Fluid distribution device

Abstract

The fluid distribution device includes a riser having a first end and a second end. A cap is operably connected to the second end of the riser. The cap includes an inner surface and an outer surface, with a plurality of holes defined between the inner and outer surfaces. The device includes at least one distribution arm extending radially outward from the cap. The at least one distribution arm has an inner surface and an outer surface. The at least one distribution arm includes a plurality of holes between the inner and outer surfaces. The processing assembly includes a vessel defining an interior space and a fluid distribution device including a riser attached to the interior space of the vessel, the riser having a first end attached to the vessel and a second end opposite the first end.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 393,875, filed April 24, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid distribution systems, and more particularly, to distribution systems used in fluid catalytic cracking processes used in the refining industry. [Background technology]

[0003] The fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process is widely used to convert hydrocarbon feed streams such as vacuum gas oil and other relatively heavy oils into lighter and more valuable hydrocarbon products. In the FCC process, finely divided catalyst particles are used to crack the feed oil to produce light olefins, gasoline, diesel, and other products. The catalyst particles are kept in a fluidized state using gas or steam as a fluidizing medium, allowing the catalyst to move between the reaction and regeneration zones. In an FCC configuration, a riser or lift line is used to transport the catalyst vertically upward while carrying out the gas-catalyzed reaction, and at the top of the riser is a device that distributes the gas and catalyst to the bed of fluidized catalyst particles. Distributors are used to disperse the gas and fines from the riser to the bed of fluidized catalyst. There are many distributor designs, but the so-called mushroom cap distributor has many advantages and is used in both reactor and regenerator vessels. These distributors are also known as Riser Termination Devices (RTDs).

[0004] In the deep catalytic cracking process, which is a type of FCC process, a mushroom-style distributor is used as the riser end device. This distributor is located at the top of the riser to distribute the hydrocarbon vapors and partially coked catalyst from the riser to the fluidized catalyst bed in the reactor vessel. The distribution of the hydrocarbon vapors to the fluidized catalyst bed is important to provide sufficient residence time for the vapors to further crack in the fluidized catalyst bed. Generally, such catalyst bed cracking design is used to further crack the naphtha in the riser into a propylene-rich olefin stream. Any uneven distribution or channeling of the steam can lead to low yields, such as low product olefinicity, high dry gas, etc.

[0005] In FCC single stage regenerator applications, a mushroom type distributor is typically used at the top of the lift line to distribute both air and spent catalyst evenly to the regenerator catalyst bed. In a two stage regenerator, the second stage regenerator is stacked on top of the first stage regenerator, but a conventional mushroom distributor is placed on the second stage regenerator at the top of the spent catalyst lift line from the first stage regenerator. The lift air and catalyst flow up the lift line, momentarily collect under the mushroom cap, and are distributed through holes / orifices located at the top of the mushroom and through notches located along the bottom skirt of the mushroom. The distributor performance helps achieve uniform regeneration of the catalyst as well as a uniform temperature profile in the regenerator vessel. Maldistribution or channeling of air and spent catalyst can lead to temperature variations and afterburn in the regenerator, which limits the operating flexibility of the vessel.

[0006] Prior art devices have attempted to address the distribution problem. Prior art distribution devices include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,482, which discloses a mushroom cap distributor, in which the cap has an orifice and weir fashion notches on the edge of the cap to ensure that the catalyst and lift medium are well distributed in the dense fluidized catalyst bed. U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,759 describes another version of a fluid distribution device that includes a cap with at least one deflection means, the deflection means being disposed on the outer surface of the cap and configured to direct or keep the gas at the periphery of the cap.

[0007] A structure according to one type of conventional mushroom distributor 10 is shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In both Figures 1A and 1B, the mushroom cap 12 has individual holes 14, e.g., orifices, at the top and weir notches 16 at the edge of the cap 12 to ensure good distribution of steam and catalyst to the dense fluidized catalyst bed. In Figure 1A, the weir notches 16 are rectangular, and in Figure 1B, they are triangular. The riser top 17 generally has multiple slots 18 through which the steam and catalyst fluid mixture from the riser or lift line flows out. Fluid distribution through and around the mushroom distributor 10 depends on the number of holes / orifices 14 on the mushroom cap 12. The number of holes 14 is generally set based on the desired flow distribution by balancing the pressure drop across the orifices and around the cap. Flow through the individual holes 14 on the mushroom cap 12 promotes the formation of small bubbles and increases gas-solid contact above the mushroom cap 12.

[0008] Conventional distributors, such as those in Figures 1A and 1B, only span a limited region of the total reactor cross-sectional flow area. Flow distribution per vessel area will never be consistent in reactor applications where most of the gas flows through the riser unless the entire cross-sectional flow area is covered by the cap, which is not practical for reactors stacked on top of a stripper where catalyst flows down from the reactor into the stripper vessel. In addition, flow around the skirt 19 of the cap 12 tends to combine with the gas flowing through the holes, which can cause gas streaming and channeling.

[0009] During intended operation, a portion of the gas flows through the orifice in the form of small bubbles, while the remainder of the gas flows around the cap through the side notches. The intent of the gas flowing around the cap is to disperse and evenly fluidize the vessel area around the cap. However, the gas flowing around the cap tends to flow along the cap wall, travel along the top surface, and combine with the bubbles from the holes to form a center plume of high velocity fluid that tends to bypass the fluidized catalyst bed to a large extent without interacting with the bed.

[0010] Such conventional methods and systems have generally been deemed satisfactory for their intended purposes. However, there remains a need in the art for improved mushroom style dispensers. Additional objects of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following summary and detailed discussion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,482 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,759 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A fluid distribution apparatus includes a riser having a first end and a second end. A cap is operatively connected to the second end of the riser. The cap includes an inner surface and an outer surface, with a plurality of holes defined between the inner surface and the outer surface. The apparatus includes at least one distribution arm extending radially outward from the cap. The at least one distribution arm has an inner surface and an outer surface. The at least one distribution arm includes a plurality of holes between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the cap includes at least one inwardly extending opening. The at least one distributor arm can be nested within the at least one inwardly extending opening. The cap can terminate in a downwardly extending skirt having an edge facing toward the first end of the riser. The at least one distributor arm can extend radially outward beyond an edge of the cap. The at least one distributor arm can include a plurality of distributor arms equally spaced about a center of the cap. The outer surface of the cap can define an apex. A longitudinal axis of a top surface of at least one of the distributor arms is disposed at a vertical height of the apex. The apex can define a tangent plane. A longitudinal axis of a top surface of the at least one distributor arm can be parallel to the tangent plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the dispense arms is equally spaced from an adjacent dispense arm. The at least one dispense arm may define a dispense arm flow path from an inner surface side of the cap through an internal cavity of the dispense arm and out through at least one of the plurality of holes in the dispense arm. The at least one dispense arm may be bounded by one respective top wall and two respective side walls. The plurality of holes in the at least one dispense arm may be defined in the respective top wall. The top wall and the side walls of the at least one dispense arm may be attached to the cap. The at least one dispense arm may be at least partially surrounded by a bottom wall connecting between the two side walls. The at least one dispense arm may be open between the two side walls opposite the top wall. The top wall and the side walls of the at least one dispense arm may be integrally formed. An exterior surface of the dispense arm has an arcuate shape. An exterior surface of the cap may be dome shaped. The cap terminates in a downwardly extending skirt having an edge facing toward the first end of the riser. The downwardly extending skirt can include a plurality of weir notches extending upwardly into the skirt from an edge of the skirt. The first and second ends of the riser can be first and second inlet ends. A cap can be operably connected to the outlet end of the riser.

[0015] According to another aspect, a processing assembly includes a vessel defining an interior space and a fluid distribution apparatus including a riser attached to the interior space of the vessel having a first end attached to the vessel and a second end opposite the first end. The apparatus includes a cap operably connected to the second end of the riser. The cap includes an outer surface and an inner surface, with a plurality of holes defined between the inner surface and the outer surface. The apparatus includes at least one distribution arm extending radially outward from the cap. The at least one distribution arm defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The at least one distribution arm includes a plurality of holes between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one distribution arm extends radially outward from the cap toward an interior surface of the vessel. The processing assembly can be a fluidized catalyst bed reactor. The processing assembly can be a fluidized bed regenerator. The vessel can include an opening for receiving the first end of the riser. The cap can terminate in a downwardly extending skirt having an edge facing toward the first end of the riser. The top surface of the at least one distribution arm can define a respective central longitudinal axis, similar to the longitudinal axis described above.

[0017] These and other features of the subject disclosed systems and methods will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] There are 13 figures attached hereto, including: In addition, the patent application file contains at least one drawing in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0019] Preferred embodiments thereof are described in detail below with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure pertains can readily understand how to make and use the subject disclosed apparatus and methods without undue experimentation. [Figure 1A] ~ [Figure 1B] 1 shows a conventional dispensing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reactor assembly having an embodiment of a distributor constructed in accordance with the present disclosure that includes a distributor arm. [Figure 3A] ~ [Figure 3C] 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 2, showing the riser and cap of the dispenser and the dispense arm extending from the cap. [Figure 4A]3 is a chart illustrating the degree of gas flow uniformity predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with respect to vessel height proximate the nominal bed level, showing a comparison of average gas flow uniformity between a conventional distributor and the distributor of FIG. 2. [Figure 4B] 4B is an enlarged view of a portion of the chart of FIG. 4A, illustrating generally the increase in gas flow uniformity between the conventional distributor and the distributor of FIG. 2 for the portion above the top of the cap. [Diagram 5] 3 is a chart depicting a performance comparison between a conventional distributor and the distributor of FIG. 2 in terms of standard deviation of axial gas velocity components in the catalyst bed above the distributor based on CFD modeling results. [Figure 6] 3 is a chart illustrating a comparison of the percentage of riser vapor cracked based on the interaction of the riser vapor with the fluidized catalyst bed between a conventional distribution system and the distribution system of FIG. 2 . [Figure 7A] 13 is a CFD result showing instantaneous plots of riser vapor concentration across the reactor bed as vapor flows up the reactor for a conventional distribution system. [Figure 7B] 3 is a CFD result showing an instantaneous plot of riser vapor concentration across the reactor bed as the vapor flows up the reactor for the distribution apparatus of FIG. 2 . [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispensing device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, showing a dispensing arm without a bottom wall; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Reference is now made to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like structural features or aspects of embodiments of the present invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a schematic diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a processing system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 2 and generally designated by the reference character 100. Other embodiments of processing system 10 and / or dispenser apparatus according to the present disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in Figures 3A-8, as described below.

[0021] The disclosed method and system provides a distributor apparatus that improves cross-sectional coverage and distribution of riser steam and catalyst to the reactor bed, reducing the possibility of gas channeling and bypassing, resulting in increased catalyst conversion. Improved distribution results in more uniform fluidized catalyst bed density and improved pressure build-up. Improved steam distribution also leads to more uniform coke laydown on the catalyst, resulting in improved stripping and regeneration performance.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the processing assembly 100 includes a vessel 102 defining an interior space 104, and a fluid distribution apparatus 101 including a cylindrical riser 106 attached to the interior space 104 of the vessel 102 having a first end 108 attached to the vessel 102 and a second end 110 opposite the first end 108. The processing assembly 100 can be a reactor or a regenerator, for example, the processing assembly 100 is a fluidized catalyst bed reactor in which product vapor from the riser and partially coked catalyst are introduced into the reactor catalyst bed and distributed using the apparatus 101 for further interaction and cracking of the vapor with the fluidized catalyst bed. In another example, the processing assembly 100 is a fluidized bed regenerator in which air and spent catalyst are introduced into the regenerator fluidized catalyst bed and distributed using the apparatus 101 for burning coke from the spent catalyst. The apparatus 101 includes a distribution arm 120 extending radially outward from the cap 112 toward the interior surface 128 of the vessel 102. The riser includes an elongated riser slot 154 that provides an outlet for the riser vapors and catalyst to a dense fluidized catalyst bed.

[0023] 3A-3C, the cap 112 includes an exterior surface 114 and an interior surface 116, with a plurality of holes 118 defined between the interior surface 116 and the exterior surface 114. Each distribution arm defines an interior surface 122 and an exterior surface 124. Each distribution arm 120 includes a plurality of holes 126 between the interior surface 122 and the exterior surface 124. The flow through the individual holes 118 on the cap 112 serves to promote the formation of small gas bubbles and increase gas-solid contact above the cap 112, with the holes 126 in each distribution arm 120 serving a similar function, thereby increasing gas-solid contact compared to conventional distributors. The increased formation of small gas bubbles tends to lead to more uniform mixing of the vapor into the fluidized catalyst bed, promoting further cracking of the naphtha vapor from the riser into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), specifically propylene. The perforated branch arm 120 extending from the mushroom cap 112 helps achieve improved spreading and uniformity of the riser vapors over the fluidized catalyst bed, resulting in less bed depth required for reaction and reduced overall inventory. The distribution arm 120 may be supported from above by the vessel wall 128, such as by a suspension cable extending from a portion of the vessel wall 128 above the distribution arm 120. In regenerator applications, the increased formation of small bubbles results in improved spreading and uniformity of the combustion air and spent catalyst over the fluidized catalyst bed, which helps achieve uniform regeneration of the catalyst as well as a uniform temperature profile in the regenerator vessel.

[0024] 3A-3C, the cap 112 terminates in a downwardly extending skirt 132 having an edge 134, e.g., a bottom edge, that faces toward the first end 108 of the riser 106. The downwardly extending skirt 132 includes a plurality of weir notches 152 that extend upwardly into the skirt 132 from the edge 134 of the skirt 132. The cap 112 defines an apex B having a plane C tangent thereto. The top surface 136 of each dispense arm defines a respective central longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A of each top surface is disposed at or substantially near the vertical height of the apex B. The longitudinal axis A of each top surface 136 is parallel to the plane C. In other words, the top surfaces 136 are inclined at zero degrees relative to the plane C. If the arms 120 are enclosed from the bottom by a bottom wall 150 (described in more detail below), the bottom wall 150 can be angled (0-45°) with respect to plane C to allow the catalyst to slide down the bottom wall 150 and prevent the catalyst from becoming lodged on the bottom wall 150. If the arms 120 are not enclosed from the bottom, as shown for example in FIG. 8, the bottom edges of the side walls 148a and 148b can be angled or kept parallel to axis A. The device 102 of FIG. 8 is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 3A-3B, except that the bottom wall 150 has been removed. Although the arms 120 are shown as being formed by separate walls 148a-148c, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the arms 120 could be integrally and / or unitarily formed with the cap 112.

[0025] 3A-3C, the cap 112 includes a plurality of inwardly extending openings 138 that provide an opening to the internal cavity 144 of each arm 120 in the mushroom cap 112. Each distribution arm 120 is nested within a respective one of the plurality of inwardly extending openings 138. The distribution arms 120 extend radially outward beyond the edge 134 of the cap 112. The distribution arms 120 are equally spaced about the center of the cap 112. The mushroom cap 112 includes a plurality of distribution arms 120. The embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C includes six distribution arms. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the number of arms may vary from one to eight, or more, depending on the size, shape, presence of other internal structures, or distribution requirements of the container. Each distribution arm is equally spaced from an adjacent distribution arm 120 (as measured between two central longitudinal axes A). Each distribution arm 120 defines a distribution arm flow path 140 (schematically shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 3C ) that extends from the inside surface 116 side 142 of the cap 112 through an internal cavity 144 of the distribution arm 120 and out through at least one of the plurality of holes 126 of the distribution arm 120. The extension of the distribution arms 120 improves the cross-sectional coverage of the riser steam and catalyst to the reactor bed, resulting in increased catalyst conversion. In regenerator applications, the distribution arms 120 improve the spread and uniformity of the riser steam and increase the uniformity of the air and spent catalyst flow in the regenerator catalyst bed, resulting in uniform catalyst regeneration and a uniform temperature profile. Although described in the context of reactor and regenerator applications, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the apparatus 101 can be used in a variety of vessels with fluidized beds.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, each dispense arm 120 is defined by a respective top wall 146 and three side walls 148a, 148b, and 148c. The top 146 and side walls 148a-148c may be integrally formed with one another. A plurality of holes 126 of each dispense arm are defined in the respective top wall 146. The top 146 and side walls 148a-148b of each dispense arm are attached to the cap 112. Each side wall 148c is an end wall of its respective dispense arm 120. Each dispense arm is at least partially surrounded by a bottom wall 150 that connects between the two side walls 148a. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the bottom wall 150 may be removed such that the dispense arm 120 is open at the bottom. The outer surface 114 of the cap 112 is dome-shaped.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4A-4B, an embodiment of the distributor 101 increases the average gas flow uniformity over conventional distributors. Chart 500 shows an example of a time-averaged plot of gas flow uniformity predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the distributor top ("cap top") and vessel height proximate the nominal bed level. CFD simulations are widely used to model the dynamics of gas, solids and liquid flows and have been used to simulate steam and catalyst flows in risers, distributors and catalyst beds of reactors. Chart 500 in Figure 4A shows an example of a comparison of average flow uniformity between a conventional distributor, such as the apparatus 10 (represented by line 502), and a distributor according to the present disclosure, such as the distributor 101 in Figure 2 (represented by line 504). Chart 500 in Figure 4B shows generally (by arrows 506) that the riser steam is more uniformly distributed when a distributor similar to the distributor 101 is used. Arrow 506 represents a two-fold increase in uniformity between apparatus 10 and apparatus 101. The uniformity index (e.g., "Uniformity, %" on the x-axis of Figures 4A and 4B) quantifies the amount of cross-sectional area actively used for flow. Flow uniformity is defined as the ratio of cross-sectional area used for fluid flow by the total cross-sectional area. Chart 500 shows that the gas flow distribution per unit cross-sectional area of ​​the catalyst bed above the distributor improved by nearly two-fold in the distributor arm.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, chart 600 represents the standard deviation of the axial gas velocity component in the catalyst bed above the distributor, which determines the degree of gas flow. A lower standard deviation is associated with less fluctuation in gas velocity, which further means that the gas is more evenly distributed and in better contact with the catalyst. Arrow 606 in chart 600 indicates that when a distributor arm, e.g., distributor arm 120, is incorporated into the distributor cap, the standard deviation of the axial velocity component is reduced by at least 20% from the distributor to the normal bed level. The standard deviation of the axial velocity component for a conventional distributor, e.g., apparatus 10, is represented by line 602, and the standard deviation of the axial velocity component for a distributor constructed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, e.g., apparatus 101, is represented by line 604. The lower standard deviation in the distributor arm indicates less gas bypass and improved performance.

[0029] 6, chart 700 shows a plot of the percentage of riser vapor that is cracked based on the degree of interaction with catalyst particles in the reactor catalyst bed. The percentage of riser gas / vapor that is converted (e.g., cracked) in a conventional distribution apparatus, such as apparatus 10, is shown by line 702, and the percentage of riser gas / vapor that is converted (e.g., cracked) in a distribution apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as apparatus 101, is shown by line 704. Chart 700 shows that when a distribution arm, such as distribution arm 120, is used, the riser gas conversion increases by 1.6 times, indicating better interaction of the riser gas with the contacting bed catalyst.

[0030] As shown by a comparison of Figures 7A-7B, a distributor constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, e.g., distributor 101, improves flow distribution. Figure 7A shows color CFD modeling results 800a representing an instantaneous plot of riser vapor concentration across a reactor bed as vapor flows up a reactor having a conventional distributor, e.g., apparatus 10. In contrast, Figure 7B shows color CFD modeling results 800b representing an instantaneous plot of riser vapor concentration across another reactor bed as vapor flows up a reactor having a distributor constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, e.g., apparatus 101. As shown in Figure 7B, an embodiment according to the present disclosure provides a distributor that significantly improves vapor coverage and distribution compared to a conventional distributor. Without a distributor arm, e.g., distributor arm 120, gas would tend to flow around the mushroom (e.g., cap) and combine with gas flowing through the cap to form a central plume (evident by the large concentration of red in the top center portion of CFD diagram 800a). In contrast, in distribution arm 120, the riser vapor is more evenly distributed across the cross section (evident by diagram 800b), resulting in improved cracking as indicated by lower riser vapor concentration.

[0031] The disclosed method and system provides a multiphase fluid distribution device including a mushroom cap with distribution arms that improves cross-sectional coverage of steam and catalyst into a fluidized bed of catalyst particles. The use of such a distributor in a fluidized catalytic cracking reactor results in more uniform distribution of riser steam and catalyst into the fluidized catalyst bed of the reactor, resulting in increased catalyst conversion. In FCC regenerator applications, this increases the uniformity of air and spent catalyst flow in the fluidized catalyst bed, resulting in uniform catalyst regeneration and temperature profiles.

[0032] As described above and shown in the drawings, the method and system of the disclosed embodiments provide a distribution apparatus that increases flow uniformity, promotes smaller bubbles to increase gas-solid contact, and reduces the possibility of gas channeling and bypass. While the apparatus and method of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and / or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The above description and examples are merely illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure. It is intended that all such modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the appended claims be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. a riser having a first end and a second end; a cap operably connected to the second end of the riser, the cap including an inner surface and an outer surface, the cap having a plurality of holes defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one distribution arm extending radially outward from the cap, the at least one distribution arm having an inner surface and an outer surface, the at least one distribution arm including a plurality of holes between the inner surface and the outer surface; 1. A fluid dispensing apparatus comprising: the at least one dispense arm is bounded by a respective top wall defining a top surface, two respective side walls, and a bottom wall connecting the two side walls; The top surface defines a longitudinal axis; The bottom wall is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes at least one inwardly extending opening, and the at least one dispensing arm is nested within the at least one inwardly extending opening.

3. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one dispense arm extends radially outward beyond an edge of the cap.

4. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one dispense arm comprises a plurality of dispense arms equally spaced about a center of the cap.

5. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the cap defines an apex, and a longitudinal axis of a top surface of the at least one dispense arm is disposed at a vertical height of the apex.

6. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the cap defines an apex that defines a tangent plane, and a longitudinal axis of a top surface of the at least one dispense arm is parallel to the tangent plane.

7. 2. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one dispense arm defines a dispense arm flow passage from an interior side of the cap through an internal cavity of the dispense arm and out through at least one of the plurality of holes in the dispense arm.

8. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes of the at least one dispense arm are defined in the respective top wall.

9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the top wall and side walls of the at least one dispense arm are attached to the cap.

10. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the top wall and side wall of the at least one dispense arm are integrally formed.

11. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the cap is dome-shaped.

12. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the at least one dispense arm has an arcuate shape.

13. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cap terminates in a downwardly extending skirt having an edge facing toward the first end of the riser.

14. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the downwardly extending skirt includes a plurality of weir notches extending upwardly into the skirt from the edge of the skirt.

15. 2. The fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the riser are first and second inlet ends, and the cap is operably connected to an outlet end of the riser.

16. a container defining an interior space; and a fluid dispensing apparatus, the fluid dispensing apparatus comprising: a riser attached to the interior space of the vessel having a first end attached to the vessel and a second end opposite the first end; a cap operably connected to the second end of the riser, the cap including an outer surface and an inner surface, the cap having a plurality of holes defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; at least one distribution arm extending radially outward from the cap, the at least one distribution arm defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the at least one distribution arm including a plurality of holes between the inner surface and the outer surface; the at least one dispense arm is bounded by a respective top wall defining a top surface, two respective side walls, and a bottom wall connecting the two side walls; The top surface defines a longitudinal axis; The bottom wall is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.

17. The processing assembly of claim 16 , wherein the at least one dispense arm extends radially outward from the cap toward an interior surface of the vessel.

18. 20. The processing assembly of claim 16, wherein the processing assembly is a fluidized catalyst bed reactor.

19. 20. The processing assembly of claim 16, wherein the processing assembly is a fluidized bed regenerator.

20. The processing assembly of claim 16 , wherein the vessel includes an opening for receiving the first end of the riser.

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