Patent GB-590882-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to contacting finely divided solids and gaseous fluids
IPC: C01B3/30
Filed: 1942-10-30
Abstract: In process for carrying out chemical reactions between finely divided solid contact particles, e.g., catalysts and fluids, e.g., hydrocarbons, of the kind in which the velocities of the solids and fluids are controlled to maintain a dense phase of solids and gases in the reaction zone, the solids are introduced at the top of the reaction zone and the fluids at the bottom so that they flow in counter current and the reaction chamber is provided with perforated baffles, bubble trays, packings &c. similar to those used in a fractionating tower, so that separate fluidized layers are formed. The process may be applied to the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons including such reactions as cracking, regeneration of contaminated catalysts, synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, isomerization, polymerization and also to the partial carbonization of coal, roasting ores, gas purification, production of iron carbonyl from iron oxide and carbon monoxide, chlorination of solids and drying solids. The process is described in respect to the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbon oils in a tower like reaction chamber 10 the contaminated catalysts being regenerated in a similar tower chamber 107. The catalyst is introduced at the top of the chambers and removed at the bottom through conduits 14, 82, 92, 104, 74, 112 respectively while the hydrocarbons and regenerating gases are introduced at the bottom and removed at the top through conduits 12,54 and 94,96 respectively. Separators 56, 86, 98 are provided for separating any catalyst particles carried off by the gas streams while heating coils 68, 106 enable the temperatures in the chambers to be controlled. The chambers may take the forms shown in Figs. 2 and 4.  In Fig. 2 a plurality of trays 16 supporting the solid contact materials are provided with tubes 22 covered by caps 24 allow upward passage of the gases alternate trays being provided with down comers 42 while the intervening trays are spaced from the side of <PICT:0590882/III/1> <PICT:0590882/III/2> <PICT:0590882/III/3> the chamber to afford passageways 32 for the contact material.  In Fig. 4 perforated trays 146 are provided with staggered down comers 164.  In the cracking of hydrocarbon oils the contact material comprises catalysts such as alumina, silica etc.; the velocity of the upwardly flowing gases is maintained between 0.5 and 3 ft. per sec., the size of the particles being between 50 and 200 mesh; the reaction temperatures in the cracking and regeneration zones are 800 DEG 1000 DEG F. and up to 1200 DEG F. respectively.  In the Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 the process is stated to be applicable to the production of iron carbonyl from iron oxide and carbon monoxide.  This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.ALSO:In a process for carrying out chemical reactions, between finely divided solid contact particles of the kind in which the velocities of the solids and fluids are controlled to maintain a dense phase of solids and gases in the reaction zone, the solids are introduced at the top of the reaction zone and the fluids at the bottom so that they flow in counter current and the reaction chamber is provided with perforated baffles, bubble trays, packings &c. similar to those used in a fractionating tower, so that separate fluidized layers are formed.  The process may be applied to the roasting of ores.  In the Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 this process is stated to be applicable to the production of iron carbonyl from iron oxide and carbon monoxide.  This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.