Problems with the sedimentator and regenerator of the catalytic unit
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In catalytic units, settlers and regenerators are generally arranged in two ways: either side by side in a vertical configuration or coaxially. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these arrangements? Which one is more advanced?
There should be no issue regarding which of these two designs is more advanced. Generally speaking, coaxial cables are less used in large-scale installations.
I would say there are three, right? 1. Side-by-side arrangement with both units at the same height. 2. Side-by-side arrangement with the two units at different heights. 3. Coaxial arrangement of the two units. The main feature of option 1 is that the operating pressures of the two units are similar; under normal conditions the slide valve remains fully open, which reduces the risk of damage to the valve. The catalyst is transported through a U-shaped tube, serving as a seal to prevent backflow of air or oil-gas. However, the use of a bed reactor leads to mixing issues that affect yield. In option 2, the operating pressures of the two units differ, with the pressure in the regenerator being 20–40 KPa higher than that in the reactor, and there is no need to loosen the catalyst within the inclined tubes. Option 3 involves placing the two units coaxially, which helps save steel used for the framework as well as reducing the space required
Our device features two components in a coaxial configuration! The plant’s processing capacity is 1 million tons per year!
It seems that coaxial configurations have stronger accident resistance compared to parallel ones; as for the advantages and disadvantages, it’s hard to say – it’s probably just a matter of the different design approaches adopted by the two design institutes.
It seems that the Beijing Institute prefers to design things in a parallel manner, while the Luoyang Institute prefers a coaxial design approach. :) :)
Both the coaxial and parallel configurations have their advantages and disadvantages; the coaxial design saves space, but due to the presence of check valves and the overlap between the settler and regenerator, reverse regeneration can occur easily, while the vertical parallel arrangement seems to be better.
In addition to the U-tube configuration, there is also a lift-tube configuration for these two units arranged side by side; the main feature of this setup is that the operating pressures of the two units are similar, with the catalyst being transported through inclined tubes to build up pressure. Under normal conditions, it is freely adjusted by the spool opening.
More importantly, coaxial design uses less steel, which naturally means lower investment costs!