Catalyst Distribution in the Regenerative Reforming Progress

Abstract

The invention concerns a regenerative reforming process in 3 or 4 reforming reactors, wherein: for 3 reactors, the catalyst distribution between the 3 reactors is such that in the range 30% to 36% by weight of catalyst is present in each of the 3 reactors; for 4 reactors: the catalyst distribution between the 4 reactors is such that in the range 22% to 28% by weight of catalyst is present in each of the 4 reactors.

1 . A regenerative reforming process in 3 or 4 reforming reactors, wherein the catalyst employed comprises at least one metal M from the platinum group, at least one promoter X1 selected from the group constituted by tin, germanium and lead, at least one halogen and at least one porous support, said process being characterized in that:
 for 3 reactors, the catalyst distribution between the 3 reactors is such that in the range 30% to 36% by weight of said catalyst is present in each of the 3 reactors;   for 4 reactors: the catalyst distribution between the 4 reactors is such that in the range 22% to 28% by weight of said catalyst is present in each of the 4 reactors.   
   
   
       2 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which the catalyst is in a moving bed. 
   
   
       3 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which the catalyst further comprises at least one promoter X2 selected from the group constituted by gallium, indium, thallium, phosphorus and boron. 
   
   
       4 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 3 , in which the porous support comprises at least one refractory oxide selected from the group constituted by oxides of magnesium, titanium, zirconium, alumina and silica. 
   
   
       5 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 3 , in which the specific surface area of the porous support is generally in the range 50 to 600 m 2 /g. 
   
   
       6 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which the halogen is selected from the group formed by fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. 
   
   
       7 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which the mean reactor inlet temperature is in the range 480° C. to 550° C., the mass flow rate of feed treated per unit mass of catalyst is generally in the range 1 to 4 h −1 , the operating pressure may be fixed at between 0.2 MPa and 0.9 MPa, and a portion of the hydrogen produced is recycled with a molar recycle ratio in the range 2 to 10. 
   
   
       8 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which for 3 reactors, the catalyst distribution between the 3 reactors is such that between 32% and 34% by weight of catalyst is present in each of the 3 reactors. 
   
   
       9 . A regenerative reforming process according to  claim 1 , in which for 4 reactors, the catalyst distribution between the 4 reactors is such that between 24% and 26% by weight of catalyst is present in each of the 4 reactors.