US 7,491,259 B2
	Residence time distribution method and apparatus for operating a curvilinear pressure vessel where transport phenomena take place
Alberto Buchelli, Houston, Tex. (US); and William G. Todd, Victoria, Tex. (US)
Assigned to Equistar Chemicals, LP, Houston, Tex. (US)
Filed on May 09, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/430,757.
Prior Publication US 2007/0261549 A1, Nov. 15, 2007
Int. Cl. F17C 11/00 (2006.01); B01J 8/02 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 95—90  [422/220]

5 Claims

1. In a method for operating a pressure vessel having a curvilinear configuration that contains a bed of particulate material, said bed having an uneven upper surface, wherein a fluid is introduced downwardly into said vessel through a nozzle, said nozzle having an opening of finite cross-sectional area, said nozzle being above said uneven upper surface, said fluid flowing into said nozzle being redirected in an angular direction toward said opening, the improvement comprising substantially flattening said upper surface of said bed before introducing said fluid into said nozzle, and employing a flow distributor in or near said nozzle opening said flow distributor being a plate having a finite periphery and a plurality of apertures there through to allow said fluid to pass through said plate as well as around said periphery, said plate having a surface area nearest said nozzle opening that is less than said cross-sectional area of said nozzle opening.