Semi-regenerative reforming process providing continuous hydrogen production

摘要

The process comprises passing a hydrocarbon stream under reforming conditions through each of the reactors of the unit; when the catalyst in all of the reactors in the unit except the lead reactor has become deactivated to such an extent that the catalyst in all of the reactors other than the lead reactor must be regenerated, discontinuing the flow of the hydrocarbon stream through all of the reactors in said unit other than the lead reactor while continuing to pass the hydrocarbon stream through the lead reactor; regenerating the beds of catalyst in each of the reactors of said unit other than the lead reactor to remove the carbonaceous deposits from the catalyst in such beds and to restore at least partially the activity of the catalyst while continuing to pass the hydrocarbon stream through the lead reactor under reforming conditions; resuming the flow of the hydrocarbon stream through all of the reactors in the unit; and repeating all of the aforesaid steps until the catalyst in the lead reactor has become deactivated to such an extent that it must be regenerated. Hydrogen-containing gas need not be recycled to the lead reactor during the regeneration of the catalyst in the other reactors. The reforming conditions that are employed in the lead reactor of the unit are relatively mild reforming conditions in order to provide an extended period of time of at least 18 months to 3 years for using the catalyst in the lead reactor prior to its becoming deactivated to such an extent that it must be regenerated. Preferably, the catalyst comprises a Group VIII noble metal.