PT67529A - Countercurrent hydrocarbon conversion with gravity-flowing catalyst particles - Google Patents

Abstract

A multistage process for the reforming of naphtha feeds in the presence of a catalyst comprising a Gp. VIII noble metal on an alumina carrier to produce a gasoline fraction of increased actane number. Specifically, the feed is reacted in the absence of added or recycle H2, counter currently in a plurality of reaction zones through all of which the catalyst particles flow downwardly via gravity flow. The feed is reacted serially in the reaction zones in the order of increased catalyst loading, the product ultimately being recovered from the effluent of the reactive zone into which fresh or regenerated catalyst is introduced and which contains the greatest quantity of catalyst. Catalyst particles are transferred from one reaction zone to another in the order of decreasing catalyst loading and are ultimately being withdrawn from the system through the zone contg. the least amt. of catalyst. Compressive H2 recycle is eliminated and thus significant energy savings are obtd.