Method for operating catalytic reformers

摘要

A reforming process in which a hydrocarbon feed containing aliphatic hydrocarbons is converted to a hydrocarbon product comprising an increased proportion of aromatics by passage over a reforming catalyst in a sequence of moving bed reactors operating under reforming conditions including moderate hydrogen pressure. The process is applicable when a former fixed moving bed reformer has been converted to moving bed reactor operation with the recycle and other ancillary equipment retained so that moderate pressure (hydrogen partial pressure at least 11 barg) is required, usually with a catalysts such as Pt/Re which tend to exhibit excessive hydrogenolysis activity in moving bed service. The recycle hydrogen stream is split with a portion going to at least one reactor subsequent to the first reactor.