How is the success of catalyst loading and startup measured?
Answers
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24/07/2007
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A:
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Ron Meeker, Chevron Technology Marketing, clgllc@chevron.com
The ultimate test obviously relates to the success of the operating cycle objectives. Success can be measured early on by a check of actual loaded densities (one caution is to make sure the catalyst surface is level when taking outage measurements. Surface dishes, or mounds, can give significant errors in the density calculation), required start-of-run (SOR) temperature and yields. In addition, evidence of good flow distribution is indicated by very low radial temperature skews at both the top and bottom of each bed. Other tests for distribution are based on steps in temperature or feed rate. Another good tip is to do a quench test prior to feed in. With gas only circulating through the reactor, the introduction of quench to a bed should show even temperature drops (per elevation). Finally, observe the actual pressure drop and compare to expectations.
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