Catalyst regeneration during catalytic cracking

Catalyst regeneration is part of the catalytic reforming process in refineries, where a reaction of hydrogen and added naphtha is brought about to obtain the desired end products. The catalyst used for the reaction flows continuously through the reactors and is then regenerated, as the cracking of the molecules by means of dehydrogenation and polymerization reactions produces a small amount of coke that is deposited on the catalyst. This quantity is already sufficient to render the catalyst ineffective within a very short time.

To discharge the deactivated catalyst from the reactor into the regenerator, the subsequent activation of the catalyst by feeding an air-gas mixture consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine gas and hydrochloric acid (N2, O2, CO2, CL2, HCL), to burn the coke deposits on the one hand and to oxychlorinate (activate) the catalyst on the other hand as well as to finally add the reactivated catalyst to repeat the cracking process, the automated 3-way ball valves type INTEC K411-K-S-HT-FMD are used. In order to support the existing process infrastructure and to replace the plug valves previously in use, the balls of the valves were equipped with an L- and T-bore.

• Due to the cyclic heating processes required in the process (every 4 - 5 hours) between +40°C and +237°C, these are metal-seated and trunnion-mounted ball valves in a high-temperature design with spring-loaded ball seats.
• The spring rooms of the ball seats are sealed and pressure-supported to ensure permanent spring deflection and tightness in the port.
• Furthermore, this design is characterized by a compact construction in special face-to-face length.

The efficiency of the regeneration process has an impact on the yield and quality of the end products. Here, KLINGER Schöneberg provides full support with its technical application know-how as well as the resulting 3-way ball valves individually designed for this process.

3-way ball valves type INTEC K411-K-S-HT-FMD, automated.