Reactor for catalytic gas reactions or physical sepn. - has spherical catalyst bed with central distributor from which there is radial outward gas flow

摘要

This reactor for catalytic gas-reactions or physical separation operations has a spherical pressure-tight casing in which there is a spherical catalyst-bed. There is a synthesis gas inlet with a distributor in the centre of the bed. To form a radial outward flow of the synthesis gas, the gas distributor is spherical and has a perforated outer surface and there are a number of outlets through the reactor casing. Variants claimed include several constructional features and various uses. USE/ADVANTAGE - Uses claimed include methanol or ammonia synthesis, CO conversion, methanising or hydrogenation (including selective hydrogenation) of hydrocarbons, and adsorption with activated carbon or zinc oxide. The reactor is of simple and economical construction with, in particular, a definite flow pattern in the catalyst bed offering an outwardly increasing development of the reaction.