Patent ID: 6031146
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: C10G,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream that is flowing through a hydroconversion reaction zone having a bed of catalyst comprising the steps of:(a) providing in an atmosphere a reactor having a generally cylindrical reactor wall containing a hydroconversion reaction zone including a bed of catalyst;(b) providing a thermowell assembly having a generally hollow sleeve assembly, a thermowell member supported by the generally hollow sleeve assembly, and a thermocouple member supported by the generally hollow sleeve assembly and extending into the thermowell member;(c) supporting the thermowell assembly of step (b) with the generally cylindrical reactor wall of the reactor of step (a) such that the thermowell member thermally communicates with the hydroconversion reaction zone of step (a);(d) flowing a hydrocarbon feed stream through the bed of catalyst in the hydroconversion reaction zone of step (a);(e) detecting a leak in the thermowell member of step (c); and(f) removing the thermocouple member while said hydrocarbon feed stream continues to flow through the bed of catalyst in the hydroconversion reaction zone in accordance with step (d).