COMBINATION ACID RECONTACTOR-STORAGE VESSEL

摘要

32692CA An improved method and apparatus for the safe handling of alkylation catalyst. The method and apparatus comprises a process vessel which serves a dual function of storing alkylation catalyst and of recontacting alkylation hydrocarbon product with alkylation catalyst. Alkylate product is passed through an eductor-mixer device which intimately mixes alkylate with catalyst. This mixture flows into the dual function recontacting vessel where a phase separation of the catalyst and alkylation hydrocarbon product takes place. Conduits are provided to connect the process reactor, cooling heat exchanger, settler, and interconnecting piping so as to allow the quick release of pressure from the combination storage-recontacting vessel and subsequent draining of catalyst into the vessel by use of gravitational force. The method and apparatus consists of a physical arrangement and use of alkylation process equipment in a manner which allows the use of a safety vessel for both storage of alkylation catalyst and recontacting of alkylation hydrocarbon product. The apparatus and method is a safety feature which allows the transfer by draining of catalyst from the alkylation process vessels into the storage vessel by the sole use of gravitational energy motive force.