Patent ID: 6017443
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
A method for catalytic hydroprocessing liquid hydrocarbon feedstock at elevated temperatures and pressures for producing a liquid hydrocarbon product, comprising the steps of:(a) introducing said feedstock into a reactor system having first and second reaction zones and a gas-liquid distributor at the entrance of each zone, each reaction zone having a hydroprocessing catalyst bed therein, said feedstock being introduced at the top of the second reaction zone, then passed through the gas-liquid distributor in order to assure full and adequate dispersion of the downflowing hydrogen-containing gas from the first reaction zone for downward flow through the catalyst bed therein;(b) separating a partially reacted liquid effluent from the gas as both exit the bottom of the second reaction zone, while permitting gas downflow;(c) directing said partially reacted liquid effluent to and introducing it at the top of said first reaction zone for downward flow through the catalyst bed therein;(d) introducing hydrogen gas at the top of the first reaction zone for flow downwardly and sequentially through and over the catalyst beds in the first and second reaction zones in co-current contact with the liquid in said reaction zones, said hydrogen reacting with said liquid in said reaction zones whereby the liquid effluent from the first reaction zone comprises a liquid hydrocarbon product; and(e) separating the liquid hydrocarbon effluent product from the gas as both exit the bottom of the first reaction zone, while permitting gas downflow.