A catalytic reactor comprises a floating tray fluid distributor and optionally also an integrated particle separator which is modular build to be assembled inside the reactor and which has support members enabling the floating tray to be floating supported by the catalyst bed inside the reactor.

Reforming alcohol is disclosed. Alcohol is introduced into a conduit of an alcohol reformer so that the alcohol flows through a catalyst stage within the conduit. The catalyst stage includes an alcohol reforming catalyst, and a heat transfer member comprising thermally conductive material. The heat transfer member is in thermal contact with the conduit and the alcohol reforming catalyst. Simultaneously, exhaust gas is introduced from an internal combustion engine into an exhaust channel. The exhaust gas in the exhaust channel contacts fins extending outward from the conduit so that heat from the exhaust gas is transferred through the fins, the conduit, and the heat transfer member to the alcohol reforming catalyst.

A method for removing contaminants from an process stream that includes the use of reticulated material to filter the process stream. The reticulated material also facilitate process stream flow distribution in process units. The reticulated material can be packed with a void space between a substantial number of the reticulated material that can be varied to enhance filtration and flow distribution. The method of filtering also provides a method of removing contaminants leaving process equipment. The methods can be used on a variety of process streams and process equipment. The reticulated material can include ceramics, metallic materials, and chemical vapor deposition elements. The reticulated material can be of various shapes and sizes, and can also be catalytically active.

A method and assembly for utilizing open-cell cellular solid material in a component separation unit to separate one or more process streams into component process streams having desired compositions. A method and assembly for using said open-cell cellular solid material to separate process streams into desired component process streams in a component separation unit, wherein the open-cell cellular solid material can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, ceramics, metals, polymers, and chemical vapor deposition materials.

A method and assembly for utilizing open-cell cellular solid material in a component separation unit to separate one or more process streams into component process streams having desired compositions. A method and assembly for using said open-cell cellular solid material to separate process streams into desired component process streams in a component separation unit, wherein the open-cell cellular solid material can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, ceramics, metals, polymers, and chemical vapor deposition materials.

A radial flow distribution system, a radial flow reactor, and components thereof, including one or more of a scallop, center pipe, and/or outer basket. Each of the scallop, the center pipe, and the outer basket has openings formed therein. wherein the sizes or the shapes of the openings vary along the length or the width of the reactor components such that the openings define a pattern in configured to manipulate and optimize the distribution of flow of feedstock out of the components and through the reactor to maximize the efficiency of the catalyst reaction thereof.

A scallop, center pipe, and outer basket for use in a radial flow reactor are provided. Each of the scallop, the center pipe, and the outer basket is formed of an elongated conduit having a top end and an opposing bottom end, and a plurality of openings formed in the elongated conduit through a thickness thereof. A diameter of the plurality of openings progressively increases or decreases from the top end to the opposing bottom end of the elongated conduit so as to allow a feedstock to flow radially out through the plurality of openings on the scallop or outer basket, or to allow a feedstock to flow uniformly into the center pipe through the plurality of openings. A system utilizing the center pipe together with either the scallop or the outer basket is also provided.

The invention involves a scale collection device that is located within downflow reactor head for removing solids from feed streams to increase reactor operating cycle time without impact on effective reactor space for catalyst loading. More particularly, a filtering zone is located in an upper portion of a reactor vessel above a rough liquid distribution tray and a distribution tray.

The invention involves a scale collection device that is located within downflow reactor head for removing solids from feed streams to increase reactor operating cycle time without impact on effective reactor space for catalyst loading and reactor pressure drop. More particularly, a scale collection device is in an upper portion of a reactor vessel above a rough liquid distribution tray and a vapor-liquid distribution tray.

The invention involves a scale collection device that is located within downflow reactor head for removing solids from feed streams to increase reactor operating cycle time without impact on effective reactor space for catalyst loading. More particularly, a filtering zone is located in an upper portion of a reactor vessel above a rough liquid distribution tray and a distribution tray.