Apparatuses used in fluidized reaction processes that include cylindrical sections and guides

Abstract

An apparatus used in a fluidized reaction process may include a vessel including an inner surface, a cylindrical section housed within the vessel, a guide encircling the cylindrical section, a plurality of guide supports, and a plurality of springs. The cylindrical section may include a cylindrical outer surface. The guide may include a cylindrical body including a first surface facing the cylindrical section and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plurality of guide supports may each span from the inner surface of the vessel to the outer surface of the guide. The plurality of springs may be disposed between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section.

Description

86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO1APPARATUSES USED IN FLUIDIZED REACTION PROCESSES THAT INCLUDE CYLINDRICAL SECTIONS AND GUIDESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 713,869 filed October 30, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to chemical processing and, in particular, to apparatuses used for chemical processing.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many fluidized reaction processes utilize risers. Such risers may be positioned within vessels that enclose other components of the reactor system, such as separation devices and the like. Such reaction processes include, without limitation, fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC), methanol to olefins reactions, catalytic dehydrogenation, and thermal dehydrogenation. Such risers are also utilized in catalyst regeneration sections, which may heat or de-coke catalyst. These risers can be relatively heaty, particularly in large reactor systems, and generally need to be supported such that they maintain their desired position. This issue is further complicated by the relatively high temperature conditions to which the risers are exposed, which may cause significant expansion of the metals of the riser and any supporting equipment.SUMMARY

[0004] As described herein, apparatuses used in fluidized reaction processes may include a cylindrical section (e.g., a riser or a downer), a guide that encircles the cylindrical section, and guide supports that generally stabilize the guide. Such a system may be suitable to stabilize the cylindrical section within a vessel. However, it has been discovered that the further incorporation of a plurality of springs that are disposed between the guide and the cylindrical section may further enhance stability of the cylindrical section and may prevent it from binding during thermal cycles. Conventional embodiments, which do not include springs, may suffer from rubbing and / or non- uniform contact between the cylindrical section and the guide, particularly when the cylindrical section diameter fluctuates as compared with the guide diameter. Such can be the case when coke buildup prevents the cylindrical section from thermally shrinking to its original size when86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO2 temperature is decreased. In this scenario, according to some embodiments disclosed herein, the guide can bind with the cylindrical section and crack the cylindrical section as it tries to cool during unit shutdown. As such, the presently disclosed embodiments, according to one or more embodiments described herein, are a needed improvement in the relevant technology of fluidized chemical processing.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus used in a fluidized reaction process may comprise a vessel comprising an inner surface, a cylindrical section housed within the vessel, a guide encircling the cylindrical section, a plurality of guide supports, and a plurality of springs. The cylindrical section may comprise a cylindrical outer surface. The guide may comprise a cylindrical body comprising a first surface facing the cylindrical section and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plurality of guide supports may each span from the inner surface of the vessel to the outer surface of the guide. The plurality of springs may be disposed between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section.

[0006] It is to be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. Additional features and advantages of the embodiments will be set forth in the detailed description and, in part, will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from that description, which includes the accompanying drawing and claims, or recognized by practicing the described embodiments. The drawing is included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serves to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter. However, the embodiment depicted in the drawing is illustrative and exemplary in nature, and not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following detailed description may be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for use in a fluidized reaction process, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a top-down, cross sectional view of a concentric riser and guide, according to one or more embodiments described herein;86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO3

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an outer surface of a riser and a plurality of springs, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a guide support attached to a guide, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0012] When describing the simplified schematic illustrations of the relevant figures, the numerous valves, temperature sensors, electronic controllers, and the like, which may be used and are well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, are not included. Further, accompanying components that are often included in such reactor systems, such as air supplies, heat exchangers, surge tanks, and the like are also not included. However, it should be understood that these components are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] Reference will now be made in greater detail to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure is directed to apparatus used in fluidized reaction processes. Numerous embodiments of the present disclosure may be understood through the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, but it should be understood that the technology presently disclosed may be applicable in embodiments other than those explicitly illustrated.

[0015] In general, the apparatuses described herein may comprise a vessel, a cylindrical section, a guide, a plurality of guide supports, and a plurality of springs. These mechanical features are described in detail herein. In particular, the springs may be disposed between the guide and the cylindrical section, allowing for maintained, stable contact between these two components even as the cylindrical section increases in diameter as compared with the cylindrical section guide. According to various embodiments, the springs may be mechanically attached affixed to the guide or to the cylindrical section.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the cylindrical section and guide may be subjected to relatively high temperatures, such as at least 500 °C (or at least 600 °C, or at least 700 °C, or even at least 800 °C). Such temperatures thermally expand the cylindrical section and the guide. In some embodiments, a phenomenon termed “coke ratcheting” or “coke jacking” herein may affect the size of the cylindrical section. Coke ratcheting occurs when coke is formed on or around the cylindrical86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO4 section usually between refractory and refractory anchor systems such as hex mesh while the cylindrical section is in an expanded state, usually at high temperatures. The presence of the coke does not allow the cylindrical section to shrink down to its original size when temperatures decrease, while the guide, which may not have coke present, shrinks back to its original size. In terms of the expansion and shrinking in the axial direction, the coke ratcheting may cause the cylindrical section to have a greater diameter than fits properly within the guide. In addition “coke jacking” can occur, which involves coke getting between refractory and or refractory anchors while the vessel is hot and continuously stretching the cylindrical section in an axial or radial direction. For example, in conventional apparatuses, a small gap may be present between the cylindrical section and guide, such as about 1 / 8 of an inch. However, coke ratcheting can cause radial growth of % inch or more. This can cause mechanical damage to the guide, the cylindrical section, or other internals.

[0017] As described herein, the presence of the springs between the cylindrical section and guide can allow for a gap between the cylindrical section and guide that can fluctuate, based on coke ratcheting. After coke ratcheting or jacking and expansion of the cylindrical section, the spring can bend between the cylindrical section and the guide, preventing damage.

[0018] The spring, as used herein, is a component that can store and release mechanical energy through elastic deformation. A spring may be any material that can undergo reversible deformation under the application of force. For example, as a mechanical load is applied, the spring deforms, either compressing, extending, bending, or the like to store potential energy in its deformed state. Once the load is removed, the spring returns to its original shape, releasing the stored potential energy.

[0019] The hinge, as used herein, is a component which bends permitting rotation of the tubular section. For example, the hinge may be a flexible metal sheet or plate or a flexible metal rod or pin.

[0020] As used herein, the term "connected" means direct or indirect attachment or insertion. For example, "the second end of the first hinge is connected to an inside surface of the vessel" means that the second end may be attached directly onto the inside surface or, alternatively, the second end may be attached to a plate which in turn is attached directly onto the inside surface of the vessel.

[0021] The guide, as used herein, means any circumferentially continuous structure around the outside of the cylindrical section. For example, the guide may be continuous metal ring encircling the cylindrical section. Alternatively, the guide could be a plurality of plates linked by a continuous86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO5 circular band encircling the cylindrical section. A riser, as is understood in industry, refers to a mechanical apparatus through which fluids move upwardly (such as catalyst particles and reactants / products), and a downer refers to a mechanical apparatus through which fluids move downwardly. It should be understood that although the guide is described herein in relation to a riser embodiment, the guide may also be used in conjunction with a downer to achieve the same functionality.

[0022] As used herein, the tubular section is a solid or hollow member, such as a pipe, which is more rigid than the hinges and which may have any cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, cross-shaped, T-shaped and I-shaped.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1 , depicted is an apparatus 5 for a fluidized dehydrogenation reactor system to produce a hydrocarbon products, such as a dehydrogenation system that produces propylene from propane. However, it should be understood that the principles disclosed and taught herein may be applicable to other systems which utilize different system components oriented in different ways. For example, the concepts described herein may be equally applied to other systems with alternate reactor units and regeneration units, such as those that operate under non-fluidized conditions or include downers rather than risers. It should be further understood that not all portions of FIG. 1 should be construed as essential to the claimed subject matter.

[0024] As depicted in FIG. 1 , the apparatus 5 is used in a fluidized reaction process and includes a vessel 10 to house one or more components used in a catalyst hydrocarbon separation process. The vessel 10 houses a riser 20 (i.e., cylindrical member) within an internal cavity of the vessel 10. The riser 20 may extend vertically within the vessel 10 from a bottom portion of the vessel 10 towards the top portion of the vessel 10. In embodiments, the riser 20 is a hollow cylindrical component having an inner surface facing a hollow internal cavity and having a cylindrical outer surface 22 exposed within the vessel 10. The apparatus 5 also includes a guide 100 encircling the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. The guide 100 includes a first surface 102 facing the riser 20 and a second surface 104 opposite the first surface 102. The guide 100 may be a cylindrical body that conforms to geometry of the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. In embodiments, the guide 100 may be any shaped body capable of surrounding and retaining the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. The riser may have refractory on the inner diameter and / or outdiameter. The refractory generally would be %” - 1 ” thick with anchors such as hexmesh or hexcells. The riser also may have stellite lining for erosion protection.86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO6

[0025] The apparatus 5 further includes a plurality of guide supports 110 each spanning from an inner surface 12 of the vessel 10 to the second surface 104 of the guide 100. The plurality of guide supports 110 are arranged to provide increased mechanical stability to the riser 20 within the vessel 10. The guide 100 is connected to the inner surface of the catalyst regenerator vessel 10 by way of the plurality of guide supports 110. In embodiments, the plurality of guide supports 110 may include three or more individual guide supports 110 spanning from the inner surface 12 of the vessel 10 to the second surface 104 of the guide 100. The attachment of the plurality of guide supports 110 to the second surface 104 of the guide 100 may be arranged such that each attachment point is substantially equidistantly spaced along the second surface 104 of the guide 100. The attachment points may be said to be substantially equidistantly spaced if the distance between each adjacent attachment point is within ten percent of a distance between any two other adjacent attachment points.

[0026] Each guide support 110 may further include a first hinge 114 positioned at a first end of a main body 112 of the guide support 110. Additionally, the guide support may also include a second hinge 116 positioned at a second end of the main body 112 of the guide support 110. The first hinge 114 is attached directly to the second surface 104 of the guide 100. In embodiments, the inner surface 12 of vessel 10 may be an exposed metal surface, such as a carbon steel. The second hinge 116 may be directly attached to the inner surface 12 of the vessel 10. In embodiments, the inner surface 12 of the vessel 10 may be lined with an insulating refractory material to enable the vessel 10, even if produced from a metal such as carbon steel, to be used at high temperature. Each second hinge 116 may pass through the insulating refractory material to attach to the inner surface of the vessel 10. In embodiments, the second hinge 116 may be directly attached to the refractory material lining the inner surface 12 of the vessel 10. While depicted as a flat hinge plate in FIG. 1, hinges 114, 116 may alternatively be contoured, bent or humped hinge plates.

[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, the attachment between the hinges 114, 116 and the vessel 10 and / or the guide 100 may be made using a weld, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable attachment mechanism to maintain the structure of the apparatus 5 during its operation. In embodiments, the hinges 114, 116 and the vessel 10 and / or the guide 100 may be coupled such that each component is in direct contact with its corresponding coupled components. In other embodiments, the hinges 114, 116 and the vessel 10 and / or the guide 100 may be coupled such that a mounting plate is provided between corresponding coupled components. The mounting plate may be similarly attached via welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable attachment mechanism to maintain the structure of the apparatus 5 during its operation. Furthermore, a gusset may be86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO7 provided to reinforce the joint between the first hinge 114 and the guide 100 and / or the second hinge 116 and the vessel 10 to prevent damage due to movement and / or vibrations imparted on the riser 20 and / or the vessel 10 due to thermal expansion and contraction. The gusset may be a triangular support plate welded to the guide 100 and to the attachment point of the first hinge 114.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, depicted is a top-down view illustrating the arrangement of the riser 20 and the guide 100. The apparatus 5 includes a plurality of springs 120 disposed between the first surface 102 of the guide 100 and the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. The plurality of springs 120 maintain a gap between the first surface 102 of the guide 100 and the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 so that the guide 100 is not in direct contact with the riser 20. The plurality of springs 120 maintain the gap and prevent direct contact to moderate the effects of mechanical wear and friction due to the movement of the guide 100 along the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. Due to the elevated temperatures associated with the fluidized reaction process, the riser 20 and guide 100 may operate in an expanded state with increased diameter. However selective coking on the riser 20 but not on the guide 100 (or coking to a lesser extent on the guide 100) may lead to coke ratcheting, as explained herein. Accordingly, the disparate amount of shrinkage of the riser 20 as compared to the guide 100 when lowered in temperature may cause any two components to move or expand at different rates relative to one another. As such, the plurality of springs 120 may enable controlled sliding movement between the substantially concentric riser 20 and the guide 100. It should be noted, that guide 100 may be substantially concentric due to fabrication constraints or other processing conditions that may affect the geometry of the guide 100.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of springs 120 may also be sized and positioned to control the spacing between the riser 20 and the guide 100. While the riser 20 and the guide 100 may be substantially concentric, the guide 100 may have an internal diameter that is larger than a diameter D of the riser 20 such that a gap is maintained between the outer surface 22 of the riser and the first surface 102 of the guide 100. The plurality of springs 120 may be sized to span the gap and contact both the outer surface 22 of the riser and the first surface 102 of the guide 100 at room temperature. Alternatively, plurality of springs 120 may be sized to maintain a gap between each spring 120 and the first surface 102 of the guide 100 at room temperature. In embodiments the gap between each spring 120 and the guide 100 may be from 0.0625 inches to 1 inch at 25 °C. At elevated temperatures, the plurality of springs 120 may deform to accommodate a change in the diameter D of the riser 20 due to thermal expansion and coke ratcheting while maintaining the gap between the outer surface 22 of the riser and the first surface 102 of the guide 100. In embodiments, gap may be maintained86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO8 between the riser 20 and the guide 100 from 2 inches to 8 inches at 25 °C. All individual values and subranges from 0.0625 inches to 1 inch are included and disclosed herein. For example, the gap between the riser 20 and the guide 100 may be a distance from 2 inches to 8 inch at 25 °C, or in the alternative, from 3 inches to 7 inches at 25 °C, or in the alternative, from 4 inches to 6 inches at 25 °C.

[0030] In embodiments, the plurality of springs 120 may be substantially equidistantly spaced around the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. Each spring 120 of the plurality of springs 120 may be said to be substantially equidistantly spaced if the distance between each adjacent spring 120 is within ten percent of a distance between any two other adjacent springs 120. In embodiments, the plurality of springs 120 may comprise greater than or equal to 3 springs, greater than or equal to 10 springs, greater than or equal to 20 springs, greater than or equal to 30 springs, greater than or equal to 40 springs, or even greater than or equal to 50 springs. In an embodiment, the plurality of springs 120 comprises 8 substantially equidistantly spaced springs 120 positioned along the outer surface 22 of the riser 20.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, depicted is a perspective view of the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 showing the attachment of the springs 120. Each spring 120 may include a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. Each spring 120 of the plurality of springs 120 may be a rolled sheet, although other types of springs are contemplated. As shown in FIG. 3, the spring 120 may be connected at the first end 122 to the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 via a welded joint. The spring 120 may extend laterally from the outer surface 22 to define the distance of the gap between the riser 20 and the guide 100. The spring 120 may further include the second end 124 that is rolled back towards the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 such that the spring 120 is a partially cylindrical feature with a rounded outer surface at the furthest lateral portion of the spring 120 from the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. The spring 120 sheet is capable of expanding and / or contracting to accommodate an expansion of the diameter D of the riser 20. The expansion and / or contraction of the spring 120 Furthermore, the rounded outer surface of the rolled sheet may be positioned to engage the guide 100 to enable the guide to contact and slidable move along the outer surface of the rolled sheet. In embodiments, the outer surface of the rolled sheet 120 may have a relatively low coefficient of friction to reduce friction and facilitate the sliding movement of the guide 100. In other embodiments, each spring 120 may be a helical spring, a conical spring, or any other equivalent element capable of expanding or contracting to accommodate an expansion of the diameter D of the riser 20 while enabling slidable engagement between the riser 20 and the guide 100.86070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO9

[0032] In embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 3, each spring 120 of the plurality of springs 120 is attached to the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 and positioned to extend from the outer surface 22 to contact the concentric guide 100 allowing slidable movement of the guide 100 along the concentric riser 20. In embodiments, the plurality of springs 120 are attached at the first end 122 of the spring 120 and the guide 100 is in slidable contact with the plurality of springs 120 at a second end 124 of each spring 120. In alternative embodiments, the plurality of springs 120 are attached to the first surface 102 of the guide 100 at a first end 122 of the spring 120 and the guide 100 is in slidable contact via the plurality of springs 120 with the outer surface 22 of the riser 20 at a second end 124 of each spring 120.

[0033] Still referring to FIG. 3, in embodiments, the vertical height of each spring 120 may be larger greater than a vertical height of the guide 100 to enable the guide 100 to slide along the vertical height of the spring 120 without disengaging from the spring 120 and contacting the outer surface 22 of the riser 20. In embodiments, the vertical height of the plurality of springs 120 may extend to cover only a portion of the entire height of the riser 20. Alternatively, the vertical height of the plurality of springs 120 may extend along the entire height of the riser 20 to enable the guide 100 to move slidaby along the entire height of the riser 20 without contacting the outer surface 22. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of springs 120 may extend along the entire vertical height of the guide 100 to prevent the first surface 102 of the guide 100 from contacting the outer surface 22 of the riser 20.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, depicted is an embodiment of the guide support 110 demonstrating the position and configuration of the guide supports 110 connected to a guide 100. Expansion of the diameter D of the riser 20 due to elevated temperatures within the vessel 10 causes the riser 20 to expand upwardly so that the guide 100 encircles a lower portion of the riser 20. Furthermore, movement of the riser 20 may induce mechanical stresses on the guide supports 110 and their respective attachment points to the guide 100. In embodiments, the hinges 114 and 116 may bend to accommodate the horizontal and / or vertical movement of the riser 20 and the guide 100 relative to the vessel 10 and the guide supports 110. In embodiments, the one or more of the guides 110 include a first hinge 114 at a first end of the guide support 110 and a second hinge 116 at a second end of the guide support 110. The guide support 110 is connected to the guide 100 at the first hinge 114 and the guide support 110 is connected via the second hinge 116 to the vessel, an intermediate mounting plate, or a refractory material lining the interior surface 12 of the vessel 10. Each guide support 110 may comprise two lateral sections 112: a first lateral section oriented towards the guide 100 and a second linear lateral section oriented towards the vessel 10. Additionally, each guide support 11086070-WG-PCT / DGW 86070 WO10 may include a non-linear section connecting the first lateral section to the second lateral section. In embodiments, the non-linear section 130 is substantially U-shaped, as depicted in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, the non-linear section includes three segments including two transverse pipes 132 extending at an angle from the lateral sections 112 of the guide support 110. Furthermore, the nonlinear section 130 may include a connecting section 134 extending between the two tangential pipes 132 and extending substantially parallel to one or more of the lateral sections 112. The non-linear section 130 provides the guide support 110 increased flexibility compared to conventional support structures because the non-linear section 130 allows the guide support 110 to expand or contract in length due to movement of the guide 100 and expansion of the riser 20. In embodiments, the nonlinear section 130 may be a spiraled structure, a substantially v-shaped structure, or any other curved structure that enables the length of the guide support 110 to bend to vary in length at the non-linear section 130.

[0035] Still referring to FIG. 4, each guide support 110 may be attached in a manner to position the guide support 110 at an angle extending between the vessel 10 and the riser 20 or the guide 100. The angle may be provided due to the attachment point of the first hinge 114 and the guide 100 being positioned at a vertical position within the vessel 10 that is lower than the vertical position of the attachment point between the second hinge 116 and the vessel 10. In a specific embodiment, each guide support 110 extends at an angle from 5 degrees to 85 degrees off of horizontal. Alternatively, the angle may be provided due to the attachment point of the first hinge 114 and the guide 100 being positioned at a vertical position within the vessel 10 that is higher than the vertical position of the attachment point between the second hinge 116 and the vessel 10. In a specific embodiment, each guide support 110 extends at an angle from 5 degrees to 85 degrees off of horizontal. All individual values and subranges from 5 to 85 degrees are included and disclosed herein. For example, the guide supports 110 may be at an angle from 5 to 85 degrees off of horizontal, or in the alternative, from 15 to 60 degrees off of horizontal, or in the alternative, from 20 to 40 degrees off of horizontal. Such angle of attachment is provided to encourage bending at the hinges 114, 116 and sliding of guide 100 during vertical and horizontal thermal contraction and expansion. The length of the lateral sections 112, the length of the connecting section 134 and the angle formed by attachment of the guide supports 110 with the guide 100 or the vessel 10 will vary based on a number of variables, such as the size of the vessel 10 and riser 20, as may be readily determined by a skilled artisan. As used herein, the angle of each guide support 110 refers to the angle between the lateral sections 112 of the guide support 110 and the surface of the guide 100 or the vessel 10, respectively.86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO11

[0036] In embodiments the apparatus 5 may enable a method for processing hydrocarbons to from a chemical product from a chemical feed. In particular, the apparatus 5 may be used in connection with a fluidized catalyst hydrocarbon separation method. The hydrocarbon products may move upwards through the riser 20, wherein the riser 20 has a temperature of at least 500 °C during operation. Due to the elevated temperatures present in the riser 20, the riser 20 and / or the guide 100 may move and / or expand to change the positioning of various components within the vessel 10 relative to one another. In a specific embodiment, the length of each guide support 110 may increase by greater than or equal to 0.25 inches and less than or equal to 5 inches during operation at temperatures of at least 500 °C as compared to 25 °C. All individual values and subranges from 0.25 inches to 5 inches are included and disclosed herein. For example, the length of each guide support 110 may increase by greater than or equal to 0.25 inches and less than or equal to 5 inches at temperatures of at least 500 °C as compared to 25 °C, or in the alternative, from 0.5 inches to 4 inches at temperatures of at least 500 °C as compared to 25 °C, or in the alternative, from 1 inches to 3 inches at temperatures of at least 500 °C as compared to 25 °C. In an embodiment, the length of each guide support 110 may increase by at least one inch during operation at temperatures of at least 500 °C as compared to 25 °C.

[0037] It is contemplated that the presently disclosed apparatuses may be applicable in a wide variety of chemical processing units. For example, FCC, thermal cracking, methanol-to-olefm, dehydrogenation, dehydration, thermal dehydrogenation utilizing oxygen carriers for combustion, and oxidative dehydrogenation are contemplated processes that may utilize the presently disclosed apparatuses. In particular, processes that operate at relatively high temperatures (e.g., at least 500 °C) and utilize riser that may be exposed to coking may be use cases.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the chemical processing may comprise a dehydrogenation reaction that utilizes circulating a catalyst between the chemical processing vessel 100 and a regeneration unit, where alkanes are converted to alkenes in the chemical processing vessel 100 and where the catalyst is heated by a supplemental fuel in the regeneration unit. Such a process may convert propane to propylene, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,227,271, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in this disclosure.

[0039] In additional embodiments, chemical processing may comprise a dehydrogenation reaction that utilizes circulating a solid particulate oxygen carrier material between the chemical processing vessel 100 and a regeneration unit, where alkanes are converted to alkenes in the chemical86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO12 processing vessel 100 by thermal dehydrogenation, and where the produced hydrogen gas is converted to water by contact with oxygen released from the oxygen carrier material. Such a process may convert ethane to ethylene, such as is described in WO 2024 / 059554 Al, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in this disclosure.

[0040] In additional embodiments, chemical processing may comprise a dehydrogenation reaction that utilizes circulating both a catalyst and a solid particulate oxygen carrier material between the chemical processing vessel 100 and a regeneration unit, where alkanes are converted to alkenes in the chemical processing vessel 100 by catalytic dehydrogenation, and where the produced hydrogen gas is converted to water by contact with oxygen released from the oxygen carrier material. Such a process may convert ethane to ethylene, such as is described in U.S. Patent No. 11,724,974, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in this disclosure.

[0041] Numerous aspects are disclosed herein, described below as Aspects 1-15.

[0042] Aspect 1. An apparatus used in a fluidized reaction process comprising: a vessel comprising an inner surface; a cylindrical section housed within the vessel, the cylindrical section comprising a cylindrical outer surface; a guide encircling the cylindrical section, the guide comprising a cylindrical body comprising a first surface facing the cylindrical section and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a plurality of guide supports each spanning from the inner surface of the vessel to the outer surface of the guide; and a plurality of springs disposed between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section.

[0043] Aspect 2. The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein each spring of the plurality of springs is a rolled sheet.

[0044] Aspect 3. The apparatus of aspect 1 or 2, wherein a gap is maintained between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section such that the guide is not in direct contact with the cylindrical section.

[0045] Aspect 4. The apparatus of aspect 3, wherein the gap is at least 2 inches when measured at 25 °C temperature.

[0046] Aspect 5. The apparatus of any previous aspect, wherein the plurality of springs are substantially equidistantly spaced along the outer surface of the cylindrical section.86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO13

[0047] Aspect 6. The apparatus of any previous aspect, wherein the plurality of springs are each attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical section and the guide is in slidable contact with the plurality of springs.

[0048] Aspect 7. The apparatus of aspect 6, wherein the plurality of springs are attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical section at a first end of each spring and the guide is in slidable contact with the plurality of springs at a second end of each spring.

[0049] Aspect 8. The apparatus of aspect 6, wherein a vertical height of each of the springs is greater than a vertical height of the guide such that the guide can slide along the vertical height of each spring.

[0050] Aspect 9. The apparatus of any previous aspect, wherein the plurality of springs are attached to the first surface of the guide at a first end of each spring and the guide is in slidable contact via the plurality of springs with the outer surface of the cylindrical section at a second end of each spring.

[0051] Aspect 10. The apparatus of any previous aspect, wherein the plurality of springs are substantially equidistantly spaced around the cylindrical section.

[0052] Aspect 11. The apparatus of aspect 10, wherein one or more of the guide supports comprises a first hinge at a first end of the guide support and a second hinge at a second end of the guide support, wherein the guide support is connected to the guide at the first hinge and the guide support is connected to the vessel at the second hinge.

[0053] Aspect 12. The apparatus of aspect 10, wherein one or more of the guide supports comprises a first lateral section oriented towards the guide, a second linear lateral section oriented towards the vessel, and a non-linear section connecting the first lateral section to the second lateral section.

[0054] Aspect 13. The apparatus of any previous aspect, wherein the cylindrical section is a riser or a downer.

[0055] Aspect 14. A method for processing hydrocarbons, the method comprising utilizing the apparatus of any previous aspect to from a chemical product from a chemical feed, wherein the86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO14 product moves upwards or downwards through the cylindrical section, and wherein the cylindrical section has a temperature of at least 500 °C during operation.

[0056] Aspect 15. The method of aspect 14, wherein the cylindrical section does not contract to its original size following exposure to the temperature of at least 500 °C due to the presence of coke on the cylindrical section.

[0057] Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments, it is noted that the various details described in this disclosure should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described in this disclosure, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Rather, the claims appended hereto should be taken as the sole representation of the breadth of the present disclosure and the corresponding scope of the various embodiments described in this disclosure. Further, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO15CLAIMS1. An apparatus used in a fluidized reaction process comprising: a vessel comprising an inner surface; a cylindrical section housed within the vessel, the cylindrical section comprising a cylindrical outer surface; a guide encircling the cylindrical section, the guide comprising a cylindrical body comprising a first surface facing the cylindrical section and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a plurality of guide supports each spanning from the inner surface of the vessel to the outer surface of the guide; and a plurality of springs disposed between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section.2 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each spring of the plurality of springs is a rolled sheet.3 The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein a gap is maintained between the first surface of the guide and the outer surface of the cylindrical section such that the guide is not in direct contact with the cylindrical section.4 The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the gap is at least 2 inches when measured at 25 °C temperature.5 The apparatus of any one previous claim, wherein the plurality of springs are substantially equidistantly spaced along the outer surface of the cylindrical section.6 The apparatus of any one previous claim, wherein the plurality of springs are each attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical section and the guide is in slidable contact with the plurality of springs.7 The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of springs are attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical section at a first end of each spring and the guide is in slidable contact with the plurality of springs at a second end of each spring.86070-WO-PCT / DOW 86070 WO168. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a vertical height of each of the springs is greater than a vertical height of the guide such that the guide can slide along the vertical height of each spring.

9. The apparatus of any one previous claim, wherein the plurality of springs are attached to the first surface of the guide at a first end of each spring and the guide is in slidable contact via the plurality of springs with the outer surface of the cylindrical section at a second end of each spring.

10. The apparatus of any one previous claim, wherein the plurality of springs are substantially equidistantly spaced around the cylindrical section.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one or more of the guide supports comprises a first hinge at a first end of the guide support and a second hinge at a second end of the guide support, wherein the guide support is connected to the guide at the first hinge and the guide support is connected to the vessel at the second hinge.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one or more of the guide supports comprises a first lateral section oriented towards the guide, a second linear lateral section oriented towards the vessel, and a non-linear section connecting the first lateral section to the second lateral section.

13. The apparatus of any one previous claim, wherein the cylindrical section is a riser or a downer.

14. A method for processing hydrocarbons, the method comprising utilizing the apparatus of any previous claim to from a chemical product from a chemical feed, wherein the product moves upwards or downwards through the cylindrical section, and wherein the cylindrical section has a temperature of at least 500 °C during operation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical section does not contract to its original size following exposure to the temperature of at least 500 °C due to the presence of coke on the cylindrical section.

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