Lateral Section Fluidizer for FCC Catalyst Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, improper fluidization in lateral sections can impair the operation of devices like spent catalyst slide valves due to insufficient fluidization, leading to loss in differential pressure and affecting the recirculation of catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A system with a fluidizer positioned at the lateral section, including a distributor in fluid communication with nozzles that form and direct a jet of a fluidizing agent, such as air or gas, into the spent catalyst to maintain proper fluidization and prevent occlusion, ensuring continuous catalyst circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lateral section is used to flow fluidized catalyst from the reactor to the external stripper, then the catalyst can be transported to the side of the reactor, but improper fluidization occurs causing loss in differential pressure and impaired operation of devices like spent catalyst slide valves
Solution Approach 1:
A fluidizing agent is introduced as an intermediary substance into the lateral section to mediate between the catalyst particles and the flow conditions. The fluidizing agent creates a fluidized state that enables reliable catalyst circulation through the lateral section, preventing occlusion and maintaining differential pressure needed for slide valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a fluidizing agent (gas or liquid) to fluidize the catalyst particles in the lateral section. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach transforms the catalyst from a static or poorly flowing state to a fluidized state that can be reliably transported, solving the fluidization stability problem.
2Speed
If insufficient fluidization occurs in the lateral section, then the catalyst flow may be maintained, but differential pressure is lost affecting the function of devices that rely on differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the catalyst flow by introducing a fluidizing agent that alters the density, viscosity, and flow characteristics of the catalyst mixture. This parameter change enables maintaining catalyst flow rate while preserving the differential pressure needed for device operation, as the fluidized state reduces particle settling and pressure loss.
3Reliability
If the nozzle is positioned inside the flow space, then the fluidizing agent is effectively distributed into the catalyst, but the distributor structure occupies space in the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is nested within the lateral section structure, with the nozzle positioned inside the flow space. This nesting arrangement allows the fluidizing agent to be effectively distributed into the catalyst flow while minimizing the space occupied by the distributor structure, as the distributor is integrated into the existing conduit geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains fluidization of spent catalysts flowing from the reactor to the stripper, ensuring continuous catalyst circulation and preventing pressure differentials that could impede equipment operation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the FCC process.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one nozzle forms and directs a jet of a fluidizing agent into the spent catalyst in the lateral section
Implementation Method 2
The at least one nozzle forms and directs a jet of a fluidizing agent into the spent catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing a selected feedstock using a catalyst includes a reactor, a catalyst recovery system, and a conduit. The reactor receives the catalyst and the selected feedstock. A reaction between the selected feedstock and the catalyst generates a spent catalyst. The catalyst recovery system processes the spent catalyst. The conduit connects the reactor to the catalyst recovery system and has a lateral section. The spent catalyst flows from the reactor through a flow space defined by an inner wall of the lateral section to the catalyst recovery system. The system also includes a fluidizer positioned at the lateral section. The fluidizer includes at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle is completely inside the flow space. The at least one nozzle forms and directs a jet of a fluidizing agent into the spent catalyst in the lateral section.