Novel method for the homogenous loading of solid particles in a chamber

Abstract

The invention concerns a method whereby the chamber ( 1 ) is filled at least partly with a liquid ( 2 ), and the flux of particles ( 3 ) introduced into the chamber ( 1 ) is divided, then homogeneously distributed in a gas phase ( 4 ) above the surface ( 5 ) of the liquid, wherein the particles descend by gravity, to be deposited while forming a fixed bed.

1 . Process for the homogenous loading of solid particles into a chamber (I), characterized in that said chamber ( 1 ) is filled at least in part with a liquid ( 2 ), and in that the flow of particles ( 3 ) introduced into the chamber ( 1 ) is divided, then dispersed in a homogenous manner in a gaseous phase ( 4 ) over the surface ( 5 ) of the liquid, within which the particles move downward by means of gravity to settle and form a fixed bed.  
     
     
         2 . Process as set forth in  claim 1 , characterized in that the liquid phase ( 2 ) is comprised of a liquid or a mixture of liquids physically and chemically compatible with the chemical nature of the solid particles.  
     
     
         3 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  2 , characterized in that, throughout the loading, the height of the liquid ( 2 ) through which the solid particles pass, over the bed of particles being created, is greater than 10 cm.  
     
     
         4 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  3 , characterized in that the gaseous phase is comprised of a gas or a mixture of gases physically and chemically compatible with the chemical nature of the solid particles.  
     
     
         5 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  4 , characterized in that the flow of particles ( 3 ) introduced into the chamber ( 1 ) is divided, then distributed in a homogenous manner, using a device ( 4 ) that makes possible a rainlike distribution of said particles over the entire transversal section of the chamber ( 1 ).  
     
     
         6 . Process as set forth in  claim 5 , characterized in that the distribution device ( 4 ) is comprised of flexible deflectors integral with several levels of an axis animated with a rotary movement.  
     
     
         7 . Process as set forth in claims  5  and  6 , characterized in that the deflectors are articulated on the mobile axis so as to be able to move upward under the effect of the centrifugal force.  
     
     
         8 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  5  through  7 , characterized in that the rotation speed of the mobile axis is less than 200 rotations per minute and preferably less than 150 rotations per minute.  
     
     
         9 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  5  through  8 , characterized in that each of the deflectors is comprised of a flexible strap.  
     
     
         10 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  5  through  8 , characterized in that the particle distribution device is comprised of a rigid matter.  
     
     
         11 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  10 , characterized in that the liquid phase ( 2 ) is the reaction liquid of a chemical reactor.  
     
     
         12 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  11 , characterized in that the liquid phase ( 2 ) is a hydrocarbon, an aqueous phase, an alcohol or their derivatives.  
     
     
         13 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  12 , characterized in that the gaseous phase is air.  
     
     
         14 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  12 , characterized in that the gaseous phase is a neutral or inert gas.  
     
     
         15 . Process as set forth in  claim 14 , characterized in that the neutral or inert gas is argon or nitrogen.  
     
     
         16 . Process as set forth in any one of claims  1  through  15 , characterized in that the gas used is dried or dehydrated.  
     
     
         17 . Process as set forth in claims  1  through  17 , characterized in that the solid particles have dimensions that range between a few tenths of a millimeter and a few centimeters.  
     
     
         18 . Process as set forth in  claim 17 , characterized in that the solid particles are saturated with a liquid prior to being loaded.  
     
     
         19 . Process as set forth in claims  1  through  18 , characterized in that the chamber ( 1 ) is a chemical reactor, whereas the particles ( 3 ) are grains of catalyst.