Cat. Reforming - Part 2

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The document outlines the theory and process of catalyst regeneration in a refinery unit. It describes the chemistry and equipment involved in the four step regeneration process.

The four steps of catalyst regeneration are coke burning, oxychlorination, drying, and reduction.

The Vent Gas Wash Tower (T-1352) is used to remove HCl and chlorine from the regeneration vent gas using a packed bed and circulating caustic solution.

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UNIT CCR (013) REGENERATION SECTION

CHAPTER 2

DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS

CONTENTS

1.

THEORY OF PROCESS

1.1

CATALYST

1.2

CHEMISTRY

1.2.1

Coke Burning

1.2.2

Oxychlorination

1.2.3

Drying

1.2.4

Reduction

2.

PROCESS FLOW DESCRIPTION

2.1

CATALYST REGENERATION

2.1.1

Burn Zone / Reheat Zone (Figure 2)

2.1.2

Chlorination Zone (figure 3)

2.1.3

Drying Zone (figure 4)

2.1.4

Cooling Zone (figure 5)

2.1.5

Reduction Zone (figure 6)

2.2

CATALYST CIRCULATION

2.2.1

Spent Catalyst Transfer

2.2.2

Regenerated Catalyst Transfer

2.2.3

Catalyst Circulation Control

2.2.4

Process Pressures and Environments

2.3

VENT GAS WASH TOWER

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3.

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

3.1

REGENERATION TOWER T-1351

3.2

NITROGEN SEAL DRUM D-1357

3.3

LOCK HOPPER D-1358

3.4

L-VALVE ASSEMBLIES

3.5

LIFT LINES

3.6

REDUCTION ZONE

3.7

DISENGAGING HOPPER D-1353

3.8

DUST COLLECTOR A-1352

3.9

LIFT GAS AND FINES REMOVAL CIRCUIT

3.10

REGENERATION BLOWER B-1352

3.11

REGENERATION COOLER E-1355

3.12

ELECTRIC HEATERS

3.13

VALVES

3.13.1

V-Valves

3.13.2

B-Valves

3.14

OXYGEN ANALYZER

3.15

HYDROGEN/HYDROCARBON ANALYZER

3.16

CATALYST ADDITION FUNNEL AND CATALYST ADDITION LOCK HOPPER

3.17

AIR DRYER A-1353

3.18

CATALYST SAMPLERS

3.19

VENT GAS SCRUBBER M-1351

3.20

VENT GAS WASH TOWER T-1352

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1. THEORY OF PROCESS
1.1 CATALYST
The UOP Platforming catalyst consists of metals impregnated on an alumina base. A
wide variety of metals can be used, but platinum is the chief metal. The alumina base
acts as a support for the metal. The alumina is also a support for chloride.
In the Platforming reactors, both the metal and the chlorinated base help catalyze
desirable reactions. In short, the catalyst has two functions. The metal catalyzes
hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The chlorided alumina acid function
catalyzes isomerization and cracking reactions.
Optimum catalyst performance requires a proper balance of these two catalytic
functions. Too much or too little of one or the other will upset the selectivity and activity
of the catalyst. As a result, the performance of the catalyst in the Platforming reactors
will suffer.
The operation of the Catalyst Regeneration Section has a great effect on the proper
balance of the metal and chloride functions. Each of the four steps of catalyst
regeneration must be done well to ensure the proper balance is maintained. Proper
operation of the Catalyst Regeneration Section will help ensure optimum performance of
the catalyst and long catalyst life.
In addition to its optimum catalytic properties, the catalyst also has strong physical
properties. It is specially made to be resistant to attrition. Proper construction and
operation of the Catalyst Regeneration Section will help preserve the good mechanical
strength of the catalyst and minimize attrition.
1.2 CHEMISTRY
The Catalyst Regeneration process is a four step process where the desirable
regeneration reactions are completed on the catalyst. The operating conditions for each
step are designed to help certain chemical reactions. Each step is important in its own
right, and all four steps must be performed correctly. The goal is to restore the catalyst
to a condition that is close to that of fresh catalyst as possible. The basic regeneration
chemistry is the same for all regenerations sections.
1.2.1

Coke Burning
The first step burns coke off the catalyst. Coke burning takes place with oxygen by the
combustion reaction. It makes carbon dioxide and water and gives off heat (exothermic):
Coke + O2 CO2 + H2O + Heat
This reaction is necessary and desirable to remove coke, but it can be easily damage
the catalyst. It results in a temperature rise on the catalyst, and high temperature greatly
increases the risk of a permanent type of damage to the catalyst. So the burning must
be controlled. This is done by controlling the oxygen content during the burn. High
oxygen makes the burn temperatures high. But low oxygen makes the burning too slow.
During normal operation, the oxygen content is kept between 0.5 0.8 mol% oxygen.
This is an optimum range to maximize the coke burning rate while minimizing the coke
burning temperature.

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Oxychlorination
The second step adjusts the chloride content and oxidizes and diperses the metals (i.e.
platinum) on the catalyst. These reactions take place by complex reactions with oxygen
and an organic chloride compound. These reactions need both oxygen and chloride.
The chloride adjustment reactions can be summed up as follows :
HCl + CO2 + H2O

(1)

Chloride Compound + O2

(2)

HCl + O2

Cl2 + H2O (Deacon Equilibrium)

(3)

Base-OH + HCl

Base-Cl + H2O

Chloride is needed on the catalyst to keep the proper activity of the acid function. But
too much or too little chloride will have undesirable effects in the Platforming reactors.
So the amount of chloride on the catalyst must be controlled. This is done by controlling
the injection rate of the chloride compound. During normal operation, the chloride
content of the oxidized catalyst is kept between 1.1 1.3 wt% chloride, depending on
the catalyst series. This is an optimum range for the acid function of the catalyst.
The oxidation and redispersion reactions can be summarized as follows:
Metal + O2

Cl2

Oxidized Metal (dispersed)

The more evenly distributed the metal is on the catalyst surface, the better the metal
function of the catalyst will be. The conditions that help oxidation and redispersion of the
metal are the high oxygen concentration, long residence time, correct temperature, and
correct chloride concentration.
1.2.3

Drying
The third step dries excess moisture from the catalyst. Excess moisture is on the
catalyst from the coke burning step. Drying takes place when a hot, dry gas flows across
the catalyst. The drying step can be thought of as stripping water off the catalyst base:
Base-H2O + Dry Gas

Base + Gas + H2O

The drier the catalyst is before it re-enters the Platforming reactors, the better its overall
performance will be. This drying step is helped by high temperature, long drying time,
and drying gas flow rates adequate to ensure good gas distribution and sufficient
thermal mass.
1.2.4

Reduction
The fourth step converts the metals from an oxidized state to a reduced state. This must
be done after the oxychlorination step to return the catalyst to a state that is catalytically
active in the Platforming reactors. The reduction reaction takes place with hydrogen by
the following reaction:
Oxidized Metal + H2

Reduced Metal + H2O

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The more complete the reduction is, the better the metal will perform in the Platforming
reactors. The conditions that help this reaction are high hydrogen purity, reduction gas
flow rates adequate to ensure good gas distribution, and sufficient reduction zone
temperatures.

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2. PROCESS FLOW DESCRIPTION


Figure 2.2.1 is a flow diagram of the UOP CycleMax Catalyst Regeneration Section. The
Catalyst Regeneration Section performs two functions: catalyst regeneration and
catalyst circulation.
2.1 CATALYST REGENERATION
Catalyst regeneration consists if four steps. The first three steps coke burning,
oxychlorination, and drying occur in the Regeneration Tower T-1351. The fourth step,
reduction, occurs in the Reduction Zone atop the reactor stack. A fifth step, catalyst
cooling, is not part of the regeneration but is required for proper catalyst transfer. This
step occurs in the regeneration Tower.
Figure 2.2.1

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Burn Zone / Reheat Zone (Figure 2.2.2)


The burning of coke from the catalyst occurs in the Burn Zone at the top of the
Regeneration tower. Catalyst enters and flows downward between a vertical, cylindrical
outerscreen and an inwardly tapered innerscreen. Hot regeneration gas, containing a
low concentration of oxygen, flows radially from the outside to the inside of the catalyst
bed. Coke burning occurs as the catalyst moves down in the bed. The coke burning
should be complete when the catalyst exits the Burn Zone. The purpose of the tapered
centerscreen is two-fold: (1) To minimize the volume of catalyst behind the turn front.
This catalyst is exposed to oxygen-deficient gas which is high in temperature and
moisture. These are the conditions which promote catalyst surface area loss. (2) To
concentrate the flow of regeneration gas at the top of the bed where coke burning is
oxygen diffusion limited, a slower flow of gas is acceptable and residence time is of
greater importance. The hot combustion gas mixes with the gas flowing up from the
Chlorination Zone. This oxygen-rich chlorination gas supplies the oxygen for burning
coke. The combined gases flow back to the Regeneration Blower B-1352. The Blower
recycles the gases through the Burn Zone piping loop. The regeneration Cooler E-1355
removes the heat generated by the coke burning. The Regeneration Heater H-1353
operates, if heat loss in the piping is greater than the heat of combustion, to heat the gas
to the proper zone inlet temperature. The oxygen analyzer 013-AI-502 controls the
oxygen content at the Burn zone inlet. The products of combustion are vented at the
Regeneration Tower T-1351 inlet so as to provide a constant controlled temperature
vent gas to the downstream chloride scrubbing equipment.
After catalyst exits the Burn Zone it enters the Reheat Zone. In this zone the catalyst is
contacted radially with hot combustion gas from the Regeneration Blower discharge B1352. The purpose of this zone is to raise the temperature of the catalyst to that required
in the chlorination zone. The flow rate of the reheat gas is typically 10% of the total
regeneration gas flow. The Reheat Zone also provides additional residence time for
oxygen diffusion limited coke combustion in case of coke breakthrough.
Figure 2.2.2

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Chlorination Zone (figure 2.2.3)


Oxidizing and dispersing the metals on the catalyst, and adjusting the chloride content
on the catalyst base occur in the Chlorination Zone. The Chlorination Zone is located
below the Burn Zone / Reheat Zone. Catalyst enters and flows downward in a cylindrical
bed defined by an annular baffle. Hot air from the Drying Zone below flows upward into
the region behind the annular baffle. At this point, vaporized organic chloride is
introduced to the gas through a distributor. The resulting chlorination gas then flows
through the catalyst bed and exits into the Burn Zone.
Figure 2.2.3

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Drying Zone (figure 2.2.4)


Catalyst drying occurs in the Drying Zone. The Drying Zone is below the chlorination
zone. Catalyst enters and flows downward in a cylindrical bed. Hot drying gas flows
upward through the catalyst bed. The drying gas is air from the Cooling Zone below and
the instrument air Header. Both the above gases are dried to a very low moisture
content in the Air Dryer A-1353 before entering the Regeneration Tower T-1351. The Air
heater H-1354 heats the gas to the proper inlet temperature. The gas from the cooling
Zone is hot, as it has been preheated by exchange with hot catalyst in that zone. This
preheat reduces the net duty on the Air Heater. From the Drying Zone the drying air
splits into two streams, one entering the Chlorination Zone behind the annular baffle and
one exiting the Regeneration Tower. The split depends on the amount of air needed to
coke burning. The flow rate of air that is needed for coke burning enters into the
chlorination Zone. Any excess air vents directly from the Regeneration Tower T-1351 on
oxygen control. The air in excess of the coke burning requirement is needed in the
Drying Zone for more complete moisture removal in that zone.
Figure 2.2.4

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Cooling Zone (figure 2.2.5)


The Cooling Zone serves two functions, cooling the catalyst for downstream handling,
and preheating a portion of the air to the Drying Zone. Cooling the catalyst reduces the
metallurgy requirement for the downstream catalyst transfer equipment and facilitates
catalyst transfer by permitting isothermal catalyst lifting. Preheating the Drying Zone air
lowers the duty required for the Air Heater, thus saving on utilities. The cooling gas is air
from the Air Dryer A-1353. The Gas exits the zone and mixes with instrument air from
the Air Dryer then enters the Air Heater before going to the Drying Zone. The split
between air going to the Cooling Zone and air going directly to the Drying Zone
determines the temperature of the catalyst exiting the Regeneration Tower T-1351.
Figure 2.2.5

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Reduction Zone (figure 2.2.6)


Reducing the metals on the catalyst occurs in the reduction zone. The reduction zone is
at the top of the Reactor Stack. Oxidized catalyst enters the top of the zone via the
regenerated catalyst lift line. The catalyst flows downward through two cylindrical beds
with a gas disengaging area between them. The catalyst exits the zone and enters the
first Platforming reactor. Reduction gas of intermediate temperature is supplied to the
upper cyclindrical bed and flows co-current with the catalyst. Reduction gas of higher
temperature is supplied to the lower cylindrical bed and flows counter-current to the
catalyst flow. Both gases exit from the Reduction Zone via the gas disengaging area.
The reduction gas is hydrogen-rich gas from the Platforming Unit recontact or chiller
section. The reduction Heaters H-1351 & 1352 heat the gas to the proper inlet
temperatures for each bed in the zone.
The purpose of the dual zone reduction is to affect optimum and independently
controlled reduction conditions for the proper performance of the catalyst. A low
temperature reduction is performed in the upped bed, with the water of reduction being
swept downward with the gas. The presence of moisture in this zone is not detrimental
to catalyst performance due to the low temperature. In the lower zone, a high
temperature reduction is performed under dry conditions. The moisture of reduction is
swept away fro the high temperature reduction front by the counter-current flow of gas.
This is important, as the combination of high temperature and high moisture can lead to
the metal agglomeration and improper metal reduction.
Figure 2.2.6

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2.2 CATALYST CIRCULATION


Catalyst circulation consists of transferring catalyst from the Platforming reactors to the
Regeneration Section and back again.
2.2.1

Spent Catalyst Transfer


The catalyst circulation control scheme is shown in Figure 2.2.7. Spent catalyst flows by
gravity from the bottom of the last reactor to the Catalyst Collector. Catalyst flows
downward into the Spent Catalyst L-Valve Assembly against an upward flow of nitrogen.
At the L-Valve Asssembly, circulating nitrogen from the Lift Gas Blower C-1351engages
the catalyst and lifts it through the catalyst lift line to the Disengaging Hopper D-1353. In
the Disengaging Hopper D-1353, additional circulating nitrogen from the Fines Removal
Blower B-1351 separates catalyst chips and fines from the whole catalyst and carries
them out to the top with the gas. The chips and fines are removed in the Dust Collector
A-1352 and the nitrogen circulates back to the suction of the Fines Removal Blower B1351 and the Lift Gas Blower C-1351. The Whole catalyst drops to the bottom of the
Disengaging Hopper D-1353, and flows by gravity into the Regeneration Tower T-1351.
The catalyst flows through and out of the Regeneration Tower by gravity.

2.2.2

Regenerated Catalyst Transfer


From the Regeneration Tower T-1351, the catalyst flows by gravity into the Nitrogen
Seal Drum D-1357 against a flow of nitrogen. From the Nitrogen Seal Drum the catalyst
flows into the Lock Hopper D-1358. The Lock Hopper removes small batches of catalyst
from the vessels above and transfers catalyst continuously into the Regenerated
Catalyst L-Valve Assembly. At the L-Valve assembly, hydrogen-rich gas from the
recontact chiller section of the Platforming Unit engages the catalyst and lifts it through
the catalyst lift line to the Reduction Zone above the first Platforming reactor R-1301.
The catalyst flows through the Reduction Zone to the top of the first reactor by gravity.
The catalyst flows through and out each reactor by gravity until reaches the catalyst
collector. This completes the transfer circuit. Catalyst flow between the reactors through
equally spaced transfer lines designed to ensure even catalyst flow from all sides of
each reactor.

2.2.3

Catalyst Circulation Control


The catalyst circulation is shown in Figure 2.2.7. The catalyst circulation rate for the
entire system is set by the Regenerator Control System (RCS) and its direct control of
the regenerated catalyst lift rate. The desired catalyst circulation rate is entered into the
RCS and it generates an output signal that adjusts the catalyst circulation as described
below. The lift line pressure drop is used as a control parameter because it varies
directly with catalyst flux (catalyst flow rate) in the lift line. The rate of catalyst lifting, as
performed by the L-Valve Assembly, is controlled by splitting a constant lift gas flow
between the primary and secondary addition points. In practice, this is achieved by
keeping the total lift gas flow constant and varying only the secondary lift gas rate. In
addition to the above, the rate of change of the catalyst lift rate must be slow and
controlled to maintain the stability of the process environment isolation systems utilized
in the CycleMax design. Large or rapid changes in catalyst lift rate could result in the
contamination of the oxygen atmosphere in the Regeneration Tower T-1351 by
hydrogen gas, or interruption of catalyst flow to the L-Valve Assemblies.

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Regenerated (oxidized) catalyst flows from the Regeneration Tower T-1351, through the
Nitrogen Seal Drum D-1357, into the Lock Hopper by gravity. In the Lock Hopper, small
batches are transferred from the Regeneration Tower to the Regenerated Catalyst LValve Assembly. Hydrogen rich gas engages the catalyst and lifts it through the
catalyst lift line to the Reduction Zone above the Platforming Reactors. The flow rate of
the regenerated catalyst, and thus the entire system is set by an output signal from the
RCS to the Regenerated Catalyst Lift line 013-PDIC-531. The RCS output signal is
determined from the desired catalyst flow setpoint (circulation rate) entered. The RCS
sets the 013-PDIC-531 setpoint to a value stored in the RCS memory commensurate
with the flow setpoint entered. The ouptput signal from the regenerated catalyst lift line
013-PDRC-531 resets the regenerated catalyst secondary lift gas 013-FRC-535 (Flow
Recorder Controller) setpoint directly. The flow of secondary lift gas as set by the FRC
controls the catalyst lifting via the L-Valve Assembly to the Reduction Zone. As lifted
catalyst is replaced by catalyst from the Lock Hopper Surge Zone, the level in that zone
falls. Once the low level setting on level indicator is reached, the RCS initiates the
transfer of one batch of catalyst from the Regeneration Tower to the Surge Zone via
cycling of the Lock Hopper Zone. The Lock Hopper Zone load size is a known weight of
catalyst, calibrated during the initial startup of the unit. The actual circulation rate is
determined based on a running average of the frequency of Lock Hopper loads
transferred. The regenerated catalyst lift line 013-PDRC-531 setpoint is then ramped up
or down by the RCS to reach the point where the actual circulation matches the desired
circulation rate entered into the RCS.
Spent catalyst flows by gravity from the bottom of the last reactor R-1304 to the Catalyst
Collector. Catalyst flows downward, against a low, upward flow of nitrogen, into the
Spent Catalyst L-Valve Assembly. Circulating nitrogen form the Disengaging Hopper D1353 engages the catalyst and lifts it, via the catalyst lift line, to the Disengaging Hopper
above the Regeneration Tower T-1351. Since regenerated catalyst is being lifted to the
reduction zone, spent catalyst is removed from the Platforming Reactors so as to
maintain a level in the upper bed of the Reduction Zone atop the reactor stack. The LRC
(Level Recorder Controller) 013-LIC-501 at the Reduction Zone sends a signal resetting
the spent catalyst lift line PDRC (Pressure Differential Recorder Controller) 013-PDIC510A setpoint via a signal selector. The signal selector also receives a signal from the
Regenerator Control System. The output signal from the spent catalyst lift line PDRC
resets the spent catalyst secondary lift gas FRC (Flow Recorder Controller) 013-FIC512 setpoint via a signal selector. The selector also receives an output signal from the
Reactor/Spent Catalyst Lift line PDRC 013-PDIC-510B. The flow of secondary lift gas as
set by the FRC controls catalyst lifting rate via the L-Valve Assembly to the Disengaging
Hopper D-1353.
The signal selectors, and the secondary inputs they incorporate, are required to
maintain the stability of the process environment isolation systems utilized in the
CycleMax design. A large or rapid increase in catalyst lift rate could interrupt catalyst
flow from the reactor. The low signal selector receiving input from the Reduction Zone
LRC 013-LIC-501B also receives a signal form the Regenerator Control System. The
latter signal is an adjustable ramping function designed to slowly increase the catalyst
flow rate from 0% to 100% of the design catalyst circulation rate. This ramping is used
by the Catalyst Flow Control in the RCS only when catalyst circulation is restarted from
zero. At some point during the catalyst circulation ramp, the signal from the LRC will be
less than that of the ramp function. At that point, the low signal selector will use the LRC
signal as its output signal to spent catalyst lift line PDRC.
The signal selector that receives input from the lift line PDRC also receives a signal from
the Reactor/Spent Catalyst Lift Line (R/SCLL) PDRC. The latter signal serves to limit the
magnitude and speed of catalyst lift rate changes for system stability. If the catalyst lift
rate increases rapidly, the differential pressure between the lift pipe and the Reactor will

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increase (the bottom of the lift line being maintained at a higher pressure than the
reactor) and the high upward flow of gas will impede catalyst flow downwards to the L
assembly. Once the pressure differential increases to near that which will impede
catalyst flow, the R/SCLL PDRC output will limit the catalyst lift rate by limiting the
secondary lift gas flow.

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Process Pressures and Environments


There are several inherent hazards to overcome in order to transfers catalyst safely
between the reaction between the reaction section and the Regeneration Section of a
continuous Platforming Unit. This is because the two sections operate at different
pressures and under different environments, as shown in figures 2.2.8 and 2.2.9. first,
the low pressure equipment on the Regeneration Section must at all times be kept safe
from the high pressure equipment in the Platforming Section. Second, the
hydrogen/hydrocarbon environment of the reaction section must at all times be kept safe
from the oxygen-containing environment of the Regeneration Section. Through the
design of the equipment and through the programmed sequences of the Regenerator
Control System, the Regeneration Section accomplishes these tasks.
The hydrogen/hydrocarbon and oxygen atmospheres are separated by the use of
nitrogen bubbles. A nitrogen bubble in its simplest form is a region between hydrogen
containing equipment and oxygen containing equipment maintained as a pure N2
atmosphere. This is accomplished by keeping the pure N2 region at a higher pressure
than the equipment on either side of it. Nitrogen bubbles are maintained in the
Regeneration Section just below the Reactors, i.e., the spent catalyst transfer system
and the Disengaging Hopper D-1353; and just below the regeneration tower T-1351,
i.e., the Nitrogen Seal Drum. The reactor and regenerator pressures are kept separate
by allowing a pressure gradient to exist across a standpipe of catalyst. The pressure
drop is maintained by the flow of gas from high to low pressure though the resistance of
a catalyst bed. Such pressure gradients are maintained between the Disengaging
Hopper D-1353 and the Regeneration Tower T-1351, and between zones within the
Lock Hopper D-1358.

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Figure 2.2.9

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2.3 VENT GAS WASH TOWER


The regeneration gases containing HCl and Cl2 are washed with a caustic solution in a
wash tower T-1352.
This is accomplished by contacting the rising acidic gases counter-currently with caustic.
Cold Condensate is added to caustic solution via water injection pumps P-1354 A/B
before entering the wash tower T-1352 under Wash Tower Level Control
A continuous flowrate of spent caustic is extracted of the loop at P-1351 A/B discharge
to maintain neutralization products concentration in loop.
Caustic needs to be injected at P-1351 A/B discharge to balance loss during
neutralization reaction and spent caustic drain.
20 Be caustic goes from header to caustic break tank D-1359 from where it is pumped
by P-1353A/B to be injected in caustic circulation loop.
The caustic flow is controlled manually by adjusting the pumpstroke of injection pump.
The flow of caustic is adjusted to maintain the total alkalinity of circulating caustic at 0.35
wt%, which should correspond to a pH level between 7.5 and 8.5.
The spent caustic drawn off contains NaClO which needs to be neutralized. This is done
with sodium sulfite which acts as an oxygen scavenger.
In case of Vent Gas Wash Tower T-1352 overflow, it will be collected in caustic sump
TK-1399. Pump P-1399 is used to empty this sump and send the flow to spent caustic
line to OWS. A 23 wt% of sodium sulfite solution is prepared in D-1398. The sodium
sulfite will neutralize the continuous purge from T-1352 and the intermittent flow from P1399 in event of T-1352 overflow to TK-1399. This solution is injected in the sewer
connection OWS downstream of P-1399 discharge to spent caustic line to OWS. The
NaClO is neutralized in line by sodium sulfite via P-1398.

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3. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
3.1 REGENERATION TOWER T-1351
For most units, the Regeneration Tower and its internals are made of stainless steel.
The Regeneration Tower T-1351 contains five separate zones the Burn Zone, Reheat
Zone, Chlorination Zone, Drying Zone, and Cooling Zone. See Figures 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and
2.3.3.
Catalyst enters the top of the Regeneration Tower T-1351 via a number of symmetrical
pipes. The catalyst flows by gravity into the Burn Zone. The system is designed for
uniform catalyst flow into the Burn Zone.
The Burn Zone is an annular catalyst bed between a truly vertical outer screen and an
inwardly sloping inner screen. The outer screen is welded at the bottom to the vessel
wall of the Regeneration tower and it is connected at the top to the vessel wall by a wire
mesh. At the bottom of the outer screen where it is attached, there are a number of
horizontal slots to allow for free drainage of the area behind the outer screen.
A slip-stream from the Regeneration Blower B-1352 enters the Regeneration Tower T1351 at the top of the outer screen as direct seal gas. A sealed, annular plate below this
inlet prevents the gas from flowing downwards into the Burn Zone hence forcing it
upwards. The wire mesh atop the outer screen allows for this direct seal gas to flow over
the top of the outer screen and enter the catalyst bed from the top without catalyst falling
behind the outer screen. This seal gas flow is to prevent catalyst fluidization at the top of
the annulus.
The top of the inner screen is attached to the top head of the Regeneration Tower T1351. At the bottom, the inner screen fits around guide vanes to prevent sideways
movement. The screens are designed for uniform gas flow and coke burning all around
the Burn Zone. Regeneration gas enters the Burn Zone through the inlet nozzle outside
of the outer screen and it exits through the outlet pipe at the top of the inner screen.
Both screens are specially made with smooth, vertical screen bars to minimize catalyst
breakage and plugging. But periodically these screens must be cleaned to ensure good
gas flow through them.
The Reheat Zone is directly below the Burn Zone, and catalyst flows by gravity into it.
Like the Burn Zone except smaller, the Reheat Zone is a annular catalyst bed between
the outer screen and the inner screen. The zone is designed to preheat the catalyst
entering the Chlorination Zone with the hot outlet gases from the Burn Zone. It is
separated from the Burn Zone by a baffle located outside of and near the bottom of the
outer screen. The baffle is perforated by a number of small holes to allow for free
drainage of the area above the baffle. Gas enters the Reheat Zone through the inlet
nozzle outside of the outer screen and it exits upward inside the inner screen and into
the Burn Zone.
Inside the inner screen are special thermocouples to measure the temperature of the
regeneration gas at various points down the catalyst bed. These thermocouples are
inside thermowells that extend down from nozzles in the top head of the Regeneration
Tower. Except for the two thermocouples that measure the temperature in the Reheat
Zone, all the rest measure temperatures in the Burn Zone. These "bed" temperatures
give a very good indication of changes in the coke burning in the Burn Zone and should
be recorded on a regular basis. There is a single thermocouple located at the catalyst
exit of the Reheat Zone. This is called the Chlorination Zone thermocouple as it
indicates the temperature of the gas exiting this zone. This temperature gives a good
indication if there is any coke combustion in the Chlorination Zone.

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Below the screens, guide vanes direct the catalyst by gravity flow into the Chlorination
Zone. The Chlorination Zone is a cylindrical catalyst bed inside an annular baffle that is
attached to the wall of the Regeneration Tower. Gas enters the Chlorination Zone from
the Drying Zone through perforations in the plate separating the two zones. The gas first
enters an annular region defined by the vessel wall and an annular baffle. At this point
organic chloride is introduced to the gas via two chloride distributors set 180 apart. The
gas then enters the bottom of the cylindrical catalyst bed where the chlorination of the
catalyst occurs. The annular baffle is specially designed to provide uniform gas flow
down the outside of the baffle and up through the catalyst bed. Gas exits the zone
upward into the inside of the inner screen at the Reheat Zone.
The Drying Zone is below the Chlorination Zone, and catalyst flows by gravity into it
through a conical funnel and a distributor. Like the Chlorination Zone, the Drying Zone is
a cylindrical catalyst bed inside an annular baffle. Gas enters the Drying Zone through
the inlet nozzle in the wall of the Regeneration Tower. The annular baffle is specially
designed to provide uniform gas flow down the outside of the baffle and up through the
catalyst bed. Gas exits the zone through the drying air outlet nozzle in the wall of the
Regeneration Tower above the catalyst bed, and the aforementioned perforations in the
plate separating the Drying Zone from the Chlorination Zone. One Drying Zone gas
outlet is the inlet to the Chlorination Zone. Here, an organic chloriding agent is injected
into the drying gas, and enters the Chlorination Zone. The other Drying Zone gas outlet
nozzle is a vent that exhausts excess drying gas from the Regeneration Tower through
a control valve.
The cylindrical distributor leading to the Drying Zone is pierced in four locations by vapor
tunnels. These tunnels allow for vapor equalization between the area enclosed by the
distributor and the area outside the distributor. This communication is important to
ensure even gas distribution across the cylindrical bed of the Drying Zone.
The Cooling Zone is below the Drying Zone, and catalyst flows by gravity into it through
a conical funnel and a distributor. Like the Drying Zone, the Cooling Zone is a cylindrical
catalyst bed inside an annular baffle. Gas enters the Cooling Zone through the inlet
nozzle in the wall of the Regeneration Tower. The annular baffle is specially designed to
provide uniform gas flow down the outside of the baffle and up through the catalyst bed.
Gas exits the zone through a cooling gas outlet nozzle in the wall of the Regeneration
Tower above the catalyst bed. The gas exiting the nozzle is routed, along with air from
the Air Dryer A-1353, to the Air Heater H-1354 to supply the Drying Zone.
As above, the cylindrical distributor leading to the Cooling Zone is pierced in four
locations by vapor tunnels. These tunnels allow for vapor equalization between the area
enclosed by the distributor and the area outside the distributor. This communication is
important to ensure even gas distribution across the cylindrical bed of the Cooling Zone.
For inspection purposes, access to the various zones is gained through the top of the
vessel via the Burn Zone gas outlet nozzle. The inside of the inner screen is accessible
immediately through the outlet nozzle. At the bottom of the inner screen, where the
catalyst guide vanes attach to a cylindrical support, there is a manway for further access
to the lower zones of the tower. Access to the Drying Zone and Cooling Zones is
achieved by the use of a removable cone in the center of the conical funnels.

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Figure 2.3.2

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Figure 2.3.3

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3.2 NITROGEN SEAL DRUM D-1357


The Nitrogen Seal Drum D-1357 and its internals are made of carbon steel. Catalyst
enters at the top of the Seal Drum into a gas Disengaging Zone (used primarily for
Catalyst Change-out on the Fly). The catalyst then passes through a standpipe into a
Purge Zone and then out of the vessel. Nitrogen enters the purge zone and flows
upward through the standpipe and the catalyst bed in the disengaging zone then out the
catalyst inlet. Nitrogen also flows downward through the catalyst bed in the purge zone
and out of the catalyst outlet. See Figure 2.3.4.
The normal function of this vessel is to provide a nitrogen addition point clear of catalyst
for the Regenerated Catalyst Isolation System (Nitrogen Bubble), but serves an
additional purpose for the optional Catalyst Change-out on the Fly. During Catalyst
Change-out on the Fly, the Nitrogen Seal Drum D-1357 serves to receive and purge air
from fresh catalyst loaded into the unit. Fresh catalyst enters the seal drum catalyst inlet
via a Catalyst Addition Hopper D-1356 and passes through the drum as during normal
operation. The difference is that the catalyst is added batchwise rather than
continuously. To facilitate the catalyst addition a catalyst level indicator is provided to
signal when the drum is ready to accept a load of fresh catalyst. The nitrogen flow path
is also similar to normal operation except gas exits the vessel from the top via the gas
bypass nozzle rather than the catalyst inlet. The reason for this is that during catalyst
change-out the gas equalization between the seal drum D-1357 and the Regeneration
Tower T-1351 is provided through this bypass line.

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Figure 2.3.4

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3.3 LOCK HOPPER D-1358


The Lock Hopper D-1358 and its internals are made of killed carbon steel. The Lock
Hopper contains three separate zones the Disengaging Zone, Lock Hopper Zone, and
Surge Zone. See Figure 2.3.5.
Catalyst enters at the top of the Lock Hopper via a Restriction Orifice. This orifice serves
to limit the instantaneous catalyst withdrawal from the Regeneration Tower T-1351 to an
acceptable rate. This allows for maintenance of a steady burn profile as the catalyst is
circulated through the unit. Below the Restriction Orifice are the three catalyst zones.
The top zone is called the Disengaging Zone, the middle zone is called the Lock Hopper
Zone, and the bottom zone is called the Surge Zone. The zones are designed to operate
together to transfer catalyst in small batches and to raise the pressure surrounding the
catalyst. All three zones operate under an environment of Platforming booster gas, but
at two different pressures. The Disengaging Zone operates at nearly Regeneration
Tower T-1351 pressure, the Surge Zone operates at nearly Regenerated Catalyst LValve Assembly (Reactor No. 1) pressure, and the Lock Hopper Zone cycles between
these two pressures. A pressure instrument indicates the pressuring and depressuring
of the Lock Hopper Zone.
The Disengaging Zone has two gas nozzles an equalization nozzle for gases from the
Lock Hopper Zone and a vent nozzle equipped with a screen for venting excess gases.
The Lock Hopper Zone has one gas nozzle an equalization nozzle equipped with a
screen that is for gases from the Surge Zone and to the Disengaging Zone. And the
Surge Zone has two gas nozzles an equalization nozzle equipped with a screen for
gases to the Lock Hopper Zone and a nozzle for the makeup gas to the Lock Hopper.
A nuclear level instrument 013-LE-508 with a high-level switch and a low-level switch
is mounted on brackets outside the Lock Hopper Zone to control the unloading and
loading of the Lock Hopper Zone. Another nuclear level instrument 013-LE-507 is
mounted on brackets outside the Surge Zone to indicate the catalyst level in the Surge
Zone.
For inspection purposes, there is one manway in the Surge Zone. Also, there are
inspection handholes to the bottom of the standpipe in each zone. The three sections of
the Lock Hopper are connected with body flanges that can be opened as needed for
access.

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3.4 L-VALVE ASSEMBLIES


There are two L-Valve Assemblies, located at the base of each catalyst lift line, that
fluidize and transport catalyst using lift gas. See Figure 2.3.6. The Spent Catalyst LValve Assembly transports spent catalyst from the bottom of the Platforming reactor
stack to the top of the regeneration section. The Regenerated Catalyst L-Valve
Assembly transports regenerated catalyst from the bottom of the regeneration section
back to the top of the Platforming reactor stack.
Both L-Valve Assemblies are identical in most essential respects, including metallurgy
and geometry. Both assemblies are made of the same material as the catalyst lift pipe,
that is carbon steel. Catalyst enters the assembly via a vertical pipe and then reaches a
horizontal section. The horizontal section continues until it intersects the catalyst lift line
proper. The length of the horizontal section is such that the catalyst slope that forms will
not reach the lift line. Lift gas is supplied to the assembly at two locations. The primary
lift gas is introduced at the bottom of the lift pipe, and the secondary lift gas is introduced
at the side of the vertical pipe upstream of the horizontal section. At three of the four gas
inlets, a screen is provided to prevent the catalyst from backing up into the lift gas
supply line. This screen is not present in the Secondary Lift Gas line of the Spent
Catalyst L-Valve assembly since plugging of this screen would send a false high signal
to the Spent Catalyst Lift Line and Isolation System controllers. At the bottom of each lift
pipe, a removable spool piece is provided in order to facilitate clearing the lift pipe if the
catalyst slumps and can not be lifted by the lift gas flow. The catalyst lift line temperature
is measured with a skin thermocouple.
The rate of catalyst lifting is set by the flow rate of secondary lift gas. As the rate of
secondary gas increases so does the catalyst lift rate. The secondary lift gas, in effect,
pushes the catalyst in the horizontal section into the primary lift gas flow and together
both lift gas flows transport the catalyst upward. For this reason, the dimensions and
orientation of the piping associated with the L-Valve Assembly are critical and must be
maintained as specified.
The L-Valve Assembly must be kept clean of debris, hydrocarbon liquid, or foreign
materials, because these can influence catalyst lifting. The removable spool piece
allows the L-Valve Assembly to be cleaned if needed.

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Figure 2.3.6

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3.5 LIFT LINES


There are two lift lines that transport catalyst using lift gas. One transports spent catalyst
from the Spent Catalyst L-Valve Assembly to the top of the regeneration section. The
other transports regenerated catalyst from the Regenerated Catalyst L-Valve Assembly
to the top of the Platforming reactor stack.
To minimize catalyst attrition and minimize fluctuations in lift line pressure drop, the
construction of both lift lines is rigorous. Directional changes are made with special,
"impactless" elbows (see Figure 2.3.7). The number of elbows and line joints in the lift
lines is minimized. Only downward sloping runs are allowed and the total length of the
lift line is minimized.
Lift line joints are of special construction. Except for one flange at the top of the reactor
stack, flanges are not allowed. Instead, pipe sections are joined together by one of two
fabrication methods. The preferred method employs a Dur-O-Lok coupling assembly
(see Figure 2.3.8). The two Dur-O-Lok hubs are a machined pair. They match at the
joint with minimal gap and offset. The seal is self-energizing using an internal O-ring and
an external split coupler, held in position with set screws. Experience has shown a
significant reduction in catalyst attrition in regeneration units using this type of lift pipe
joint. The alternate (but not recommended) method is shown in Figure 2.3.9.

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Figure 2.3.7

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Figure 2.3.8

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Figure 2.3.9

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3.6 REDUCTION ZONE


The Reduction Zone and its internals are made of Cr-Mo alloy steel. Catalyst enters at
the top of the Reduction Zone via the regenerated catalyst lift line. The Reduction Zone
vessel sits atop the reactor stack, and catalyst exits to the first Platforming reactor
directly below it via catalyst transfer lines. The Reduction Zone actually consists of two
zones, an Upper and Lower Reduction Zone. Both zones are cylindrical catalyst beds
inside annular baffles that are attached to the wall of the vessel. See Figure 2.3.10.
Gas enters the Reduction Zone through two inlet nozzles in the wall of the vessel. The
upper reduction zone gas enters above the catalyst bed of the Upper Reduction Zone,
flows through the bed, and exits the vessel through a nozzle behind the annular baffle of
the Upper Reduction Zone. The annular baffle is specially designed for proper
disengagement of the reduction gas from the catalyst to prevent entrainment. The lower
reduction zone gas enters the vessel behind the annular baffle of the Lower Reduction
Zone. The annular baffle is specially designed for uniform gas flow down the outside of
the baffle and up through the catalyst bed. Gas exits the vessel through the same nozzle
as the upper reduction zone gas. The gas outlet nozzle, and the immediate downstream
piping, are set at an upward slope as an additional safeguard to prohibit any entrained
catalyst from leaving the vessel.
A nuclear level instrument 013-LE-501 is mounted on brackets outside the Reduction
Surge Zone to control the catalyst level of the entire Reactor stack, inclusive of the
Reduction Zone. This control is effected by indirectly controlling the rate of catalyst
withdrawal from the Reactor stack. Special thermocouples 013-TI-508 to 512 extend
down from a nozzle in the top head of the Reduction Zone and measure the temperature
at various points in the catalyst bed of the Lower Reduction Zone. There are also
thermocouples 013-TI-513/514/515/516 to measure the vessel skin temperature in the
area where catalyst is in contact with the vessel in between the two zones. This is to
safeguard the vessel against potential high catalyst temperatures during an upset.
Access to the Reduction Zone is provided by a manway located in the Reduction Surge
Zone.

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DISENGAGING HOPPER D-1353


The Disengaging Hopper D-1353 and its internals are made of killed carbon steel. The
Disengaging Hopper is a cylindrical vessel with an elutriation pipe down the center at
the top. The spent catalyst lift line enters the side of the elutriation pipe, bends
downward, and ends as an open pipe. Catalyst and lift gas enter through the lift line and
flow down into the center of the elutriation pipe. Elutriation gas enters through a nozzle
in the side of the Disengaging Hopper and flows upward through the elutriation pipe.
See Figure 2.3.11.
Catalyst chips, fines and some whole pills are carried with the gas out the top of the
elutriation pipe. Whole catalyst pills drop to the bottom of the Disengaging Hopper D1353 where it is a surge inventory of spent catalyst for the Regeneration Tower T-1351.
The whole catalyst pills exit the bottom of the Disengaging Hopper via outlet nozzles
and associated transfer piping. See Figure 2.3.12.
The Disengaging Hopper D-1353 is sized to hold the excess catalyst from the reactors
during start-up. This excess is due to the catalyst bed density change with the
commencement of catalyst circulation. A nuclear level instrument is mounted on the
outside of the vessel to indicate the catalyst level. A gauging nozzle is provided for initial
calibration, and subsequent re-calibration, of the nuclear level instrument. For inspection
purposes, there is one manway on the side of the Disengaging Hopper.

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Figure 2.3.12

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3.8 DUST COLLECTOR A-1352


The Dust Collector A-1352 removes catalyst chips and fines from the elutriation gas.
The elutriation gas enters the side of the Dust Collector, flows through the felted cloth
filter elements, and exits out the top. See Figure 2.3.13. The catalyst pills, chips and
fines collect on the elements and in the bottom head.
As the dust loading on the filter elements increases, the pressure drop across the
elements increases. When a differential pressure alarm sounds (013-PDH-508), the
filter elements must be cleaned. This is done while the Dust Collector is in service by
reverse jet cleaning using nitrogen gas.

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LIFT GAS AND FINES REMOVAL CIRCUIT


The Spent Catalyst L-Valve Assembly, the Disengaging Hopper D-1353, the Dust
Collector A-1352, the Fines Removal Blower B-1351, and the Lift Gas Blower C-1351
make up the Lift Gas and Fines Removal Circuit. See Figure 2.3.14.
This circuit begins at the outlet of the Dust Collector A-1352 where a stream of filtered
nitrogen gas is routed to both the Fines Removal Blower B-1351, and the Lift Gas
Blower C-1351. Nitrogen from the Lift Gas Blower flows as lift gas to the Spent Catalyst
L-Valve Assembly to fluidize the catalyst and carry it up the lift line. Nitrogen is added to
the discharge of the Fines Removal Blower to account for the nitrogen lost to the
Catalyst Collector and to the Regenerator T-1351. The differential pressure controller
between the secondary lift gas line and the catalyst collector controls this makeup rate.
Nitrogen from the Fines Removal Blower discharge flows as elutriation gas to the
Disengaging Hopper D-1353, via the elutriation gas flow control valve 013-FV-517, to
separate the fines from the whole catalyst in the elutriation pipe. The whole catalyst
drops into the bottom of the Disengaging Hopper, while lift gas, elutriation gas, and fines
leave the vessel through the upper end of the elutriation pipe.
The circulating nitrogen gas stream leaving the Disengaging Hopper flows to the Dust
Collector A-1352 for removal of the catalyst pills, chips and fines. The fines settle to the
bottom of the Dust Collector. From the bottom of the Dust Collector the catalyst fines
and chips are unloaded into a drum via the Fines Collection Pot D-1354. The Fines
collection pot serves as a lock hopper to transfer the fines from the Dust Collector
pressure to atmospheric pressure. Once filtered, the nitrogen gas flows out and the gas
circuit is completed at the suction of the blowers.

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Figure 2.3.14

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3.10 REGENERATION BLOWER B-1352


The Regeneration Blower B-1352 recycles the hot regeneration gas through the
Regeneration Tower T-1351. See Figure 2.3.15. The Blower plug unit is a paddle-wheel
fan inside an internally-insulated housing. Continuous water cooling may be required at
the shaft seals of some fan designs because of the fan's hot service. The seals are the
multiple carbon-ring type and continuous nitrogen purging is required and is controlled
by a differential pressure regulator. The bearings are lubricated by gravity-feed oilers
that must be kept clean, free-flowing, and filled with the manufacturer's recommended
lubricant at all times.

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Figure 2.3.15

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3.11 REGENERATION COOLER E-1355


The Regeneration Cooler E-1355 cools the hot regeneration gas by removing the heat
of coke combustion. See Figure 2.3.16. It is a single-pass, shell-and-tube exchanger.
Hot regeneration gas flows through the inside of the tubes of the Cooler and air is blown
over the outside of the tubes. The Regeneration Cooler Blower B-1353 blows the air
through the Cooler. The flow of cooling air is controlled by a butterfly valve at the
discharge of the Cooler Blower.
Figure 2.3.16

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3.12 ELECTRIC HEATERS


Electric Heaters are usually used to heat up three gas streams: regeneration gas, drying
air, and reduction gas. These heaters are immersion type. See Figures 2.3.17 and
2.3.18. The gas flows around the outside of the heater bundle, which fills the process
piping. The bundle sheaths contain electrical elements. The bundle sheath temperatures
are monitored by thermocouples that shut down the heater on high temperature. Gas
must be flowing across the bundle during normal operation, or else the elements may
overheat and burn up. The elements have an unheated length that includes the portion
of the bundle that does not see gas flow. The terminal box is located a specified
distance from the heater flange, and a cooling baffle is added between the two, to
minimize heat conduction to the box.
The Regeneration Heater H-1353 is a single-bundle design. For the Air Heater H-1354
and the Reduction Gas Heaters H-1351 / 1352, multiple bundles in series may be
required because of duty requirements.

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Figure 2.3.17

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Figure 2.3.18

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3.13 VALVES
In addition to regular control valves and manual valves, there are three types of special
valves in the Regeneration Section. These are "V" valves and two types of "B" valves.
Some of these are in automatic services where the valves are equipped with actuators
that are controlled by the Catalyst Regeneration Control System. Others are in manual
services where the valves are opened and closed by hand.
Proper valve handling and maintenance is an important part of the operation of the
Regeneration Section. Leaking or poor-performing valves can lead to hazardous
situations and possibly cause a shutdown of the unit. It is very important that valves be
properly assembled before installing them in the unit. Valves must be properly
maintained, and when valves start to leak, they should be repaired promptly and
correctly. Some valves require leak testing before installation in the field. Valves should
be protected from dirt and the elements when they are in the field and between the field
and the maintenance shop.
NOTE: In order to offer the best advice to our customers, UOP constantly reviews the
latest valves supplied by various manufacturers. Please contact UOP for the most up-todate list of recommended suppliers.
3.13.1

V-Valves
Whenever catalyst flow must be stopped, a special ball valve called a V-ball valve is
used (See Figure 2.3.19). This valve is designed with a V-notched ball so that the
shearing action between the ball and seat stops catalyst flow without breaking many
catalyst pills and without plugging. Although the valve stops catalyst flow, it does not
completely seal against gas flow.
This type of valve is used in several automatic services in the Regeneration Section for
on-off control. The valve body is Type 316 stainless steel, and the ball and seat are
Type 317 stainless steel with stellite facing.
Both the top and bottom valves in both Spent and Regenerated Isolation Systems are Vball valves. The manual isolation valves beneath the reactor stack and beneath the Lock
Hopper also have a V-ball valve. The V-ball is on the top and the manual B-valve is
below it. The manual B-valves do provide a gas-tight seal but are not intended to close
on catalyst. So, when these lines must be closed and isolated, the V-ball valve is closed
first to stop catalyst flow. Then, when the line below is empty of catalyst, the manual Bvalve is closed to stop gas flow, if necessary.
A V-ball valve is also used as the first of two manual valves at two catalyst sample
connections, one at the outlet of the Disengaging Hopper and the other at the outlet of
the Nitrogen Seal Drum. Use of the catalyst samplers will be described in a later
chapter.

3.13.2

B-Valves
"B" valves are used to provide a gas tight seal in catalyst and gas service in the
Regeneration section. These valves are not intended to be closed while catalyst is
present in the valve. There are two types of "B" valves specified for the Regeneration
Section.
One is a full-port B-valve, with no reduction in flow area through the valve body and ball
(See Figure 2.3.20). This valve can therefore be used in gas streams that contain
catalyst dust, as well as in clean gas streams. These valves are used for the two
pressure equalization valves between the zones of the Lock Hopper, where the valves
are designed to withstand catalyst dust at the sealing surfaces. The balls are Type 316
stainless steel with an abrasion-resistant coating and the seats are stellite. This type of
valve is often referred to as the "Neles-Jamesbury" B-valve since that has been the
recommended manufacturer for some time.
The other B-valve type has a reduced-port (See Figure 2.3.21). It can be used in clean
streams that do not contain much catalyst dust. These services include the Chloride
Valve, and the inlet and outlet valves of the Catalyst Addition hopper (since fresh

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catalyst contains few fines). In these services, the valve seats are Teflon and the valve
balls are stainless steel, inconel, or chrome-plated, depending on the service.
Manual B-valves are used in several locations in the Regeneration Section. Depending
on the service, the specified valve may be full-port or reduced-port. Likewise, the valve
construction and metallurgy depends on the service.

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Figure 2.3.19

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Figure 2.3.20

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Figure 2.3.21

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3.14 OXYGEN ANALYZER


The oxygen analyzer measures the oxygen concentration at the inlet of the Burn Zone.
With the original design (see Figure 2.3.22), the sample enters the analyzer through a
probe, flows through the analyzer, and returns to the Burn Zone in a closed loop. The
analyzer must always have adequate sample flow. A flow switch inside the analyzer will
alarm if the sample flow is too low. Without any sample flow, the analyzer will still display
an oxygen concentration, but the reading will have no relation to the actual oxygen
concentration in the Burn Zone.
The latest design is an "In-Situ" analyzer (see Figure 2.3.23) with the sensing cell
located in the process line rather than in the analyzer housing. This eliminates the need
for sample lines. Low sample flow is no longer a concern but a micro-processor
monitors the sensor for any errors in the analyzer.
The calibration of the "zero" and "span" of the analyzer should be checked regularly.
The detector in the analyzer is a zirconium oxide cell and it measures the partial
pressure of oxygen in the sample. When the analyzer is calibrated, the cell must be at
its normal operating pressure.

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Figure 2.3.22

Notes :
1. Sample Probe Shall Be Provided by Analyzer Vendor.
2. Probe Opening Shall Face Downstream.
Stamp Analyzer Housing to Indicate Downstream Side.
3. Probe Opening Shall Be Located at the Center of Process Pipe.
4. Bolt Holes in Nozzle Flange Shall Match Orientation of Analyzer Flange.

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Figure 2.3.23

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3.15 HYDROGEN/HYDROCARBON ANALYZER


The hydrogen/hydrocarbon analyzer detects contaminants in the CCR Nitrogen Header
to the Regeneration Section. If the sample of the CCR Nitrogen Header is contaminated
by either hydrogen or hydrocarbon, the high or low analyzer reading will cause a
contaminated nitrogen shutdown. Contamination of the CCR Nitrogen Header is a
serious hazard that should be corrected immediately.
The analyzer piping is also equipped with "quick connect" connections to allow checking
of the circulating lift gas nitrogen purity prior to and during the dumping of catalyst fines
from the Dust Collector.
The analyzer is calibrated to measure both hydrogen and hydrocarbon. When the
sample is pure nitrogen, the analyzer displays 50%. When the nitrogen is contaminated
with hydrogen, the analyzer indication increases up to 100% when the sample is 99%
nitrogen and 1% hydrogen. When the nitrogen is contaminated with hydrocarbon, the
analyzer indication decreases down to 0% when the sample is 85% nitrogen and 15%
hydrocarbon.
For safety reasons, nitrogen to the CCR Nitrogen Header should come from an
independent source that is not connected to any other users. Nitrogen derived from
liquefaction is preferred. The use of combustion-type inert gas generator is not allowed.

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3.16 CATALYST ADDITION FUNNEL AND CATALYST ADDITION LOCK HOPPER


The Catalyst Addition Funnel (Figure 2.3.24) and Catalyst Addition Lock Hopper (Figure
2.3.25) are designed for adding fresh catalyst from drums into the Regeneration Section.
This addition must be done on an occasional basis to replace catalyst that is removed
as fines from the Regeneration Section by the Disengaging Hopper D-1353. The Funnel
and the Lock Hopper are fabricated from Type 304 stainless steel to prevent rusting.
The screen inside the funnel and the cover on top are intended to prevent any foreign
objects from being loaded into the Regeneration Section.
An addition funnel and lock hopper are specified for the optional Catalyst Change-out
On-The-Fly system. The specification for this equipment is the same as that for the
regular catalyst addition system.

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Figure 2.3.24

Note :
1. This Item Is Not a Code Vessel
2. Material : 304 SS

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Figure 2.3.25

Notes :
1. This Vessel Is Sized to Hold One Drum of Catalyst
2. Material : 304 SS

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3.17 AIR DRYER A-1353


The Air Dryer (Figure 2.3.26) is used to dry the air for the Cooling Zone and Drying
Zone. It is a packaged unit that uses a desiccant that absorbs moisture from wet air.
There are two desiccant chambers. Only one is in service while the other is reactivated
using a purge stream of the dry air product. During normal operation, a timing device
switches the chambers in and out of service.
The moisture content of the dried air must be checked regularly. There is a sample tap
on the Air Dryer outlet for connecting a moisture analyzer or a dew point analyzer. If the
moisture content is above specification (5 vppm), then the reactivation purge rate, the
cycling sequence, and the condition of the desiccant should be checked in accordance
with the manufacturer's recommendations. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for
additional information.

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Figure 2.3.26

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3.18 CATALYST SAMPLERS


Catalyst sampler systems are used for sampling catalyst from the inlet line of the
Regeneration Tower, the outlet line of the N2 Seal Drum, and the outlet of the Reduction
Zone.
The sampler systems around the Regeneration Tower T-1351 (Figure 2.3.27) consist of
the sample pot, one V-ball valve, two ball valves, and a needle valve. The sample pot is
divided in two sections by a restriction funnel. The top section includes the volume of the
restriction funnel and the transfer line. This volume fills with catalyst when the sample
inlet valves are opened. The bottom section is the collection area, and the catalyst
drains into this area before the sample pot is depressured and unloaded. The four
valves in the sampling system are intended to be opened and closed according to a
specified sampling procedure. The procedure helps ensure that a fresh catalyst sample
is safely obtained from the pressurized process line. The procedure also helps ensure
that the gas-tight ball valve below the V-ball valve is not damaged from opening and
closing on catalyst.
The reduced catalyst sampler system removes (Figure 2.3.28) catalyst as it leaves the
Lower Reduction Zone. This system differs from the above in several ways. One
important difference is that it includes a sampling probe that extends into the flowing
catalyst bed to obtain a representative sample. Catalyst withdrawal is achieved with this
system not by gravity flow, but by a controlled depressurization of the sample probe. By
opening the sample probe up to the sample receiver, which is at a lower pressure than
the Reduction Zone, the probe pressure is lowered and catalyst is entrained with the
gas flowing to the receiver. The reduced catalyst sampling procedure and the equipment
are supplied by UOP PIC.

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Figure 2.3.27

Note :
Metallurgy, Materials, and Rating Shall Be the Same as the Highest
Metallurgy of the Pipe to Which the Sample Pot Connects.

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Figure 2.3.28

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3.19 VENT GAS SCRUBBER M-1351


The Venturi Scrubber M-1351 is constructed of Hastelloy C-2000 and is intended to
provide good mixing of the Regenerator vent gas with a dilute caustic solution to remove
the small amount of HCI and chlorine in the vent gas. Caustic flows to the Venturi on
flow control at the design rate. The combined stream of caustic and regeneration gas
exit the Venturi Scrubber for further treatment in the Vent Gas Wash Tower T-1352.
3.20 VENT GAS WASH TOWER T-1352
The Vent Gas Wash Tower T-1352 (Figure 2.3.29) is a cylindrical tower, with a packed
bed of 19 mm (3/ inch) diameter carbon Raschig rings, to remove HCI and chlorine from
the regeneration vent gas. The tower is constructed of carbon steel. A combined stream
of caustic and regeneration vent gas enters through a nozzle near the bottom of the
tower. A distributor located above the packed bed insures that the packed bed remains
wetted with caustic. A spray nozzle, located below the packed, bed, insures that the
support grid and vessel walls below the packing are wetted. The caustic, after
contacting the regeneration gas, collects in the bottom of the tower where it exits to the
Caustic Circulation Pump P-1351 A/B. After the pump, a drag stream of spent caustic is
removed and fresh caustic and condensate is injected. The circulating caustic then
returns to the Venturi Scrubber M-1351 and the two caustic inlets to the Wash Tower.
The strength of the circulating caustic is monitored by an in-line pH meter.
The regeneration gas passes through the packed bed where it is scrubbed of HCI and
chlorine. The scrubbed gas then passes through a mesh blanket, located at the top of
the tower, which serves as a demister pad. The gas exits the tower through a nozzle in
the top head and is vented to atmosphere. A spray nozzle, located below the mesh
blanket, provides for intermittent washing of the mesh with clean condensate. A
pressure differential indicator across the mesh blanket indicates the build up of caustic
salt on the mesh, and signals the need for condensate washing to dissolve the salt.
Tower over-pressure protection is provided via a gas bypass outlet nozzle. If the
pressure below the packing is too high, part of the liquid inventory in the bottom will be
pressured out to a safe location, and the vapor outlet to the bypass will be uncovered.
This bypass allows the regeneration gas to bypass the packed bed and exit directly to
the atmospheric vent.
Access to the tower for inspection, internals installation, and Raschig ring loading is
provided by a manway in the top head of the tower. A Raschig ring unloading nozzle is
provided in the tower wall located near the bottom of the packed bed. An additional
manway is provided at the tower bottom for access to the region below the packed bed.
The VGWT should be filled with water while the packing is loaded through the top
manway to prevent breakage of the rings.

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Figure 2.3.29

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