WO2011086269A1

WO2011086269A1 - Device for packaging a solid chemical reaction catalyst

Info

Publication number: WO2011086269A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/052797
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Mallet
Original assignee: Macser
Priority date: 2009-12-23
Filing date: 2010-12-17
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Also published as: FR2954182B1; FR2954182A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for packaging a solid catalyst that includes a device for conveying the catalyst (2) and a storage device (3) comprising a plurality of containers (4). The storage device (3) comprises first and second container groups (5a, 5b) that are respectively aligned along first and second alignment axes (A-A, B-B), and said conveying device (2) comprises a first linear conveyor (7) facing said first container group (5a) and is suitable for dispensing catalyst to each container (4) of the first container group (5a). The second linear conveyor (8) is placed facing said second container group (5b) and is suitable for dispensing catalyst to each container (4) of the second container group (5b).

Description

SOLID CATALYST CONDITIONING DEVICE FOR CHEMICAL REACTIONS

The present invention relates generally to the field of solid catalyst packaging in containers.

More particularly, the invention relates to a solid catalyst conditioning device for chemical reactions, the packaging device comprising:

a catalyst conveying device;

a storage device comprising a plurality of containers adapted to receive catalyst conveyed by said conveying device. The invention relates to solid catalyst conditioning devices for chemical / petrochemical reactions (such catalysts are generally shaped into rods or balls of 3 to 5 mm for example) that manufacturers use to synthesize, transform, convert, eliminate, purify the products they manufacture. These catalysts are generally arranged in layers in capacities called reactors, in which are generated the chemical reactions required by the chemical or petrochemical production processes.

For reasons related to the processes for manufacturing fuels and chemicals and the yields of chemical reactions, it is regularly necessary to collect, drain, transport, and replace catalysts contained in reserves and / or industrial reactors.

However, during their production and / or use, these catalysts can become dangerous.

Such catalysts which are dangerous must therefore be transported with care and generally according to strict standards such as the ADR standard, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

Given their high cost of purchase, used catalysts are transported to regenerators to allow a second or third cycle (usually partial) reactor use.

The reserves of solid catalyst to be drained are thus:

at new or regenerated catalyst storage sites;

at sites of use of catalyst for catalyzing chemical reactions, in this case the reserve to be drained is a reactor and the drained catalyst is used; and

at catalyst regenerator sites. In this context, the present invention aims to provide a solid catalyst conditioning device to reduce the risk of transport, handling and storage of catalyst.

For this purpose, the solid catalyst conditioning device of the invention, which is otherwise to the generic definition given in the preamble defined above, is essentially characterized in that:

said storage device comprises first and second groups of containers situated in a container storage zone, the containers of the first group being aligned along a first alignment axis and the containers of the second group being aligned along a second axis of distinct alignment of said first alignment axis;

said conveying device comprising first and second linear conveyors;

said first linear conveyor being disposed opposite said first group of containers and being adapted to dispense catalyst to each of the containers of the first group of containers in order to store the catalyst conveyed by said first conveyor; and

said second linear conveyor being disposed opposite said second group of containers and being adapted to dispense catalyst to each of the containers of the second group of containers in order to store the catalyst conveyed by said second conveyor. The invention reduces the risk associated with the transport, handling and storage of catalyst which is a hazardous product. In fact, the packaging device of the invention makes it possible to condition quickly (thanks to the use of two rows of containers and two linear conveyors) a large amount of catalyst in several independent containers.

The use of several conveyors each arranged to fill a given group of containers reduces the time required to fill all the containers which limits the conveying time and therefore the risks associated with the transport of the catalyst. The fact of having two conveyors each dedicated to a given group of containers makes it possible to have continuity of filling of containers during the conditioning of the catalyst, since one can make sure that at every moment of the conditioning, one always has to least one of the conveyors that is used to fill at least one of the containers.

In addition, the device of the invention allows a potentially dangerous catalyst to be stored in several containers, which reduces the risks associated with the storage and transport of catalyst since, in the event of the rupture of one of the containers, the quantity of catalyst can be increased. spreading is limited to the size of this single container.

For the implementation of the catalyst conditioning device according to the invention can also be made so that each first and second conveyor is a two-way conveyor, and that:

said first conveyor is at least partially mobile with respect to said first group of containers between: a first position in which a first end of the first conveyor is disposed opposite a first container which is located at one end of the container line of the first group of containers; and

a second position distinct from the first position in which a second end of said first conveyor is disposed opposite a second container which is located at another end of the container line of the first group of containers; and

said second conveyor is at least partly mobile with respect to said second group of containers between: a first position in which a first end of the second conveyor is disposed opposite a third container which is located at one end of container alignment of the second group of containers; and

a second position distinct from the first position in which a second end of said second conveyor is disposed opposite a fourth container which is located at another end of the container line of the second group of containers.

Thanks to this characteristic of linear displacement, the same connecting conveyor allows the filling of all the aligned containers while limiting the movements of these containers with respect to the reserve which contains the catalyst to be conditioned. The reserve can remain fixed as well as the containers, only the connecting conveyor being movable to transport the catalyst to each of the containers, one after the other. The filling of the containers is done: simply by moving at least a portion of the first and second conveyors relative to the containers; and

by selecting the directions of catalyst displacement on the first and second conveyors. According to this embodiment, preference is given to ensure that the first conveyor has a maximum conveying length less than three quarters of the distance separating the first and second containers from the first group of containers which are furthest apart from one another. other.

According to at least one of the two previous embodiments, it is also ensured that the second conveyor has a maximum conveying length less than three quarters of the distance separating the third and fourth containers from the second group of containers which are the most important. away from each other.

Thanks to the characteristic of two-way conveyor and mobile with respect to a group of aligned containers, it is possible to feed all of these containers using this single conveyor, via one or the other of its ends. This characteristic makes it possible to compact the conditioning device, the first and second conveyors being able to have a length less than the length of the alignment of the containers they supply.

The displacement of the first and second conveyors with respect to the containers above the containers makes it possible to supply / fill them with catalyst by gravity flow.

For the implementation of the catalyst conditioning device according to the invention can also be done so that the device comprises a controller and container filling sensors and that each first and second conveyor is adapted to have a training direction variable catalyst as a function of a control signal generated by said PLC, this control signal being a function of measurements of level (x) of container loading and / or catalyst weight carried out using said filling sensors containers.

With this feature the direction of drive to a container or another can be chosen automatically and without intervention of an operator. The filling sensors are adapted to measure a container fill level (ie, catalyst height in each container) and / or adapted to measure a catalyst weight in one or more containers (s). ).

It can also be ensured that the catalyst conditioning device according to the invention comprises position sensors of the first and second second conveyors and actuators adapted to move said first and second conveyors between their said first and second respective positions and that the first and second conveyors are adapted to adopt intermediate positions between their said first and second positions, said controller being adapted to control positioning each of said first and second conveyors between their first and second positions as a function of container loading or filling measurements carried out with the aid of said container filling sensors and as a function of measurements carried out with the aid of said sensors. positions of the first and second conveyors.

By this characteristic it is possible to automate the filling of containers by choosing:

the position of the first or second conveyor relative to the containers (at least some of the position sensors are adapted to detect the relative position of an end of one of the first or second linear conveyors with respect to at least one of the containers of the storage); and

the direction of catalyst displacement on the conveyor, and therefore the container or containers to be filled.

Thus the operator can be remote from the packaging device during filling containers which is advantageous from the point of view of its safety. Moreover, thanks to these characteristics, the packaging device can be automated which favors filling speed of the containers (management of the catalyst conveying speeds by the first and second linear conveyors to the containers of the first and second groups of containers).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention combined with at least one of the aforementioned embodiments, the packaging device of the invention:

comprises catalyst level sensors at different points of the conveying device (such sensors are catalyst weight and / or catalyst level sensors) and / or the storage device, such sensors being able to be, for example, sensors container fill level and / or catalyst weight sensors, at least some of said first and second conveyors being adapted to have a variable catalyst transfer rate as a function of fill level values and / or fill weight values generated by at least one of said catalyst level sensors.

This feature of the invention allows a catalyst flow regulation and therefore allows automated filling of containers.

Preferably, use is made in combination of fill level sensors and catalyst fill weight sensors, since this makes it possible to have two complementary control criteria, which allows automatic regulation of the device of the invention for different types of catalysts of different densities.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention combined with at least one of the aforementioned embodiments, the first and second conveyors are each adapted to have a zero catalyst transfer rate when at least one of said catalyst sensors transmits a limit value of filling level and / or filling weight.

This characteristic of the invention makes it possible to have an automated catalyst transfer stop function, thereby reducing the risk of dispersion and degradation of the catalyst during filling of the containers.

Preferably, said device of the invention comprises a plurality of catalyst level and / or catalyst weight sensors each respectively arranged so as to detect a respective filling level of each of said respective containers and / or a respective filling weight of each of said containers. respective ones, each of said first and second conveyors being adapted to adopt a zero catalyst transfer rate when at least one of said catalyst sensors which is arranged to detect a level and / or a filling weight of one of said containers fed with catalyst by this conveyor, transmits a fill level limit value and / or a filling weight limit value.

Thus, as soon as one of the containers supplied with catalyst by one of the first or second conveyors is detected as filled by the filling sensor of this container, then the conveyor transferring catalyst to this container adopts a zero speed thus interrupting the catalyst transfer and avoiding an overflow of this container.

It can also be ensured that the catalyst conditioning device according to the invention comprises a casing surrounding at least said first and second linear conveyors.

Such a casing makes it possible to limit the projections of catalyst particles during conveying, which contributes to reducing the risks of pollution of the outside of the device of the invention and of catalyst ignition due to an element external to the device of the invention. the invention.

It can also be ensured that the catalyst conditioning device according to the invention comprises an inert gas diffusion circuit adapted to diffuse inert gas towards the interior of said containers. This embodiment of the invention avoids a risk of ignition of the catalyst inside the containers and in particular during container filling phases during which the catalyst tends to generate potentially flammable suspended particles. It is also possible to ensure that said inert gas diffusion circuit is adapted to diffuse the inert gas inside said casing, thereby reducing the risk of ignition of catalyst during its conveying and inside said containers. .

It can also be ensured that each of said containers comprises a high container filling opening, adapted to allow the passage of catalyst conveyed by one of said first or second linear conveyors to the interior of the container, each container having a mobile hatch between a closed position prohibiting the passage of catalyst through the top opening of this container and a release position allowing the passage of catalyst through this high opening.

It can also be ensured that the catalyst conditioning device according to the preceding embodiment of the invention comprises means for remote actuation of the mobile hatches adapted to position each of said hatches in one of its closed positions and of liberation. This embodiment is advantageous because it makes it possible to control the positioning of each of the hatches while being away from the containers. This feature facilitates the securing of the packaging device. Ideally, these actuating means are further adapted to position each flap in the closed position or in the release position independently of the respective positions of the other flaps. This embodiment makes it possible to maintain at the same time certain closed containers to keep them isolated from the external environment and other open containers for example to introduce catalyst. Ideally the means for remote actuation of the mobile hatches are connected to said PLC and are adapted to be controlled by said PLC.

It can also be ensured that the storage device comprises means for setting each of the containers in said storage area of the packaging device, these setting means and the containers being adapted to allow the selective removal of each of the containers of the device. storage outside said storage area.

When the containers of the storage device are present in the storage area, they are then positioned / wedged via the wedging means and can thus be filled by means of the catalyst conveying device since they can be located precisely. in the storage area by the wedging means.

The fact that the containers can be removed from the storage area is advantageous because it is thus possible to replace each of the containers present in the storage area (for example the containers already filled with catalyst) by other containers present outside the storage area (eg empty containers and to be filled with catalyst when they are positioned / wedged in the storage area).

According to this embodiment, it is also possible to ensure that at least some of said wedging means are movable so as to vary the inclination with respect to a horizontal plane of at least some of said containers.

The inclination of the containers may be useful for limiting the height of catalyst drop in a container and thus prevent premature deterioration of the catalyst due to too high a drop height. In this way, it is made sure that the setting means which make it possible to tilt more or less each of the containers are used to determine the inclination positions of each of said containers as a function of their respective catalyst filling levels and / or as a function of their respective filling weights in catalyst. When a container is empty, the drop height of the catalyst inside this container is greater than it is when the container is full, so we choose to tilt the empty container so that the catalyst can flow along an inner container wall thus limiting the height of fall. This inclination thus makes it possible to limit the degradation of the catalyst by shocks and friction during the fall. Preferably, the device of the invention comprises inclination sensors of the containers connected to said automaton and at least some calibration means are also connected to said automaton and are adapted to modify the inclination of at least some of said containers as a function of control signals. tilt control generated by said controller according to fill level values and / or fill weights generated by at least one of said catalyst sensors.

Preferably, the device of the invention comprises several filling heads, each filling head being assembled at one of the respective ends of said first and second conveyors to receive catalyst transported by the conveyor to which it is assembled, each of said heads being movable between:

- A connection position in which the head is close to one of said containers so as to allow the catalyst guidance flowing from the conveyor which it is assembled to the container from which it is close together; and

a disconnection position in which this head is remote from this container.

This embodiment makes it possible to connect each container to an end of one of the first or second conveyors so that the catalyst is thus guided towards this container while avoiding a loss of catalyst between the conveyor and the container.

Preferably said inert gas diffusion circuit is connected to each container by connecting means located in the lower part of each of said containers.

This embodiment makes it possible to introduce inert gases into the containers before they are connected to the filling heads thus improving the prevention of the risk of ignition.

According to a complementary or alternative embodiment to the previous embodiment, each of said filling heads is adapted to diffuse inert gas into each of said containers with which said filling heads, in connection positions, are brought together.

This embodiment allows an introduction of inert gas at the top of each container and inside the housing (9) so as to limit the risk of ignition of the catalysts during their conveying.

Preferably and according to at least one of the embodiments of the device of the invention mentioned above, at least some of said means for remote actuation of the mobile container doors are connected to at least some of said filling heads, each of these connections. being adapted so that the passage of a filling head in the connection position causes the passage, in the position of release, the movable door of the container with which the filling head is close.

Preferably and according to the aforementioned embodiment of the device of the invention, at least some of said means for remote actuation of the mobile container doors are connected to at least some of said filling heads, each of these connections being adapted so that the passage of a filling head in the disconnected position causes the passage, in the closed position, the movable door of the container with which this filling head is close. Thanks to this embodiment, each filling head is adapted to control the opening (that is to say the passage in the release position) of any container flap to which this head is connected and is adapted to control the closure (that is to say the passage to the closed position) of any container hatch to which this head is disconnected.

Preferably, the device of the invention comprises head position sensors adapted to transmit to said PLC signals representative of the respective positions adopted by each of said filling heads.

The automaton is thus adapted to vary:

the catalyst drive directions on the first and second conveyors and / or the catalyst drive speeds by each of said first and second conveyors, as a function of the signals representative of the respective positions adopted by each of said filling heads.

The automaton can also be adapted to cause changes in the positions of the trapdoors of the containers (opening and closing of the hatches of the upper openings) and / or the positions of the first and second conveyors (which slide over the containers to displace their ends). and / or the guide means configurations which are subsequently presented and / or the inclinations of the containers.

Preferably, the device of the invention comprises a main conveyor and a catalyst guide means disposed between said main conveyor and said first and second conveyors and adapted to guide the catalyst conveyed by said main conveyor to said first and second conveyors. With this embodiment it is possible to provide the catalyst to be packaged in the containers on a single main conveyor, which facilitates the connection between the device of the invention and the external infrastructures to this device which must be emptied (for example reactors ). This catalyst can then be distributed to the first and second conveyors via the guide means.

Such a main conveyor makes it possible to make a buffer reservoir of catalyst making it possible to accept the variations of filling speed of the containers (it For example, there is a slowdown in filling speed when the container to be filled is changed). Preferably, the guiding means are adapted to adopting first and second configurations that are distinct from one another, in the first configuration the guiding means allows the passage of catalyst from the main conveyor to the said first conveyor and prevents the passage of catalyst from the main conveyor to said second conveyor and in second configuration, the guide means prohibits the passage of catalyst from the main conveyor to said first conveyor and allows the passage of catalyst from the main conveyor to said second conveyor.

Ideally the guiding means comprise two troughs forming a V whose point is vis-à-vis the main conveyor and whose ends of the V are respectively vis-à-vis the first and second conveyors, these guide means comprising at least one valve movable between a first position in which it prevents the passage of catalyst to at least one of said first or second conveyor and a second position in which it allows the passage of catalyst to at least one of said first or second conveyor .

Ideally the main conveyor is disposed above the guide means, these guide means being themselves arranged above the first and second conveyors. Preferably at least some of the guide means are connected to said controller so that the position changes of these guide means are controlled by said controller.

Preferably the guide means are arranged at one end of the main conveyor.

According to one embodiment that may or may not be combined with the embodiments of the invention comprising a main conveyor, it is possible for the device of the invention to comprise at least one guide means adapted to adopt first and second configurations. in a first configuration, this guide means allows the passage of catalyst through the guide means to said first conveyor and prevents the passage of catalyst through the guide means to said second conveyor and second configuration, the guide means prohibits the passage of catalyst from the guide means to said first conveyor and allows the passage of catalyst from the guide means to said second conveyor, said controller being adapted to generate a configuration change control of said at least one guiding means according to container loading level (x) and / or catalyst weight measurements es with said container filling level sensors.

According to this embodiment the configuration change of the guiding means, that is to say its passage from its first configuration to its second configuration or vice versa of its second configuration at its first configuration is performed after it has detected a sufficient filling of at least one container, which allows a container filling continuity.

Ideally, the configuration change control is a first configuration control command based on a measurement of the loading level and / or catalyst weight carried out using at least one of said container filling sensors which is arranged to detect a level and / or a catalyst weight of at least one of the containers of the second group of containers.

Ideally, the configuration change control is a second configuration control command based on a level measurement of loading level and / or catalyst weight performed using at least one of said other filling sensors. containers which is arranged to detect a level and / or a catalyst weight of at least one of the containers of the first group of containers.

Preferably each of said conveyors is a belt conveyor. This embodiment makes it possible to transport the catalyst while it is placed on the conveyor, which limits the shocks between the catalyst granules and thus reduces the degradation during transport. Such degradation has the effect of limiting the life of the catalyst which must have a minimum size to be used in a reactor.

Preferably the device of the invention comprises an inlet hopper of the device of conditioning which is arranged above the main conveyor.

This hopper makes it possible to limit the rate of admission of catalyst to the main conveyor while guiding this catalyst and constituting a buffer stock of catalyst upstream of the main conveyor.

Preferably this hopper is equipped with an intake valve adapted to selectively prohibit the passage of catalyst to the conveying device when at least one of said sensors emits solid container information.

In one embodiment of the invention, a hopper filling level sensor is provided at the level of the hopper inlet and at least one catalyst transfer speed is regulated via said conveying device as a function of hopper filling level information output from said hopper sensor.

Preferably said inlet valve is connected to said hopper sensor and is adapted to selectively allow and prohibit the transport of catalyst to the conditioning device upon receipt of hopper fill level information from said hopper sensor.

Preferably the containers are identical to each other in ways that can be interchanged in the storage device. Preferably each container has a capacity of 3000 liters of catalyst storage.

Preferably, the inlet hopper of the conditioning device is fed with catalyst (used or not) from a main reservoir either by gravity flow of the catalyst from the reserve or by suction of catalyst and discharge to the hopper.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows the device of the invention with its first and second conveyors arranged above the containers 4 aligned to receive catalyst 19;

FIG. 2 represents a view from above of the device according to the invention 1 in its environment, ie between a circular reserve in which is the catalyst to be packaged in containers and an empty truck trailer intended to receive the containers a once they contain the catalyst; FIGS. 3a to 3d show the operating kinematics of the device of the invention during the filling of the catalyst containers, this filling being able to be fully automated thanks to the device of the invention which comprises an automaton, the containers whose high opening of filling 11 which are open are referenced "Op" the other container 4 having their top openings 11 closed; FIG. 4 represents an end of the device according to the invention 1 with two containers C2, C4 arranged in the storage area 6 and in positions not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and with the filling heads T2 and T4 intended to selectively connect the first and second conveyors 7, 8 to these containers C2, C4 which are in disconnected positions;

FIG. 5 represents the end of the device shown in FIG. 4 but in which the containers C2, C4 are each in positions inclined at an angle "I" with respect to a horizontal plane and with the filling heads T2 and T4 are respectively in positions connected with the respective containers C2, C4 in order to conduct catalyst from the first and second conveyors 7, 8 respectively, we also see in this figure an inert gas diffusion circuit opening into the containers (the Inert gas introduction into each container is carried out at the bottom of these containers, as shown by the inert gas circuit portion 10 shown in solid line) and the housing 9 and in the filling heads T2, T4 (in this case it is it is the portion of circuit noted 10a), this inert gas creating a secure atmosphere reducing the risk of ignition of the catalyst during conveying;

FIG. 6a shows a back view of a container 4 and FIG. 6b shows a side view of this container 4, we see in these figures the upper mobile hatch 12 intended to selectively close and release the top opening 11 and a mobile hatch lower 20 also for selectively closing or releasing a low opening to allow the emptying of the container, which are in disconnected positions, one or the other of these traps is generally controlled in position by one or more cylinders not shown on these figures.

As previously announced, the invention relates to a catalyst conditioning device 1 19.

This device comprises a hopper 18 for conveying the catalyst to a conveying device 2 located in a casing 9. The conveying device comprises a conveyor belt 15 called main conveyor 15 which is placed above two mobile conveyors 7, 8. These first and second conveyors 7, 8 are slidably movable relative to the main conveyor so as to be moved under this main conveyor 15. A guide means 16 is arranged between the main conveyor 15 and the first and second conveyors 7, 8 of directing the catalyst from the main conveyor to one and / or the other of the conveyors 7, 8. The conveyors 7 and 8 each have a double direction of web rotation to choose to orient the catalyst to one or the other of their respective ends 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b. The first conveyor 7 carries two filling heads T1, T2, which may optionally be telescopic, to be connected and selectively disconnected from containers of the first group of containers 5a placed in a storage area 6, under the conveying device 2. The head Tl is placed at a first end 7a of conveyor 7 and the head T2 is placed at a second end 7b (end opposite the end 7a) of the conveyor 7.

The second conveyor 8 carries two filling heads T3, T4, which may optionally be telescopic, selectively connected and disconnected from containers 4 of the second group of containers 5b placed in a storage area 6, under the conveying device 2. The head T3 is placed at a first end 8a of the conveyor 8 and the head T4 is placed at a second end 8b (end opposite the end 8a) of the conveyor 8. The first and second conveyors have respective lengths L1 and L2 less than distances D1 and D2. The distance D1 is the distance separating the first and second containers C1, C2 of the first group of containers aligned with each other 5a. The distance D2 is the distance separating the third and fourth containers C3, C4 of the second group of containers aligned with each other 5b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, each container

4 is placed on wedging means 14 comprising several platforms (each platform carries a single container 4). Each platform can be inclined at a proper angle I relative to the horizontal with the aid of a jack 21 specific to this platform. This inclination makes it possible to limit the height of catalyst drop in each container.

Finally, an inert gas diffusion circuit 10 is connected to each of the containers, at their respective lower portions (line array 10). solid), by means of junctions attached to the wedging means.

Finally, an inert gas diffusion circuit portion 10bis is connected to each of the filling heads and the housing 9. This circuit portion comprises valves adapted to selectively allow the diffusion of gas to each head T1, T2, T3, T4 independently of each other. In general, after positioning the containers in the storage area 6, the device of the invention operates automatically according to the following main successive steps:

I positioning at least one container in an inclined position;

Positioning one of the first or second conveyors facing said at least one container 4 in an inclined position, preferably with a measurement of the position of the conveyor thus displaced by means of a position sensor of this conveyor;

3 passage of the hatch 12 of cedit at least one container in its release position of the upper opening 11 of this container;

4 connection of the filling head to this container whose opening is released;

Detecting that the connection between this head and the container is well made using a head position sensor preferentially mounted on the filling head;

It should be noted that the diffusion of inert gas is preferably triggered in each of the containers, via the circuit 10 (solid line circuit) before the heads are connected to the containers. However according to a complementary mode one can have a step of:

6 diffusion of inert gas to each container using the diffusion circuit 10bis (dashed lines) which opens at the heads (in this case, this step is performed after connecting the heads);

Conveying catalyst by the first or second conveyor which is connected to the container;

Preferably, variation of the catalyst conveying speed towards this connected container as a function of catalyst level measurements made by catalyst level sensors (x) at various points of the conveying device;

9 measurements of the level of filling in height and / or weight of the container, preferably using a filling sensor in height and / or weight of catalyst;

Variation of the inclination of the at least one container according to the measurement of its filling and so as to minimize the catalyst drop height in this container, this inclination being preferably measured using a tilt sensor of this container mounted on said tilting wedging means;

11 Detecting the filling of this container, closing the hatch 12, stopping the inert gas diffusion to this container and disconnecting the filling head of this container; Memorizing information indicating that this container is filled;

13 optionally positioning another container not yet filled in an inclined position, unless this has already been done in step 1;

14 positioning the conveyor (first or second) facing another container not yet filled and in an inclined position and repeat steps 2 to 13 until all the containers are filled.

The first and second conveyors with filling heads that they carry operate independently of each other and allow each to fill the containers of one of the rows of containers facing which it is vis-à-vis.

Catalyst feed to the first and / or second conveyor is provided by guiding means 16 which selectively connects a main conveyor 15 to the first and / or second conveyors 7, 8 to selectively allow catalyst passage from the main conveyor. to the first and / or second conveyor (s).

With this guiding means, the first and second conveyors can be supplied simultaneously with catalyst or one after the other depending on the catalyst flow measured at the main conveyor and according to a quantity of catalyst detected by means of a level sensor. input hopper filling 18 of the device (this hopper 18 is visible in Figure 1 and is a part connected to the housing 9). The following steps illustrate the chronological operation of the device shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d:

1 Installation of the device on the ground (the device can be possibly carried on a trailer or integrated on a fixed installation on the ground);

2 Installation of 12 containers at station;

3 Connecting the containers to the nitrogen network (neutral gas diffusion circuit 10);

4 Inclined positioning of containers (This step is shown in Figure 3 (b);

Opening of container C2 (denoted Op);

6 connection of the filling head T2 to the container C2;

Opening of container C4 (denoted Op);

8 connection of the filling head T4 to the container C4 (steps 5 to 6 are visible in Figure 3b);

The three conveyors 7, 8 and 15 are rotated to feed the C2 and C4 containers as a catalyst;

Filling the container C4; (Steps 9 and 10 are visible in Figure 3c);

11 Repositioning the container C4 during its filling;

12 Limit weight or product level detection in C4 and C4 filling stop and instantaneous switching of the "DISPATCHER" guiding means of the second group of containers 5b to the first group of containers 5a (from line BB to line AA ) because in this embodiment the containers are filled one after the other but they could also be filled simultaneously, then filling C2;

13 Disconnection of the filling head T4;

14 Automatic closing of C4 which is controlled by the PLC (in this first case the PLC controls mechanical means for closing the hatches, for example cylinders) or controlled by the head T4 (in the latter case each head is adapted to order mechanical means of closing traps of containers)

Moving the second conveyor line B-B to the fifth container C5; this operation of moving the conveyor line B-B can be performed during the filling of a container placed under the conveyor line A-A so as to allow a continuous operation of collecting the catalysts.

16 Refitting C2 vertically during filling;

17 Detection of weight limit or product level in C2 and C2 filling stop and tilting of the "DISPATCHER" guiding means from the first group of containers 5a to the second group of containers 5b (from the line AA to the line BB );

Disconnecting the C2 filling head from C2;

19 Automatic closing of trapdoor 12 of C2

Moving the first conveyor line AA to C6 (that is to say to the container of the same group as the neighboring container of the previously filled container). (Steps 13-16 are visible in Figure 3d); this AA line conveyor displacement operation can be performed during the filling of a container placed under the line BB conveyor so as to allow a continuous operation of collecting the catalysts.

Steps 10 to 20 are reiterated by reversing the direction of rotation of the conveyors 7 and 8 to fill the containers C1 and C3.

Thanks to the invention the filled containers are replaced by empty, using a forklift and without interrupting the filling of empty containers by the controller.

Claims

1) Solid catalyst conditioning device for chemical reactions (1), the conditioning device (1) comprising:

a catalyst conveying device (2);

a storage device (3) comprising a plurality of containers (4) adapted to receive catalyst (19) conveyed by said conveying device (2);

characterized in that

said storage device (3) comprises first and second groups of containers (5a, 5b) located in a storage area (6) of containers (4), the containers (4) of the first group (5a) being aligned according to a first alignment axis (AA) and the containers (4) of the second group (5b) being aligned along a second alignment axis (BB) distinct from said first alignment axis (AA),

said conveying device (2) comprising first and second linear conveyors (7, 8);

said first linear conveyor (7) being disposed opposite said first group of containers (5a) and being adapted to dispense catalyst to each of the containers (4) of the first group of containers (5a) in order to storing the catalyst conveyed by this first conveyor (7); and

said second linear conveyor (8) being disposed opposite said second group of containers (5b) and being adapted to dispense catalyst to each of the containers (4) of the second group of containers (5b) in order to storing the catalyst conveyed by this second conveyor (8).

2) A catalyst conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that each first and second conveyor (7, 8) is a two-way conveyor, and in that:

said first conveyor (7) is at least partly mobile with respect to said first group of containers (5a) between:

a first position in which a first end (7a) of the first conveyor (7) is disposed opposite a first container (C1) which is located at one end of the container line of the first group of containers (5a); and

a second position distinct from the first position in which a second end (7b) of said first conveyor (7) is disposed opposite a second container (C2) which is located at another end of the alignment of containers of the first group of containers (5a); and in that

said second conveyor (8) is at least partially mobile with respect to said second group of containers (5b) between:

a first position in which a first end (8a) of the second conveyor (8) is disposed opposite a third container (C3) which is located at one end of the container alignment of the second group of containers (5b); and

a second position distinct from the first position in which a second end (8b) of said second conveyor (8) is disposed opposite a fourth container (C4) which is located at another end of the container line of the second group of containers (5b).

3) catalyst conditioning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises a controller and container filling sensors and in that each first and second conveyor (7, 8) is adapted to have a clean driving direction of variable catalyst as a function of a control signal generated by said automaton, this control signal being a function of measurements of level (x) of loading of containers and / or weight of catalyst carried out using said container filling sensors.

4) A catalyst conditioning device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises position sensors of the first and second conveyors and actuators adapted to move said first and second conveyors between their said first and second respective positions and in that the first and second conveyors (7, 8) are adapted to adopt intermediate positions situated between their first and second positions, said automaton being adapted to control the positioning of each of said first and second conveyors (7, 8) between their so-called first and second positions according to container loading measurements made using said filling sensors of containers and according to measurements made using said position sensors of the first and second conveyors (7, 8). 5) catalyst conditioning device according to at least one of the preceding claims combined with claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one guiding means (16) adapted to adopt first and second distinct configurations one of on the other hand, in first configuration, this guide means (16) allows the passage of catalyst through the guide means to said first conveyor (7) and prevents the passage of catalyst through the guide means (16) to said second conveyor (8) and in second configuration, the guide means (16) prevents the passage of catalyst from the guide means (16) to said first conveyor (7) and allows the passage of catalyst from the guide means (16) to said second conveyor (8), said controller being adapted to generate a configuration change control of said at least one guide means (16) as a function of container loading level (x) and / or weight measurements. catalyst using said container filling sensors (s).

6) Catalyst conditioning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a casing (9) surrounding at least said first and second linear conveyors (7, 8). 7) catalyst conditioning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an inert gas diffusion circuit (10) adapted to diffuse inert gas to the inside of said containers (4).

8) A catalyst conditioning device according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that said inert gas diffusion circuit (10) is adapted to diffuse the inert gas inside said housing (9), thereby reducing the risk of ignition of catalyst during its conveying and inside said containers (4). 9) A catalyst conditioning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said containers (4) comprises a high opening (11) container filling, adapted to allow the passage of catalyst conveyed by the one of said first or second linear conveyors (7, 8) towards the interior of the container (4), each container (4) having a movable door (12) between a closed position preventing the passage of catalyst through the top opening (11) of this container (4) and a release position allowing the passage of catalyst through this upper opening (11) ·

10) catalyst conditioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means for remote actuation traps movable (11) adapted to position each of said traps (11) in one of its closed positions and release.

11) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device (3) comprises wedging means (14) of each of the containers (4) in said storage area (6) of the conditioning device (1), these wedging means (14) and the containers (4) being adapted to allow selective removal of each of the containers (4) of the storage device (3) from said storage area (6) and in that at least some of said wedging means (14) are movable so as to vary the inclination (I) relative to a horizontal plane of at least some of said containers (4).