What is the function of the flow cone in the reformation lock hopper?

The closed hopper transports the catalyst from the low-pressure area to the lower high-pressure area by utilizing changes in the pressure of the gas within the hopper; the flow rate of the catalyst is controlled by adjusting the duration for which this gas pressure is maintained, thereby enabling the transport of the catalyst.

The closed hopper is divided into three zones: a separation zone, a closing zone, and a buffer zone. The loading and unloading of catalyst is achieved through changes in gas pressure across these zones within the closed hopper, as well as by the gravity of the catalyst itself. The level of material in the lock hopper buffer is controlled by CRCS; the on/off valves of the balance valves in the lock hopper are used to maintain equilibrium between the pressure in the locked area of the lock hopper and the pressures in the separation area (low pressure) and the buffer area (high pressure). During loading, the upper balance valve opens, allowing the pressure in the locking zone to reach equilibrium with the pressure in the separation zone; the catalyst is then transferred from the separation zone to the locking zone. Once loading is complete, the upper balance valve is closed ； During unloading, the lower balance valve opens, and the pressure in the lockout area reaches equilibrium with the pressure in the buffer area. The catalyst is transferred from the lockout area to the buffer area. To compensate for the pressure in the buffer area, a compensation gas line is provided ahead of the pipeline used to transport the regenerated catalyst; a compensation gas valve and a differential pressure control valve are also installed. Once unloading is complete, the lower balance valve closes