Catalyst loading system

摘要

A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a catalyst tube for executing catalytic processing of a material through the tube, in parallel with one or more other catalyst tubes, the method comprising:
providing an empty catalyst tube; inspecting the tube interior via video to determine whether closer scanning of the tube is to be performed; detail scanning the tube interior to identify one or more dirt or contamination deposits for removal if such inspection reveals that scanning necessary; cleaning the tube inside wall if the step of detail scanning reveals deposits to be removed from the tube inside wall; measuring a pressure drop through the tube; filling the catalyst tube with catalyst and again measuring the pressure drop through the tube; comparing the last measured pressure drop to an average pressure drop taken with respect to the catalyst tube and the one or more other catalyst tubes; and if the pressure drop for the catalyst tube is within a predetermined variance of the average, identifying the catalyst tube as suitable for use.