Naphtha continuous catalyst regeneration

Exceptional results were obtained in a test on naphtha reformer catalyst which utilized a continuous catalyst regeneration section. In this type of service, it is possible for a graphitic carbon deposit to build up over a period of time. This form of carbon does not regenerate easily. When is does burn, the localized high temperatures generated can collapse the catalyst structure resulting in a low surface area inactive pellet. 

Application To produce high yields of benzene, toluene, xylenes and hydrogen from naphthas via the CCR Aromizing process coupled with RegenC continuous catalyst regeneration technology. Benzene and toluene cuts are fed directly to an aromatics extraction unit. The xylenes fraction, obtained by fractionation and subsequent treatment by the Arofining process for diolefins and olefins removal, is ideal for para-xylene and orthoxylene production. 

The moving-bed catalytic cracking process is similar to the FCC process. The catalyst is in the form of pellets that are moved continuously to the top of the unit by conveyor or pneumatic lift tubes to a storage hopper, then flow downward by gravity through the reactor, and finally to a regenerator. The regenerator and hopper are isolated from the reactor by steam seals. The cracked product is separated into recycled gas, oil, clarified oil, distillate, naphtha, and wet gas. 

Figure 4-6 Three catalytic reactors in series. This unit is used for the continuous catalytic reforming of petroleum naphthas, a key element in the process of producing gasoline for automobiles. The catalyst is comprised of platinum and another metallic component on an acidic support The catalyst slowly moves downward through the reactors and is regenerated after it leaves reactor 3 at the bottom of the picture. The reactors themselves are radial-flow reactors, as discussed in Chapter 3. (Copyright 2004 UOP LLC. All lights reserved. Used with permission.)...

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