Regenerative Process

Fig. 21-13. Platinum catalyst reforming processes (regenerative and nonregenerative.)...

The electric discharge processes can supply the necessary energy very rapidly and convert more of the hydrocarbons to acetylene than in regenerative or partial combustion processes. The electric arc provides energy at a very high flux density so that the reaction time can be kept to a minimum (see... 

WulffProcess. The regenerative technique is best exemplified by the Wulff process, Hcensed by Union Carbide Corp. The furnace consists basically of two masses of high purity alumina refractory tile having cylindrical channels for gas flow and separated by a central combustion space as shown in Figure 10. Its cychc operation has four distinct steps, each of approximately 1 min in duration, the sequence being pyrolysis and heat in one direction followed by pyrolysis and heat in the other direction. Continuity of output is achieved by paired installations. 

Regenerative pyrolysis processing is very versatile it can handle varied feedstocks and produce a range of ethylene to acetylene. The acetylene content of the cracked gases is high and this assists purification. On the other hand, the plant is relatively expensive and requires considerable maintenance because of the wear and tear on the refractory of cycHc operation. 

The unit Kureha operated at Nakoso to process 120,000 metric tons per year of naphtha produces a mix of acetylene and ethylene at a 1 1 ratio. Kureha s development work was directed toward producing ethylene from cmde oil. Their work showed that at extreme operating conditions, 2000°C and short residence time, appreciable acetylene production was possible. In the process, cmde oil or naphtha is sprayed with superheated steam into the specially designed reactor. The steam is superheated to 2000°C in refractory lined, pebble bed regenerative-type heaters. A pair of the heaters are used with countercurrent flows of combustion gas and steam to alternately heat the refractory and produce the superheated steam. In addition to the acetylene and ethylene products, the process produces a variety of by-products including pitch, tars, and oils rich in naphthalene. One of the important attributes of this type of reactor is its abiUty to produce variable quantities of ethylene as a coproduct by dropping the reaction temperature (20—22). 

The composition of a reforming catalyst is dictated by the composition of the feedstock and the desired reformate. The catalysts used are principally platinum or platinum—rhenium on an alumina base. The purpose of platinum on the catalyst is to promote dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions. Nonplatinum catalysts are used in regenerative processes for feedstocks containing sulfur, although pretreatment (hydrodesulfurization) may permit platinum catalysts to be employed. 

Hydrogen sulfide, H2S, is removed by a variety of processes, of which one is a regenerative solution process using aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, sodium phosphate, Na PO, and sodium carbonate, Na2C02. 

The various steelmaking processes were all eventually supplanted (3,4). The first of the newer techniques was the historic pneumatic or Bessemer process, introduced in 1856. Shortiy thereafter, the regenerative-type furnace, known in the 1900s as the open-hearth furnace, was developed in the United... 

Absorption Processes. Most flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems are based on absorption of the sulfur dioxide into a n on regen erabi e alkali-salt solvent. Sulfur absorbed using n on regen erabi e solvents is not recovered and the alkali sulfite—sulfate produced presents a disposal problem. 

A variation of the n on regen erabi e absorption is the spray dry process. Time slurry is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle into a tower where it countercurtendy contacts the flue gas. The sulfur dioxide is absorbed and water in the slurry evaporated as calcium sulfite-sulfate collects as a powder at the bottom of the tower. The process requires less capital investment, but is less efficient than regular scmbbing operations. 

In 1983 there were 116 flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) systems in service, representing 47 gigawatts-electric of power generation capacity (66). As of 1992, more than 150 coal-fired boilers in the United States operated with FGD systems. The total electrical generating capacity of these plants has risen to 72 gigawatts (67). FGD processes are classified into (/) wet-throwaway, (2) dry-throwaway, (J) wet-regenerative, and (4) dry-regenerative processes (68). 

Adsorbent drying systems are typicaHy operated in a regenerative mode with an adsorption half-cycle to remove water from the process stream and a desorption half-cycle to remove water from the adsorbent and to prepare it for another adsorption half-cycle (8,30,31). UsuaHy, two beds are employed to aHow for continuous processing. In most cases, some residual water remains on the adsorbent after the desorption half-cycle because complete removal is not economically practical. The difference between the amount of water removed during the adsorption and desorption half-cycle is termed the differential loading, which is the working capacity available for dehydration. 

The Intercooled Regenerative Reheat Cycle The Carnot cycle is the optimum cycle between two temperatures, and all cycles try to approach this optimum. Maximum thermal efficiency is achieved by approaching the isothermal compression and expansion of the Carnot cycle or by intercoohng in compression and reheating in the expansion process. The intercooled regenerative reheat cycle approaches this optimum cycle in a practical fashion. This cycle achieves the maximum efficiency and work output of any of the cycles described to this point. With the insertion of an intercooler in the compressor, the pressure ratio for maximum efficiency moves to a much higher ratio, as indicated in Fig. 29-36. 

The recoiler is driven by motor M - that adjusts its speed and tension as calculated for the whole process line. It is this drive and the bridles that maintain the required tension throughout the process and make the pay-off reel drives operate as regenerative units. 

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