Sensor support for a reactor undergoing charging

Abstract

A process for preparing a reactor (1), said reactor defining an opening (13) for the passage of a device for dispensing solid particles (3) suitable for charging the reactor with solid particles, the process comprising:providing a sensor support device (2) to which a sensor is attached, said sensor being intended for collecting information on the charging of the reactor,attaching the sensor support to a component of the reactor (5) different from the device for dispensing solid particles.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a reactor, said reactor having an opening for the passage of a device for distributing solid particles adapted to charge the reactor with solid particles, comprising: providing a reactor having a plate with a longitudinal member, said plate being separate from the solid particle distribution device, wherein the plate is inside the reactor, introducing via the opening the solid particle distribution device within the reactor, and before or after this step, introducing via the same opening a sensor support device having an attachment means forming a jaw and including a sensor within the reactor, said sensor being configured to collect data on the charging of the reactor, and attaching the sensor support device in a removable manner via the attachment means to the longitudinal member of the reactor plate separate from the solid particle distribution device, wherein the sensor support device, when installed, is entirely within the reactor, and the sensor support device is not attached to the solid particle distribution device.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor support device is attached to an edge of an opening formed in the plate, near a corner of said opening.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, additionally comprising: charging the reactor with solid particles by means of the distribution device.

4. A reactor system comprising: a reactor having an opening for the passage of a device for distributing solid particles adapted to charge the reactor with solid particles and a plate with a longitudinal member, said plate being separate from the solid particle distribution device, wherein said plate is inside the reactor, the solid particle distribution device, a sensor configured to collect data on the charging of the reactor, and a sensor support device comprising: a first part designed to support the sensor, and a second part arranged to provide a removable attachment of the first part to the longitudinal member of said reactor plate, wherein the second part includes an attachment means having a jaw, arranged so as to apply a for on either side of the longitudinal member of said reaction plate, wherein the sensor support device, when installed, is entirely within the reactor, and the sensor support device is not attached to the solid particle distribution device.

5. The reactor system as claimed in claim 4, comprising: first adjustment means to provide coarse adjustment of the attachment means on either side of the reactor plate, and second adjustment means to provide fine adjustment of the force applied to the reactor plate.

6. The reactor system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sensor support device is arranged so that, once the first part has been attached to the reactor plate, the sensor can be spaced apart laterally from the attachment to said reactor plate.

7. The reactor system as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the second part includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and the first part comprises a probe support arm fixed to the shaft and extending in a direction having a component not parallel to the longitudinal direction.

8. The reactor system as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the probe support arm is mounted pivotably about an axis having a component not parallel to the longitudinal direction.

9. The reactor system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the probe support arm is mounted slidably with respect to the shaft, so as to allow translational movements in a direction having a component not parallel to the longitudinal direction.

10. The reactor system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shaft comprises an inner tube and an outer tube, the inner tube being mounted in the outer tube so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis.

11. The reactor system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sensor support device comprises at least two parts mounted slidably with respect to one another in a direction of height, and locking means for locking said parts with respect to one another as regards their height.

Description

(1) The invention will be more readily understood with reference to the figures which illustrate embodiments of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an example of a reactor system according to an embodiment of the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 shows an example of a sensor support device according to an embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 shows an example of a sensor support device according to another embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of part of an example of a reactor plate system according to an embodiment of the invention.

(6) With reference to FIG. 1, a reactor 1 has an opening 13 for the passage of a distribution device 3 for solid particles 6, 7. The distribution device 3 may be of the type described in WO 2010/076522.

(7) This reactor 1 has a height of about 5 or 6 meters or more, as appropriate, and its base has a diameter of about 3 or 4 meters or more, as appropriate.

(8) The distribution device 3 enables the reactor 1 to be charged with inert balls 6, and also with catalyst particles 7.

(9) This type of reactor 1 may, notably, be used in the petrochemical industry. For example, it may be a petrochemical reactor in which a hydrocarbon charge flows through the catalyst bed 7 and the bed of inert balls 6. The solid particles of catalyst may be porous extruded balls, usually comprising metallic compounds.

(10) When the catalyst beds 6, 7 have been charged, the distribution device 3 is withdrawn, and a flow of hydrocarbons, which may be liquid and/or gaseous, passes through the reactor 1.

(11) The catalyst beds 6, 7 must be replaced regularly, for example every year or every two years or less often, as appropriate.

(12) For reasons of cost and productivity, it is desirable to limit the preparation time of the reactor 1 as far as possible.

(13) During the charging of the solid particles 6, 7, sensors 8 are installed in the reactor 1 to monitor the progress of the charging of the products charged into the reactor.

(14) The terms products charged into the reactor and charge of the reactor signify the solid particles distributed in the reactor by the distribution device, for example the beds 6, 7 in FIG. 1; the reagents and products in the chemical sense; and/or other items.

(15) The sensors 8, the number of which may vary from one to four or five as appropriate, may, for example, make it possible to measure the level of the catalyst bed 7, and to detect any variations in level. If the filling surface exhibits a relief pattern, provision may be made to control the distribution of the solid particles in such a way as to correct this relief pattern, for example by imparting a greater velocity to the particles to be charged, so that the particles fill the lateral hollows.

(16) The sensors 8 may, for example, comprise laser sensors, cameras, H.sub.2S sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and/or others.

(17) In the case of a laser sensor, the sensor includes laser radiation emission means adapted to emit a signal toward various points of the filling surface, laser receiving means, and processing means (not shown in FIG. 1) for estimating the height of these points on the filling surface.

(18) Each sensor 8 may, for example, be a measuring probe with a height of about 30 centimeters, weighing approximately 2 kilograms or more, as appropriate.

(19) These probes 8 are attached to respective probe supports 2. These probe supports 2 comprise a first part 9, or probe support arm, adapted to support a probe 8. These probe support devices 2 also include a part 11 comprising means of attachment to an element of the reactor. In this case, these attachment means comprise attachment parts 10 forming a jaw, adapted to exert a force on either side of a longitudinal member 5 of a plate 4 of the reactor 1.

(20) The probe support arms 9 are fixed to respective vertical arms, not referenced in FIG. 1, on which the respective jaw parts 10 are mounted.

(21) A probe support device 2 will be described more fully with reference to FIG. 2, which is a more detailed sectional view of an example of this device.

(22) With reference to this FIG. 2, the probe support device 2 comprises a vertical shaft with an inner tube 21 and an outer tube 22 adapted to slide one inside the other. The inner tube 21 has an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the outer tube 22. The tubes 21, 22 can thus slide vertically with respect to one another, allowing a height adjustment.

(23) The tubes 21, 22 can also pivot with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis D. In this case, the device 2 is oriented in such a way that the longitudinal axis is vertical.

(24) Apertures 26 pierced at regular intervals in the hollow tube 21 allow rapid locking, by means of a linchpin 24, at the desired vertical position.

(25) The probe support device may comprise a clamping system (not shown) to lock the outer tube 22 rotationally when it has been correctly positioned. For example, it is possible to provide two clamping screws (not shown) adapted to apply forces against the outer tube so as to prevent the pivoting of this outer tube with respect to the inner tube, regardless of any vibration. Alternatively, locking by means of an eccentric (not shown) may be provided.

(26) The inner tube 21 extends beyond the end of the outer tube 22.

(27) A stop ring 27 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer tube 22 is attached to the inner tube 21. This stop ring enables a fall prevention function to be provided. Even if the pin 24 is not fixed in any of the apertures 26, the stop ring 27 can prevent the tube 22 from falling into the reactor during installation.

(28) The device 2 comprises two jaw parts 10 to apply forces on either side of a reactor beam 5, on respective horizontal surfaces of this beam 5 which are of very different sizes in this example, these horizontal surfaces terminating in a vertical end surface. Base plates 28, 28 are attached to these jaw parts 10 by means of base plate screws 29.

(29) These attachment jaw parts may allow attachment to reactor elements of various shapes. In particular, these jaw parts may allow attachment to elements of variable thickness, thus making them independent, notably, of the different shapes of plates or other surfaces on which they may bear.

(30) Furthermore, the base plates 28, 28 provided between the jaw parts and the reactor element may have a shape adapted to the reactor element. For example, in the case (not shown) of a reactor element with a circular cross section, it is possible to provide base plates designed to adjust the jaw, for example base plates having a surface shape complementary to the surface shape of the circular reactor element.

(31) Returning to FIG. 2, the base plates 28 and 28 may be adapted to the type of reactor beam 5; for example, the base plate 28 comprises a rubber pad part 30 intended to bear on a flat surface of the beam 5, while the base plate 28 comprises a groove shaped to receive an end 31 of a vertical part of the beam 5.

(32) It may be noted that this grooved shape of a base plate 28 is suitable not only for attachment to a beam 5 having an end of a vertical part but also for attachment to a beam having a flat lower surface.

(33) Two eccentric levers 32 can be used to lock the two respective jaw parts 10. In fact, each of the jaw parts 10 forms an opening for receiving the outer tube 22. This opening may have a diameter similar to the outside diameter of the tube 22, so as to allow the jaw part 10 to slide on the outer tube 22. Thus, when the eccentric lever 32 is raised, the height of the corresponding jaw part 10 can be adjusted. When the jaw part 10 is in the desired position, the eccentric lever is lowered, thereby locking the jaw part 10 on the tube 22.

(34) After this first coarse adjustment of the position of the jaw parts 10, a finer adjustment can also be provided by means of a locking screw 33. This locking screw can be rotated about a vertical axis, by means of a locking bar 34. This locking bar is relatively long to enable it to be gripped with ease.

(35) As the locking screw is rotated in a given direction, the screw 33 exerts forces on the base plate 28. Thus this screw 33 allows fine adjustment of the forces applied to the reactor beam 5.

(36) The locking bar 34 is adapted to slide horizontally in an opening of the head of the locking screw 33. Thus the operator causes the locking screw to rotate through a given angular range, and then, when the locking bar approaches the vertical shaft 21, 22, the operator makes this bar slide horizontally, so that the rotation of the locking screw 33 can continue. The sliding locking bar 34 can thus be adapted to the actual degree of occupation of space during the installation of the sensor.

(37) The locking bar 34 is provided with toroidal stop gaskets 35 at its ends to prevent it from falling into the reactor.

(38) The device 2 is also provided with a supplementary locking screw 33, similar to the locking screw 33. This supplementary locking screw 33 is provided for safety, in case the locking screw 33 is faulty.

(39) The first part of the probe support device includes means 39 for attachment to the probe 8, for example a hook fixed in a hole in the probe arm 9 by means of a screw.

(40) An attachment nut 36 allows the probe support arm to be slid in a horizontal plane so as to move the probe 8 toward or away from the tube 22. A locking thumb screw 37 allows the arm 9 to be locked horizontally.

(41) A nut 38 welded on the tube 21 can prevent the loss of the tube 22, together with the jaw parts 10 and the arm 9, during the transportation of the probe support device 2.

(42) Regarding the installation of the probe 8 in the reactor, the procedure described below may be proposed by way of example.

(43) The probe support device 2 is initially introduced into the reactor 1 by the operator. The jaw parts 10 are moved apart from one another, and the operator positions the probe support 2 so that the lower jaw bears on the underside of the beam 5; for example, a groove in a base plate 28 receives an end 31 of a vertical part of the beam 5. The upper jaw is then lowered along the tube 22 until it reaches an upper surface of the beam 5. The eccentric lever 32 is then lowered so as to keep the upper jaw part in this position. The operator then rotates the locking screw 33 until the jaw parts 10 exert sufficient force on the beam 5. The probe support device is thus attached to the plate.

(44) It is then necessary to position the probe 8.

(45) The inner tube 21 can be lowered or raised with respect to the beam 5. It is thus possible to provide a height adjustment. Locking means, in this case the pin 24, can be used to lock the tube 22 on the tube 21 with respect to height.

(46) The inner tube 21 can also be pivoted inside the tube 22. The arm 9 being fixed to the tube 21, the operator manipulating the tube 21 can place the sensor 8 under the plate, rather than at the position of the opening. Screws (not shown) can be used to lock this rotation about the axis D.

(47) Finally, the arm 9 can be translated in order to adjust the distance between the probe 8 and this vertical axis D. The screw 37 can be used to lock this translation of the arm 9.

(48) Thus the device 2 provides a certain amount of freedom in the positioning of the probe. This may make it possible to act independently of the positioning constraints in the reactor during installation, thereby improving adaptability to different configurations of the reactor system.

(49) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an example of a probe support device according to another embodiment of the invention.

(50) With reference to FIG. 3, the probe support device 102 has two tubes 121, 122 sliding one inside the other.

(51) A means 140 of attachment to an element 105 is mounted on the tube 122.

(52) In the illustrated example, the reactor element 105 comprises a wooden rafter intended to be installed above a reactor plate opening to support a solid particle distribution device.

(53) The means 140 comprises a metal sheet 141 shaped to receive the rafter 105, and a locking screw 133 similar to the locking screw 33 of FIG. 2.

(54) When the user rotates a bar 134 so as to screw in the screw 133, forces are applied to a base plate 128 placed between the rafter 105 and the metal sheet 141. Thus forces are applied on either side of the rafter 105.

(55) The device thus has two attachment parts, namely the lower surface of the metal sheet 141 and the base plate 128, which bear on two opposing surfaces of the rafter 105, in this case the upper and lower surfaces. These surfaces terminate in two vertical end surfaces.

(56) The device 102 further includes a nut 138 at one end of the tube 121 as well as a stop ring (not shown), at a lower end of the tube 121, to prevent the loss of the tube 122 and the elements attached thereto, and also to prevent the loss of a first part 150 comprising the probe support arm and the means of attaching this arm to the tube 121.

(57) As well as in the shape of the means of attachment to the reactor element, the embodiment of FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 2 notably in the possibility of moving the probe support arm 109.

(58) The first part 150 comprises the probe support arm 109 together with a shackle 151 for positioning the probe 108 vertically.

(59) The probe support arm is fixed to a toothed wheel 152 whose teeth engage with a rack 153. The teeth of the rack have a shape such that, when a square operating key 154 and a link piece 155 are made to rotate by an operator about a vertical axis D, the rack 153 causes the toothed wheel 152 to rotate about an axis D perpendicular to the plane of the figure, in the direction of the arrow 160. The probe support arm can then pivot between a horizontal position shown in FIG. 3 and a vertical position in which the probe support arm is substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

(60) Regarding the installation of the probe support device, the following procedure may be proposed by way of example: The probe support device 102 is introduced into the reactor by one or two operators present on the reactor plate. These operators begin by introducing the rafter 105 and the base plate 128 into the metal sheet 141, the clamping screw 133 being in the slackened position, and then manipulate this screw 133 so as to create the attachment. The height of the tube 122 with respect to the tube 121 is adjusted. Provision may also be made to cause the tube 121 to pivot about the vertical direction D so as to carry out a first positioning of the probe support part 109. A pin and clamping screws (not shown) then prevent any movement of the tube 122 with respect to the tube 121. Finally, the operator manipulates the square operating key 154 so as to cause the probe arm to be lowered to the desired position.

(61) The probe support device may also be provided with a safety collar (not shown) designed to be wound around the operator's neck or arm to prevent the support device from accidentally falling into the reactor.

(62) With reference to FIG. 4, the reactor plate 400 has an opening 401 formed by removing tiles from the plate 400. This opening 401 has a rectangular shape.

(63) The reactor plate includes outflow passages 432 in a known way.

(64) Three sensor support devices 402, 402, 402 have been attached to this reactor plate 400. These reactor support devices comprise jaws 410, 410, 410 clamping the plate 400, together with vertical shafts, perpendicular to the plane of the figure and extending into the reactor. The devices 402, 402, 402 further include respective probe support arms 409, 409, 409 at the ends of which respective probes 408, 408, 408 are suspended. These arms 409, 409, 409 are oriented so as to be placed under the plate and free the space via the opening 401 for the passage of a particle charging device 403.

(65) The probe support devices 409, 409, 409 and the particle distribution device 403 can therefore be installed independently of one another, which may offer greater freedom of maneuvering during installation.

(66) Furthermore, by avoiding the attachment of the probe support devices to the particle distribution device, it is possible to avoid the removal of further tiles or plates, since the occupation of space by the system to be introduced via the opening 401 is relatively small.

(67) The probe support device therefore allows relatively fast and easy installation and a degree of adaptability to the various situations that may be encountered.

(68) In a variant that is not shown, the sensor support device may comprise graduation means to allow the operator to evaluate the orientation of the outer tube. These graduation means may, for example, comprise a marker fixed to the inner tube and adapted to move with respect to a mark fixed to the outer tube.