AM-08-29 Combining New and Old Technologies: Inlet Diffuser and Random Packing Dramatically Improve Reactor Performance

Description:

This paper presents the case history of a kerosene hydrotreater that failed to meet product sulfur targets, subsequent to a catalyst changeout. The reactor operates with a mixed-phase feed, but is lacking a liquid distribution tray. Troubleshooting work included pilot plant testing of the catalyst retains, leak testing of the feed/effluent exchangers, and radioactive tracer tests and gamma scans of the reactor. A charge rate test was also performed which suggested significant underutilization of the catalyst. Evidence of liquid maldistribution was also obtained by visual inspection of the catalyst bed surface and analysis of “spent” catalyst samples.