SHUT-DOWN PROCESS FOR A FISCHER-TROPSCH REACTOR, AND SAID REACTOR

摘要

A process for the shut-down of a reactor for the preparation of an at least partly liquid hydrocarbonaceous product by a catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure and using a catalyst, which reactor is provided with cooling means and with means to recycle gas through the catalyst for temperature equalizing of the catalyst, comprising the steps of: (i) interrupting the feed of synthesis gas; (ii) depressurizing the reactor downstream of the catalyst, and providing the reactor upstream of the catalyst with inert gas; and (iii) cooling the catalyst to ambient conditions. The reactor may have spherical bodies containing a pressurised gas (eg H2) above the catalyst bed, which bodies release the gas when the pressure in the reactor drops.