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What are the techniques used in CCR unit to reduce catalyst dust while draining catalyst fines?
 
Answers
25/02/2016 A: Peter Marsh, XBP Refining Consultants Ltd, peter.marsh@xbprefining.co.uk
If the dust collector is normally operating under pressure, a dust collection pot with a set of 4 interlocked, sequentially-operated ball valves (inlet, outlet, pressuring and vent valves) should be provided. This arrangement enables safe unloading of recovered catalyst dust from the dust collection pot while the dust collector itself remains pressurised and in service. When the dust collection pot has been fully depressured, it can be unloaded by gravity via a flexible hose to a catalyst drum with a removable lid. The top end of the flexible hose is permanently attached to the dust collection pot outlet pipe; the bottom end is permanently attached to the removable lid. An electrical grounding cable is attached to the outer rim of the removable lid with a crocodile clip or a clamp.
If the dust collector normally operates close to atmospheric pressure, only 2 interlocked, sequentially-operated ball valves (inlet, outlet) are required.
The catalyst drum typically sits on a digital or analogue weigh scale and the removable lid is only removed when a sample of the recovered catalyst dust is required or when the drum is full as indicated by the weight of the drum or visual inspection (the drum is then sealed with a solid lid and removed). Respiratory protection should be provided to prevent inhalation of dust.