초록 ▼

The invention relates to: a process for the desulphurization of feed streams comprising: supplying a hot process stream to a lead catalyst bed (8) comprising a first sulphur-removing catalyst and a second sulphur-removing catalyst under conditions whereby sulphur is removed from the process stream b

The invention relates to: a process for the desulphurization of feed streams comprising: supplying a hot process stream to a lead catalyst bed (8) comprising a first sulphur-removing catalyst and a second sulphur-removing catalyst under conditions whereby sulphur is removed from the process stream by the first sulphur-removing catalyst and said second sulphur-removing catalyst does not effectively remove sulphur from the stream at the operating temperature of the lead catalyst bed for the duration of the bed's life; collecting a hot partially sulphur-depleted stream from the lead catalyst bed and cooling said stream; passing said cooled stream through a lag catalyst bed (11) comprising the first sulphur-removing catalyst and the second sulphur-removing catalyst under conditions whereby sulphur is removed from the process stream by the second sulphur-removing catalyst and said first sulphur-removing catalyst removes sulphur less efficiently from the stream at the operating temperature of the lag catalyst bed; and recovering said sulphur-depleted stream from the second catalyst bed. In addition it relates to, apparatus for the desulphurization of feed streams which comprises: a lead catalyst bed (8) comprising a first sulphur-removing catalyst and a second sulphur-removing catalyst capable of operating under conditions whereby sulphur is removed from the process stream by the first sulphur-removing catalyst and said second sulphur-removing catalyst does not effectively remove sulphur from the stream at the operating temperature of the lead catalyst bed (8) throughout the lead bed's operating life; means (9) for collecting a hot partially sulphur-depleted stream from the lead catalyst bed (8) and cooling said stream; a lag catalyst bed (11) comprising the first sulphur-removing catalyst and the second sulphur-removing catalyst capable of operating under conditions whereby sulphur is removed from the process stream by the second sulphur-removing catalyst and said first sulphur-removing catalyst does not efficiently remove sulphur from the stream at the operating temperature of the lag catalyst bed(11).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A process for the desulphurization of feed streams comprising:supplying a hot process stream to a lead catalyst bed, said lead catalyst bed comprising a first sulphur-removing catalyst and a second sulphur-removing catalyst, said lead catalyst bed being operated under conditions such that sulphur

1. A process for the desulphurization of feed streams comprising:supplying a hot process stream to a lead catalyst bed, said lead catalyst bed comprising a first sulphur-removing catalyst and a second sulphur-removing catalyst, said lead catalyst bed being operated under conditions such that sulphur is removed from said hot process stream by said first sulphur-removing catalyst and said second sulphur-removing catalyst does not effectively remove sulphur from the stream at the operating temperature of the lead catalyst bed for the duration of said bed's life; collecting a hot partially sulphur-depleted stream from the lead catalyst bed and cooling said stream; passing said cooled stream through a lag catalyst bed, said lag catalyst bed comprising said first sulphur-removing catalyst and said second sulphur-removing catalyst and said lag catalyst bed being operated under conditions such that sulphur is removed from said process stream by said second sulphur-removing catalyst and said first sulphur-removing catalyst removes sulphur less efficiently from the stream at the operating temperature of said lag catalyst bed; and recovering said sulphur-depleted stream from said second catalyst bed. 2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the first sulphur-removing catalyst is zinc oxide.3. A process according to claim 1 wherein the second sulphur-removing catalyst is an ultra-purification catalyst which is capable of reducing the sulphur levels to amounts of the order of 10 ppb or less.4. A process according to claim 2 wherein the second sulphur-removing catalyst is an ultra-purification catalyst which is capable of reducing the sulphur levels to amounts of the order of 10 ppb or less.5. A process according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of the hot process stream is in the range of from about 260° C. to about 420° C.6. A process according to claim 1 wherein the stream leaving the lead catalyst bed is cooled by heat-exchange against incoming feed.7. A process according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of the cooled stream is in the region of 170° C. to 250° C.8. A process according to claim 1 wherein the process additionally comprises:detecting the sulphur content of said stream leaving said lag catalyst bed; and altering the flow of feed such that the lag catalyst bed becomes located in the lead catalyst bed position. 9. A process according to claim 8 wherein the original lead catalyst bed is replenished with fresh catalyst before being reintroduced in the lag catalyst bed position.