Fixed-bed catalyst support for a hydroprocessing reactor

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an upwardly convex fixed-bed catalyst support for a hydroprocessing reactor. The catalyst bed support includes an upwardly convex annular-shaped plate having an outer end in communication with the reactor inner surface, and an inner end in communication with a horizontal hub assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reactor, comprising:
 a reactor vessel having an internal surface; and   an upwardly convex porous catalyst support in communication with the reactor internal surface.   
     
     
         2 . The reactor of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst bed support is a fixed-bed catalyst support. 
     
     
         3 . The reactor of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst bed support comprises:
 an upwardly convex annular-shaped plate having an outer edge in communication with the reactor inner surface, and an inner edge in communication with a manway cover assembly.   
     
     
         4 . The reactor of  claim 3 , wherein the annular-shaped plate comprises a plurality of openings which, collectively, defines a plate open area of between 25 and 40 percent. 
     
     
         5 . The reactor of  claim 3 , wherein the manway cover assembly comprises:
 a grid bar support band in communication with the annular-shaped plate inner edge; and   a plurality of horizontally positioned grid bars, each grid bar having a short end securely affixed to the grid bar support band.   
     
     
         6 . The reactor of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst bed support comprises:
 an upwardly convex annular-shaped plate having an outer edge in communication with the reactor inner surface, and an inner edge affixed to a manway cover support band; and   a manway cover assembly in removable communication with the manway cover support band.   
     
     
         7 . The reactor of  claim 6 , wherein the annular-shaped plate comprises a plurality of openings which, collectively, defines a plate open area of between 25 and 40 percent. 
     
     
         8 . The reactor of  claim 6 , wherein the manway cover assembly comprises:
 a grid bar support band removably affixed to the manway cover support band;   a plurality of horizontally positioned grid bars, each grid bar having a short end securely affixed to the grid bar support band; and   a horizontal catalyst support screen supported on top of the manway cover assembly by the grid bars and grid bar support band.   
     
     
         9 . The reactor of  claim 8 , wherein the grid bar support band further comprises a screen retention lip extending upwardly from top edge of the grid bar support band for restricting horizontal movement of a horizontal catalyst support screen. 
     
     
         10 . The reactor of  claim 6 , further comprising a support ridge protruding from the reactor vessel inner wall, the support ridge having a horizontal support surface;
 the catalyst bed support further comprising a catalyst bed support band rigidly affixed to the annular-shaped plate outer end, the catalyst bed support band having a bottom surface vertically supported by the support ridge horizontal support surface.