Question
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Considering that new catalyst formulations play a significant role in successful reactor performance, what else is necessary for optimal reactor/catalyst performance?
Jul-2022
Answers
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Peter Nymann, Haldor Topsoe, pan@topsoe.com
New and improved catalysts do indeed play a significant role in achieving good performance of hydrotreating and hydrocracking reactors, but the catalysts also needs to be operated properly.
Assuring good distribution of gasses and liquids across the entire volume of the catalyst helps assure utilization of the catalysts capabilities. Reactor internals needs to be clean and in good mechanical conditions so that they work as per design. In case the reactor internals are not performing they may be replaced by newer design, high performance reactor internals like, Topsoe VLT distribution trays and Topsoe Vortex mixers for quench sections. Good thermometry in the reactor with good coverage of the inlet and outlet part of each bed helps determine whether good distribution is achieved. Performance may also be impaired by plugging of the catalyst beds originating from material being brought in with the feed. This may be alleviated by good feed filtration and by installation of Topsoe HELPE Scale catchers in the top reactor head.
Furthermore, good control of feed quality is imperative to obtain good performance of the installed catalyst and even short periods of processing feedstocks with worse severity, like high end point or high content of contaminants may have detrimental effect on reactor performance and unit cycle length.
Aug-2022
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