to the inlet than the outlet, generally in the opposite direction of flow of the particulate solids.

[0018] As described herein, generally, the first particulate solids stream may exit the inner conduit 200 through the inner conduit outlet 252 above the second particulate solids stream, which may exit the outer conduit 300 through the outer conduit outlet 352. In some embodiments, the portion of the inner wall 260 that extends upwardly beyond the end point of the outer wall 360 (which defines the outer conduit outlet 352 of the outer conduit 300) may have a refractory lining on the side of the inner wall 260 facing the opposite side of the inner conduit 200.

[0019] The particulate solids distributor 100 may include a first solids inductor 240 and a second solids inductor 340. The first solids inductor may be positioned on the central axis 600 and downstream of the inner conduit outlet 252 such that the particulate solids may flow from the inner conduit inlet 210 to the inner conduit outlet 252 and be guided out of the particulate solids distributor by the first solids inductor 240. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first solids inductor 240 may be a first deflection plate. Generally, as described herein, the first particulate solids stream may exit the inner conduit outlet 252 and contact the first deflection plate. The first particulate solids stream may then be deflected radially outward from the particulate solids distributor 100 by the first deflection plate. The first solid-state inductor 240 may be supported by a variety of means, such as by attachments to the interior wall 260 (not shown in the figures).

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the second solid-state inductor 340 may be attached to the inner wall 260 and extend radially outward from the central axis 600. In one or more embodiments, the second solid-state inductor 340 may be positioned on a portion of the inner wall 260 that extends beyond the outer wall 360. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second solid-state inductor 340 and the inner wall 260 may form a coaxial arrangement. In such embodiments, a portion of the inner wall 260 may be surrounded by the second solid-state inductor 340. In some embodiments, the inner wall 260 may extend beyond the second solid-state inductor 340. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a portion of the inner wall 260 extends upwardly beyond the second solid-state inductor 340. In some embodiments, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner wall 260 may not extend beyond the second solid-state inductor 340. In such embodiments, a portion of the inner wall 260 defining the inner conduit outlet 252 of the inner conduit 200 may be level with the plane of the second solids inductor 340. In one or more embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second solids inductor 340 may be a second deflector plate. Generally, as described herein, the second particulate solids stream may exit the outer conduit outlet 352 and contact the second deflector plate 340. The second particulate solids stream may then be deflected radially out of the particulate solids distributor 100 by the second deflector plate.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, when the first solid-state inductor 240 is circular in shape, the area of ​​a cylinder having a radius equal to the radius of the first solid-state inductor 240 and a height equal to the distance between the first solid-state inductor 240 and the inner conduit outlet 252 can be 125% to 175% of the area of ​​the cross section of the inner wall 260. For example, the area of ​​the cylinder can be 125% to 170% of the area of ​​the cross section of the inner conduit outlet 252, such as 125% to 160%, 125% to 165%, 125% to 155%, 125% to 150%, 125% to 145%, 125% to 140%, 125% to 135%, 125% to 130%, 130% to 175%, 130% to 170%, or the like. %, 130%~165%, 130%~160%, 130%~155%, 130%~145%, 130%~140%, 130%~135%, 135%~175%, 135%~170%, 135%~165%, 135%~160%, 135%~155%, 135%~150%, 135%~145%, 135%~140%, 1 40%~175%, 140%~170%, 140%~165%, 140%~160%, 140%~155%, 140%~150%, 140%~145%, 145%~175%, 145%~170%, 145%~165%, 145%~160%, 145%~155%, 145%~150%, 150%~175%, 150% 170%, 150% to 165%, 150% to 160%, 150% to 155%, 155% to 175%, 155% to 170%, 155% to 165%, 155% to 160%, 160% to 175%, 160% to 170%, 160% to 165%, 165% to 175%, 165% to 170%, or 170% to 175%. Such ratios may allow for good tracking of the particulate solids into the vessel.

[0022] In other embodiments, one or both of the first solid-state inductor 240 and the second solid-state inductor 340 may be pipe-type distributors, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,360,759, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the particulate solids distributor 100 may include an inlet conduit 270. The inlet conduit 270 may be at least partially defined by an inlet conduit wall 274. The inlet conduit 270 may extend from an inlet conduit inlet 275 to an inlet conduit outlet 272. Generally, the inlet conduit 270 may be surrounded by an inlet conduit wall 274, which may be, for example, a pipe-shaped member. The inlet conduit wall 274 may be disposed about an inlet conduit central axis. In one or more embodiments, the inlet conduit wall 274 may have a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the inlet conduit central axis. In one or more embodiments, a refractory lining 370 may cover at least a portion of the inlet conduit wall 274. In some embodiments, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the refractory lining 370 may not cover at least a portion of the inlet conduit wall 274.

[0024] 1 , in one or more embodiments, the inlet conduit 270 may intersect the outer wall 360. In one or more embodiments, the inlet conduit 270 may be positioned on the inner wall such that the inlet conduit 270 is in communication with the inner conduit 200. In such embodiments, the inlet conduit outlet 272 may be the inner conduit inlet 210. Generally, as described herein, a first stream of particulate solids may pass through the inlet conduit 270 and enter the inner conduit 200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the inlet conduit 270 may merge with the inner conduit 200 at an angle such that the inlet conduit outlet 272 points in a generally upstream direction of the inner conduit 200. In other embodiments, the inlet conduit 270 may merge with the inner conduit 200 at an angle such that the inlet conduit outlet 272 points in a generally downstream direction of the inner conduit 200 (not shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0025] 2 , in one or more embodiments, the inlet conduit 270 may be positioned on the outer wall such that the inlet conduit 270 is in communication with the outer conduit. In such embodiments, the inner conduit outlet 272 may be the outer conduit inlet 310. Generally, as described herein, the second particulate solids stream may pass through the inlet conduit 270 and enter the outer conduit 300. In such embodiments, the inlet conduit outlet 272 may be the outer conduit inlet 310. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the inlet conduit 270 may merge with the outer conduit 300 at an angle such that the inlet conduit outlet 272 points in a generally upstream direction of the outer conduit 300. In other embodiments, the inlet conduit 270 may merge with the outer conduit 300 at an angle such that the inlet conduit outlet 272 points in a generally downstream direction of the outer conduit 300 (not shown in FIG. 2 ).

[0026] Referring again to FIG. 1 , in one or more embodiments, the particulate solids distributor 100 may include a particulate solids guide 500. Generally, as described herein, the particulate solids guide 500 may enter the outer conduit 300 through the outer conduit inlet 310 about the inner wall 260 and uniformly guide the second particulate solids flow through the outer conduit 300. In one or more embodiments, the particulate solids guide 500 may be at least partially defined by the inner conduit wall 260. Generally, the particulate solids guide 500 may be oriented such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer conduit 300, relative to the diameters of the inner wall 260 and outer wall 360, is approximately equal, or at least within an acceptable range, throughout the height of the outer conduit 300. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this aspect may maintain solids fluidization and superficial velocity throughout the height of the outer conduit 300.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, a chemical treatment tank 400 utilizing the particulate solids distributor 100 of FIG. 1 is shown schematically. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the particulate solids distributor 100 of FIG. 2 may also be utilized in the chemical treatment tank 400. The chemical treatment tank 400 may include a tank wall 410, a feed inlet 434, a feed distribution plate 450, and a treated chemical outlet 440. The feed inlet 434 may be at least partially defined by the tank wall 410. In one or more embodiments, the particulate solids distributor 100 may extend into the chemical treatment tank 400 such that the inner conduit outlet 252 may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet 352 relative to the feed inlet 434 (at the bottom of the tank 400). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the particulate solids distributor 100 may extend into the chemical treatment tank through the bottom end of the chemical treatment tank 400.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the chemical treatment vessel 400 may include a feed distribution plate 450. The feed distribution plate 450 may distribute the feed from the feed inlet 434 evenly across the surface of the feed distribution plate 450. In embodiments, when the chemical treatment vessel 400 includes a feed distribution plate 450, the particulate solids distributor 100 may be separate from the feed distribution plate 450. For example, the outer wall 360 and the feed distribution plate 450 may be spaced apart such that the particulate solids distributor 100 and the feed distribution plate 450 do not meet and / or connect. In some embodiments, when the chemical treatment vessel 400 includes a feed distribution plate 450, the outer conduit outlet 352 may be positioned between the inner conduit outlet 252 and the feed distribution plate 450. In some embodiments, if the chemical treatment vessel 400 includes a feed distribution plate 450, the feed distribution plate 450 may be between the inner conduit outlet 252 and the outer conduit outlet 352 (not shown in FIG. 3 ). In one or more embodiments, the chemical treatment vessel 400 may be suitable for use as a fast-flow, turbulent, or bubbling bed reactor.

[0029] The operation of a chemical treatment tank 400 including a particulate solids distributor 100 will now be described in the context of FIG. 3 . The chemical treatment tank 400 may be operated by first passing a feed stream into the chemical treatment tank 400 through the feed inlet 434. In an embodiment, if the chemical treatment tank includes a feed distribution plate 450, the feed stream may then pass through the feed distribution plate. The feed stream proceeds generally upward through the chemical treatment tank from the feed inlet 434 to the treated chemical outlet 440. A first particulate solids stream may pass through the inlet conduit 270 and into the inner conduit 200 through the inlet conduit outlet 272, and a second particulate solids stream may separately be sent into the outer conduit 300 through the outer conduit inlet 310. The two particulate solids streams may pass upward through the inner and outer conduits to the chemical treatment tank 400. The second particulate solids stream may exit the outer conduit 300 through the outer conduit outlet 352. The second particulate solids stream may then contact the second solids inductor 340 and be directed from the particulate solids distributor 100 into the chemical treatment vessel 400. The first particulate solids stream may exit the inner conduit 200 through the inner conduit 252. The first particulate solids stream may then contact the first solids inductor 240 and be directed from the particulate solids distributor 100 into the chemical treatment vessel 400. As shown in FIG. 3 , the feed traveling from the feed inlet 434 toward the treated chemical outlet 440 contacts the second particulate solids stream directed into the chemical treatment vessel by the second solids inductor 340 prior to the first particulate solids stream directed into the chemical treatment vessel by the first solids inductor 240 when the second particulate solids stream enters the chemical treatment vessel below the first particulate solids stream.

[0030] In the chemical treatment vessel 400, the feed stream and two particulate solids streams may be mixed to form a mixed stream that may exit the chemical treatment vessel 400 through a treated chemical outlet 440.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the particulate solids in the particulate solids stream may be capable of fluidization. In some embodiments, the particulate solids may exhibit properties known in the industry as "Geldart A" or "Geldart B" properties. Particles may be classified as "Group A" or "Group B" according to D. Geldart, Gas Fluidization Technology, John Wiley & Sons (New York, 1986), 34-37, and D. Geldart, "Types of Gas Fluidization," Powder Technol. 7 (1973) 285-292, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0032] Group A is understood by those skilled in the art to represent aerated powders with bubble-free fluidization; high bed expansion; slow, linear degassing rate; bubble characteristics where breakup / re-coalescing bubbles may predominate, with maximum bubble size and large wake; high levels of solids mixing and gas backmixing assuming equal U-Umf (U is the carrier gas velocity and Umf is the minimum fluidization velocity, typically but not necessarily measured in meters per second, m / s, i.e., excess gas velocity exists); axisymmetric slug characteristics; and no eruptions except in very shallow beds. Assuming equal cfp, the listed properties tend to improve as the average particle size decreases; or as the proportion <45 micrometers (μm) increases; or as the gas pressure, temperature, viscosity, and density increase. Generally, particles exhibit small average particle size and / or low particle density (<1.4 grams per cubic centimeter, g / cm). 3 ), readily fluidizes with smooth fluidization at low gas velocities, and may exhibit controlled bubbling with small bubbles even at higher gas velocities.

[0033] Group B starts bubbling at Umf; shows moderate bed expansion; rapid deaeration; has no bubble size limitation; assuming U-Umf is equal, the levels of solid mixing and gas backmixing are moderate; both axisymmetric and asymmetric slags; and jets only in shallow beds; and is understood by those skilled in the art as representing "sand-like" powders. These characteristics tend to improve as the average particle size decreases, but the particle size distribution and, with some uncertainty, the gas pressure, temperature, viscosity, or density do not seem to contribute much to the improvement of the above characteristics. Generally, most of the particles have a particle size (cfp) of 40μm < cfp < 500μm when the density (ρp) is 1.4 < pp < 4 g / cm 3 in the case of 4 g / cm 3 60μm < cfp < 500μm when the density (ρp) is 4 g / cm 3 and 250μm < cfp < 100μm when the density (ρp) is 1 g / cm

[0034] Here, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail herein in the context of the reactor system 103 of FIG. 4. However, it should be understood that the principles disclosed and taught herein may be applicable to other systems that utilize different system components oriented in different ways, or to different reaction schemes that utilize various catalyst compositions and chemical reactants. For example, the concepts described may be equally applicable to other systems with alternative reactor units and regeneration units, such as those operating under non-fluidized conditions or those including a downer rather than a riser. It should be further understood that not all parts of the reactor system of FIG. 4 should be construed as essential to the claimed subject matter.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary reactor system 103 that may be suitable for use with the methods and / or apparatus described herein is illustrated schematically. The reactor system 103 generally comprises multiple system components, such as a reactor section 206 and a regeneration unit 306. As described herein, a "system component" refers to a portion of the reactor system 103, such as a reactor, a separator, a transfer line, or a combination thereof. As used herein in the context of FIG. 4, the reactor section 206 generally refers to the portion of the reactor system 103 where the primary process reaction (e.g., dehydrogenation) occurs to form a product stream. The reactor section 206 comprises a reactor 202, which may include an upstream reactor section 254 and a downstream reactor section 230. The reactor 202 in FIG. 4 may correspond to the chemical treatment vessel 400 in FIG. 4 and may include the particulate solids distributor 100. 4, reactor portion 206 may additionally include a particulate solids separation section 214 that serves to separate catalyst from chemical products formed in reactor 202. Also, as used herein, regeneration unit 306 generally refers to a portion of reactor system 103 where particulate solids are processed in some manner, such as by combustion, to improve catalyst activity and / or heat the particulate solids. Regeneration unit 306 may include combustor 355, riser 330, particulate solids separation section 316, and may additionally include oxygen treatment zone 370. In one or more embodiments, the particulate solids separation section 214 may be in fluid communication with the combustor 355 (e.g., via a distribution tower 426), and the particulate solids separation section 316 may be in fluid communication with the upstream reactor section 254 (e.g., via a distribution tower 424 and a transport riser 430). In one or more embodiments, the chemical treatment vessel 400 may correspond to the combustor 355. Although not shown in FIG. 4, it is contemplated that the particulate solids distributor 100 may be utilized within the combustor 355 to distribute the particulate solids.

[0036] Generally, as described herein, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 , a portion of the particulate solids circulates between the reactor section 206 and the regeneration unit 306. It should be understood that when referring to particulate solids herein, the particulate solids may refer to solid materials that are catalytically active for a desired reaction, or may equally refer to other particulate solids mentioned with respect to the system of FIG. 4 that do not necessarily have catalytic activity but affect the reaction, such as oxygen carrier materials. The terms “catalytic activity” and “catalyst activity” refer to the degree to which a catalyst is capable of catalyzing a reaction taking place in the reactor system 103. The particulate solids exiting the reactor section 206 may be deactivated catalyst. As used herein, “deactivated” may refer to a catalyst that has reduced catalytic activity or is cooler than the catalyst entering the reactor section 206. However, a deactivated catalyst may retain some catalytic activity. The reduced catalytic activity may be due to contamination with substances such as coke. Reactivation (sometimes referred to herein as "regeneration") can remove contaminants such as coke, increase the temperature of the catalyst, or both. In embodiments, the deactivated catalyst may be reactivated by catalyst reactivation in the regeneration unit 306. The deactivated catalyst may be reactivated by, but not limited to, removing coke by combustion, restoring catalyst acidity, oxidizing the catalyst, other reactivation processes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the catalyst may be heated during reactivation by combustion of a fuel such as hydrogen, methane, ethane, propane, natural gas, or combinations thereof. The regenerated catalyst from the regeneration unit 306 may then be returned to the reactor portion 206.

[0037] 4, a feed stream may enter reactor 202 through feed inlet 434, and a product stream may exit reactor system 103 via pipe 420. According to one or more embodiments, reactor system 103 may operate by feeding a chemical feed (e.g., in a feed stream) and fluidized particulate solids into upstream reactor section 254. The fluidized particulate solids may be fed to upstream reactor section 254 by particulate solids distributor 100. The chemical feed contacts the particulate solids in upstream reactor section 254, and each flows upward through and into downstream reactor section 230 to produce chemical products.

[0038] Referring now in detail to FIG. 4 , the reactor portion 206 may comprise an upstream reactor section 254, a transition section 258, and a downstream reactor section 230, such as a riser. The transition section 258 may connect the upstream reactor section 254 with the downstream reactor section 230. As shown in FIG. 4 , the upstream reactor section 254 may be positioned below the downstream reactor section 230. Such a configuration may be referred to as an upflow configuration for the reactor 202. The upstream reactor section 254 may comprise a vessel, drum, barrel, vat, or other vessel suitable for a given chemical reaction. As shown in FIG. 4 , the upstream reactor section 254 may be connected to the downstream reactor section 230 via the transition section 258. The upstream reactor section 254 may generally comprise a larger cross-sectional area than the downstream reactor section 230. The transition section 258 may taper from the cross-sectional size of the upstream reactor section 254 to the cross-sectional size of the downstream reactor section 230 such that the transition section 258 projects inward from the upstream reactor section 254 toward the downstream reactor section 230. For example, the transition section 258 may be a frustum.

[0039] The upstream reactor section 254 may be connected to a transport riser 430, which may provide regenerated particulate solids in the feed stream to the reactor portion 206 during operation. The particulate solids may enter the reactor 202 through the particulate solids distributor 100. The particulate solids entering the upstream reactor section 254 via the transport riser 430 may pass through the distributor 424 and through the transport riser 430, and thus arrive from the regeneration unit 306. A portion of the particulate solids may enter the transport riser 430 directly from the particulate solids separation section 214 via the distributor 422, where they enter the upstream reactor section 254. This particulate solids may be somewhat deactivated but may still be suitable for reaction in the upstream reactor section 254 in some embodiments, especially when combined with regenerated particulate solids. The regenerated particulate solids arriving from the regeneration unit 306 and a portion of the deactivated particulate solids arriving from the particulate solids separation section 214 via the water column 422 may be held separately in the transport riser 430 before being passed separately to the reactor 202 via the particulate solids distributor 100.

[0040] 4, in one or more embodiments, based on the shape, size, and other process conditions (such as temperature and pressure) of the upstream reactor section 254 and the downstream reactor section 230, the upstream reactor section 254 may operate as a fluidized bed, such as a fast-fluidizing, turbulent, or bubbling-bed upflow reactor, while the downstream reactor section 230 may operate more in a plug-flow regime, such as a riser reactor. For example, the reactor 202 of FIG. 4 may have the upstream reactor section 254 operating as a fast-fluidizing, turbulent, or bubbling-bed reactor and the downstream reactor section 230 operating as a dilute-phase riser reactor, such that the average particulate solids and gas flows move upward simultaneously. "Average flow," as that term is used herein, refers to net flow, i.e., total upward flow minus countercurrent or reflux, as is generally typical of fluidized particle behavior. As described herein, a "fast-fluid" reactor may refer to a reactor utilizing a fluidization regime in which the superficial velocity of the gas phase is greater than the choking velocity and may be semi-dense during operation. As described herein, a "turbulent" reactor may refer to a fluidization regime in which the superficial velocity is less than the choking velocity and the density is greater than in a fast-fluidization regime. As described herein, a "bubbling bed" reactor may refer to a fluidization regime in which well-defined bubbles in a dense bed exist in two distinct phases. "Choking velocity" refers to the minimum velocity required to maintain solids in a dilute-phase mode in a vertical conveying line. As described herein, a "dilute-phase riser" may refer to a riser reactor operating at a transport velocity, in which the gas and particulate solids have approximately the same velocity in the dilute phase.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the chemical products and particulate solids may exit downstream reactor section 230 to separator 226 in particulate solids separation section 214, where the particulate solids are separated from the chemical products and transported from particulate solids separation section 214. According to one or more embodiments, after separation from the vapor in separator 226, the particulate solids may travel generally through strip zone 224 to particulate solids outlet port 222, where the particulate solids are transported out of reactor portion 206 via water column 426 to regeneration unit 306.

[0042] With further reference to FIG. 4 , according to one or more embodiments, separator 226 may be a cyclonic separation system that may include two or more stages of cyclonic separation. In embodiments in which separator 226 includes one or more cyclonic separation stages, the first separator into which the fluidized stream enters is referred to as the primary cyclonic separator. The fluidized effluent from the primary cyclonic separator may enter a secondary cyclonic separator for further separation. Primary cyclonic separators may include, for example, primary cyclones and systems commercially available under the names VSS (commercially available from UOP), LD2 (commercially available from Stone and Webster), and RS2 (commercially available from Stone and Webster). Primary cyclones are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,579,716, 5,190,650, and 5,275,641, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some separation systems utilizing a primary cyclone as the primary cyclone separator, one or more sets of additional cyclones, e.g., secondary and tertiary cyclones, are used to further separate particulate solids from the product gas. It should be understood that any primary cyclone separator may be used in embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] With further reference to FIG. 4 , the separated particulate solids are routed from the particulate solids separation section 214 to a combustor 355. In the combustor 355, the particulate solids may be processed, for example, by combustion with oxygen. For example, without limitation, the particulate solids may be decoked and / or a fuel may be combusted to heat the particulate solids. In one or more embodiments, the particulate solids 100 may be routed into the combustor through a particulate solids distributor 100 (not shown in FIG. 4 ). The particulate solids then exit the combustor 355 and are routed through a riser 330 to an end-of-riser separator 378, where the gas and solid components from the riser 330 are at least partially separated. The vapor and remaining solids are conveyed to a secondary separator 326 in the particulate solids separation section 316, where the remaining particulate solids are separated from gases from the particulate solids processing (e.g., gases emitted by the combustion of spent particulate solids or fuel, referred to herein as flue gas). The flue gas may exit the regeneration unit 306 via outlet pipe 432. The separated particulate solids are then sent via water column 424 and transport riser 430 in the particulate solids separation section 316 through oxygen treatment zone 370 to the upstream reactor section 254 where they are further utilized in catalytic reactions. Thus, the particulate solids may circulate between the reactor section 206 and the regeneration unit 306 during operation. Generally, the treated chemical streams, including the feed stream and the product stream, may be gaseous, and the particulate solids may be fluidized particulate solids.

[0044] Referring now to the regeneration unit 306, as shown in FIG. 4 , the combustor 355 of the regeneration unit 306 may include one or more lower reactor section inlet ports 356 and may be in fluid communication with the riser 330. An oxygen-containing gas, such as air, may be routed through the combustor 355 into a pipe 428. The combustor 355 may be in fluid communication with the particulate solids separation section 214 via a water column 426, which may supply spent particulate solids from the reactor section 206 to the regeneration unit 306 for regeneration. The combustor 355 and riser 330, collectively referred to as the particulate solids combustion reactor 302, may operate with a similar or identical fluidization regime as disclosed for the upstream reactor section 254 and downstream reactor section 230 of the reactor section 206. That is, the combustor 355 may operate as a fluidized bed, such as in a fast-flow, turbulent, or bubbling-bed upflow reactor, while the riser 330 may operate in a plug-flow regime, such as in a riser reactor. The geometries described with respect to the upstream reactor section 254 and the downstream reactor section 230 may apply equally to the combustor 355 and the riser 330. Additionally, the combustor 355 may also include a fuel inlet 354 that may supply a fuel, such as a hydrocarbon stream or hydrogen, to the combustor 355. In one or more embodiments, the combustor 355 may be the chemical treatment vessel 400 of FIG. 3 .

[0045] Following separation of the flue gas from the particulate solids in the end-of-riser separator 378 and secondary separator 326, as described in one or more embodiments, treatment of the treated particulate solids with an oxygen-containing gas occurs in oxygen treatment zone 370. In some embodiments, oxygen treatment zone 370 comprises a fluid-solid contactor. The fluid-solid contactor may include a baffle or grid structure to facilitate contact between the treated particulate solids and the oxygen-containing gas. Examples of fluid-solid contactors are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,827,543 and 9,815,040. The fluidization regime within oxygen treatment zone 370 may be bubbling bed fluidization. Oxygen treatment zone 370 may include an oxygen-containing gas inlet 372 that may provide an oxygen-containing gas to oxygen treatment zone 370 for oxygen treatment of the particulate solids.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. 3 , in a non-limiting example, the chemical treatment vessel 400 described herein can be utilized to produce olefinic compounds from a hydrocarbon feed stream. As used herein, the term “olefinic compound” refers to a hydrocarbon having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, separate from the formal double bonds present in aromatic compounds. For example, ethylene and styrene are olefinic compounds, while ethylbenzene is not an olefinic compound because the only double bonds present in ethylbenzene are formal double bonds present as part of the aromatic structure. Olefinic compounds can be produced from various hydrocarbon feed streams by utilizing different reaction mechanisms. For example, olefinic compounds can be produced by at least dehydrogenation reactions, cracking reactions, dehydration reactions, and methanol-olefin reactions. These reaction types can utilize different feed streams and different fluidized particles to produce olefinic compounds. It is contemplated that the particulate solids distributor 100 and chemical treatment vessel 400 of FIG. 3 can be utilized to conduct reactions in reactor systems other than those described in the context of reactor system 103 of FIG. 4 .

[0047] According to one or more embodiments, the reaction may be a dehydrogenation reaction. According to such embodiments, the one or more hydrocarbons may be a hydrocarbon feed stream, and the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise one or more of ethylbenzene, ethane, propane, n-butane, and i-butane. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% ethylbenzene. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% ethane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% propane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% n-butane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% i-butane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% of the total of ethylbenzene, ethane, propane, n-butane, and i-butane.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the dehydrogenation reaction may utilize gallium and / or platinum fluidized particles as a catalyst. In such embodiments, the fluidized particles may include a gallium and / or platinum catalyst. As described herein, the gallium and / or platinum catalyst includes gallium, platinum, or both. The gallium and / or platinum catalyst may be supported on an alumina or alumina-silica support and may optionally include potassium. Such gallium and / or platinum catalysts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,669,406, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, it should be understood that other suitable catalysts may be utilized to carry out the dehydrogenation reaction.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the reaction mechanism may be dehydrogenation followed by combustion (in the same chamber). In such embodiments, the dehydrogenation reaction may produce hydrogen as a by-product, and the oxygen carrier material may contact the hydrogen to promote combustion of the hydrogen to form water. Examples of such reaction mechanisms contemplated as possible reaction mechanisms for the systems and methods described herein are disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 046978 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0292259, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the fluidized particles may include an oxygen carrier material and a dehydrogenation catalyst material. In some embodiments, the fluidized particles may consist essentially of the oxygen carrier material. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" refers to a material that contains less than 1 wt. % of an unlisted material (i.e., consisting essentially of A means that A is at least 99 wt. % of the composition). In some embodiments, the fluidized particles may be free of the dehydrogenation catalyst material. In some embodiments, the oxygen carrier material and the dehydrogenation catalyst material may be separate particles of the fluidized particles. In some embodiments, the oxygen carrier material and the dehydrogenation catalyst may be contained within the same particle of the fluidized particles.

[0051] In embodiments in which the fluidized particles include a dehydrogenation catalyst, the dehydrogenation of one or more hydrocarbons may be at least partially due to catalytic dehydrogenation. Catalytic dehydrogenation is the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons facilitated by the use of a dehydrogenation catalyst. In embodiments, if the fluidized particles do not include a dehydrogenation catalyst, the dehydrogenation reaction may be a non-catalytic thermal dehydrogenation reaction. Non-catalytic thermal dehydrogenation refers to the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons that does not use a dehydrogenation catalyst and may instead occur at elevated temperatures.

[0052] In some embodiments, the fluidized particles may include a "dual-purpose material" that can act as both a dehydrogenation catalyst and an oxygen carrier material. It should be understood that, at least in the embodiments described herein in which an oxygen carrier material and a dehydrogenation catalyst are utilized in the same reactor (such as that of FIG. 1), such a dual-purpose material may be utilized in place of or in combination with the oxygen carrier material of the fluidized particles or the dehydrogenation catalyst of the fluidized particles.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, the reaction may be a cracking reaction. According to such embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise one or more of naphtha, n-butane, or i-butane. According to one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% naphtha. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% n-butane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% i-butane. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% of the total of naphtha, n-butane, and i-butane.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the cracking reaction may utilize one or more zeolites as a catalyst. In such embodiments, the fluidized particles may include one or more zeolites. In some embodiments, the one or more zeolites utilized in the cracking reaction may include ZSM-5 zeolite. However, it should be understood that other suitable catalysts may be utilized to carry out the cracking reaction. For example, suitable commercially available catalysts may include Intercat Super Z Excel or Intercat Super Z Exceed. In additional embodiments, the cracking catalyst may include platinum in addition to the catalytically active material. For example, the cracking catalyst may include 0.001% to 0.05% by weight of platinum. The platinum may be sprayed as platinum nitrate and calcined at high temperatures, such as about 200°C to 800°C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the addition of platinum to the catalyst may enable easier combustion of fuels such as methane.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the reaction may be a dehydration reaction. According to such embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise one or more of ethanol, propanol, or butanol. According to one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% ethanol. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% propanol. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% butanol. In additional embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream may comprise at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% of the total of ethanol, propanol, and butanol.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the dehydration reaction may utilize one or more acid catalysts. In such embodiments, the fluidized particles may include one or more acid catalysts. In some embodiments, the one or more acid catalysts utilized in the dehydration reaction may include a zeolite (such as ZSM-5 zeolite), alumina, an amorphous aluminosilicate, an acid clay, or a combination thereof. For example, commercially available alumina catalysts that may be suitable, according to one or more embodiments, include SynDol (available from Scientific Design Company), V200 (available from UOP), or P200 (available from Sasol). Commercially available zeolite catalysts that may be suitable include CBV 8014, CBV 28014 (each available from Zeolyst). Commercially available amorphous aluminosilicate catalysts that may be suitable include silica-alumina catalyst support, grade 135 (available from Sigma Aldrich). However, it should be understood that other suitable catalysts may be utilized to carry out the dehydration reaction.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments, the reaction can be a methanol to olefins reaction. According to such embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream can include methanol. According to one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbon feed stream can include at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or even at least 99 wt% methanol.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the methanol-to-olefins reaction may utilize one or more zeolites as a catalyst. In such embodiments, the fluidized particles may include one or more zeolites. In some embodiments, the one or more zeolites utilized in the methanol-to-olefins reaction may include one or more of ZSM-5 zeolite or SAPO-34 zeolite. However, it should be understood that other suitable catalysts may be utilized to carry out the methanol-to-olefins reaction.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, olefinic compounds may be present in a "product stream," sometimes referred to as an "olefin-containing effluent." Such a stream may exit the reactor system of FIG. 4 and be subsequently processed. In one or more embodiments, the olefinic compounds may include one or more of ethylene, propylene, butylene, or styrene. The term butylene includes any isomer of butylene, such as α-butylene, cis-β-butylene, trans-β-butylene, and isobutylene. In some embodiments, the olefin-containing effluent may include at least 20 wt.%, at least 30 wt.%, at least 40 wt.%, at least 50 wt.%, or even at least 60 wt.% ethylene. In additional embodiments, the olefin-containing effluent may include at least 20 wt.%, at least 30 wt.%, at least 40 wt.%, at least 50 wt.%, or even at least 60 wt.% propylene. In additional embodiments, the olefin-containing effluent may comprise at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, or even at least 60 wt% butylene. In additional embodiments, the olefin-containing effluent may comprise at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, or even at least 60 wt% styrene. In additional embodiments, the olefin-containing effluent may comprise at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, or even at least 60 wt% of the total of one or more of ethylene, propylene, butylene, and styrene. The olefin-containing effluent may further comprise unreacted components of the feed stream and other reaction products not considered light olefins. The olefin compounds may be separated from the unreacted components in a subsequent separation step.

[0060] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall, which may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least partially by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from the outer conduit inlet to the outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis, and a cross-section of the outer wall may encompass a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids distributor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0061] A second aspect of the present disclosure includes any preceding aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the first solid-state inductor is a first deflection plate and the second solid-state inductor is a second deflection plate.

[0062] A third aspect of the present disclosure includes any preceding aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0063] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes any preceding aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0064] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes any preceding aspect or combination of aspects, wherein the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the second solid-state inductor.

[0065] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall, which may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit defined at least partially by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis. A cross section of the outer wall may encompass a cross section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an inlet conduit defined at least partially by an inlet conduit wall. The inlet conduit may extend from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet. The inlet conduit may intersect the outer wall. The inlet conduit outlet may be positioned in the inner wall such that the inlet conduit may communicate with the inner conduit. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids distributor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0066] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes the sixth aspect, wherein the first solid-state inductor is a first deflection plate and the second solid-state inductor is a second deflection plate.

[0067] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes the sixth or seventh aspect, alone or in any combination, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0068] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes the sixth to eighth aspects, either alone or in any combination, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0069] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes the sixth to ninth aspects, alone or in any combination, wherein the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the second solid inductor.

[0070] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a particulate solids distributor for distributing two particulate solids streams may include an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet. The inner conduit may be at least partially defined by an inner wall. The inner wall may be disposed about a central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an outer conduit at least partially defined by an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer conduit may extend from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet. The outer wall may be disposed about the central axis. A cross section of the outer wall may encompass a cross section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The particulate solids distributor may also include an inlet conduit at least partially defined by an inlet conduit wall. The inlet conduit may extend from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet. The inlet conduit outlet may be positioned in the outer wall such that the inlet conduit may communicate with the outer conduit. The particulate solids distributor may also include a first solids inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet. The particulate solids inductor may also include a second solids inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis. The inner conduit may extend beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet may be downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

[0071] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure includes the eleventh aspect, wherein the first solid-state inductor is a first deflection plate and the second solid-state inductor is a second deflection plate.

[0072] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes either the eleventh or twelfth aspects, alone or in any combination, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0073] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, either alone or in any combination, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0074] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, alone or in any combination, wherein the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the second solid inductor.

[0075] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the technology of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology. Since combinations, subcombinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the technology of the present disclosure may occur to those skilled in the art, the technology should be construed as including all within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, although some aspects of the present disclosure may be identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to these aspects.

[0076] It should be noted that the various details described in this disclosure should not be construed to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described in this disclosure, even if a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings accompanying this specification. Unless specifically identified as such, features disclosed and described herein should not be construed as "essential." Contemplated embodiments of the technology include those that include some or all of the features of the appended claims.

[0077] It is understood that the compositional ranges of chemical components in a stream or reactor should, in some embodiments, be understood to contain a mixture of isomers of that component. For example, a compositional range specifying butene may include a mixture of various isomers of butene. It is understood that the examples provide compositional ranges for various streams, and that the total amount of isomers of a particular chemical composition may constitute a range.

[0078] It should be noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term "where" or "wherein" as a transitional phrase. It should be noted that, for purposes of defining the art, this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase used to introduce the recitation of a series of features of structure, and should be interpreted in a similar manner to the more commonly used open-ended preamble term "comprising."

[0079] It should be understood that any two quantitative values ​​assigned to a property may constitute a range for that property, and all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values ​​for a given property are contemplated in this disclosure. When multiple ranges are given for quantitative values, these ranges may be combined to form larger ranges, which are contemplated in the embodiments described herein.

[0080] As used herein and as understood in the context of the term, the term "passing" can include the direct passage of a substance between two portions of a disclosed system, and in some other cases can mean the indirect passage of a substance between two portions of a disclosed system. For example, indirect passage can include the passage of the named substance through an intermediate operating unit, valve, sensor, etc.

Claims

1. 1. A particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams, said particulate solids distributor comprising: an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet, the inner conduit being at least partially defined by an inner wall, the inner wall being disposed about a central axis; an outer conduit defined at least in part by the inner wall and the outer wall, the outer conduit extending from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet, the outer wall disposed about the central axis, a cross-section of the outer wall surrounding a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis; a first solid-state inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet; a second solid-state inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis; A particulate solids distributor wherein the inner conduit extends beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

2. 2. The particulate solids distributor of claim 1, wherein said first solid inductor is a first deflection plate and said second solid inductor is a second deflection plate.

3. 3. The particulate solids distributor of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

4. 4. The particulate solids distributor of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

5. A particulate solids distributor according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner wall extends beyond the end of the outer wall at the outer conduit outlet.

6. 1. A particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams, said particulate solids distributor comprising: an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet, the inner conduit being at least partially defined by an inner wall, the inner wall being disposed about a central axis; an outer conduit defined at least in part by the inner wall and the outer wall, the outer conduit extending from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet, the outer wall disposed about the central axis, a cross-section of the outer wall surrounding a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis; an inlet conduit defined at least in part by an inlet conduit wall, the inlet conduit extending from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet, the inlet conduit intersecting the outer wall, the inlet conduit outlet positioned in the inner wall such that the inlet conduit is in communication with the inner conduit; a first solid-state inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet; a second solid-state inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis; A particulate solids distributor wherein the inner conduit extends beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

7. 7. The particulate solids distributor of claim 6, wherein said first solid inductor is a first deflection plate and said second solid inductor is a second deflection plate.

8. 8. A particulate solids distributor as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

9. 9. A particulate solids distributor according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

10. The particulate solids distributor of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the second solids inductor.

11. 1. A particulate solids distributor suitable for distributing two particulate solids streams, said particulate solids distributor comprising: an inner conduit extending from an inner conduit inlet to an inner conduit outlet, the inner conduit being at least partially defined by an inner wall, the inner wall being disposed about a central axis; an outer conduit defined at least in part by the inner wall and the outer wall, the outer conduit extending from an outer conduit inlet to an outer conduit outlet, the outer wall disposed about the central axis, a cross-section of the outer wall surrounding a cross-section of the inner wall in a plane perpendicular to the central axis; an inlet conduit defined at least in part by an inlet conduit wall, the inlet conduit extending from an inlet conduit inlet to an inlet conduit outlet, the inlet conduit outlet being positioned in the outer wall such that the inlet conduit is in communication with the outer conduit; a first solid-state inductor positioned on the central axis and downstream of the inner conduit outlet; a second solid-state inductor attached to the inner wall and extending radially outward from the central axis; A particulate solids distributor wherein the inner conduit extends beyond the outer conduit such that the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the outer conduit outlet.

12. 12. The particulate solids distributor of claim 11, wherein the first solid inductor is a first deflection plate and the second solid inductor is a second deflection plate.

13. 13. A particulate solids distributor as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the inner wall has a circular, oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular, oval, elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

14. 14. A particulate solids distributor according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the inner wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the outer wall has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

15. The particulate solids distributor of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the inner conduit outlet is downstream of the second solids inductor.

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