Patent ID: 8163068
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon, comprising: A) a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid comprising at least one reactant wherein the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid comprising at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant; and B) a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid comprising at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant wherein the regenerant passes through a fluid tapering device for regulating the flow of the regenerant to the reaction zone; C) a first line providing the fluid comprising a liquid rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or rich in at least one of a C5 and a C6 hydrocarbon from the first drier to the reaction zone; and D.) a second line communicating the second drier with the reaction zone; wherein the fluid tapering device is coupled to the first and second lines and comprises a restriction orifice, a flow indicator, a pressure differential indicating controller, and a control valve.