GB1434018A - Production of fuel gases - Google Patents

Abstract

1434018 Vapour phase hydrogenation BRITISH GAS CORP 10 July 1973 [16 Aug 1972] 38174/72 Heading C5E A continuous process for the vapour phase hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon oil comprises continuously introducing vaporized hydrocarbon oil and hydrogen-containing gas into a thermally insulated reaction chamber constructed to define an endless path along which gas can circulate within the chamber, exothermically reacting the oil vapour with hydrogen at 600‹ to 800‹ C. at at least 5 atmospheres pressure, continuously withdrawing and passing gaseous reaction products to a second reaction chamber which may also be constructed to define an endless path along which the gas can circulate within the chamber, wherein the gas is subjected to a further hydrogenation reaction at a controlled temperature of 650‹ to 900‹ C. Aromatic compounds, e.g. benzole, may be removed from the first stage gaseous reaction product and a low molecular weight hydrocarbon, e.g. propane, may be added to the gas prior to the second stage reaction which may be carried out at at least 800‹ C. The first stage gaseous reaction products may be cooled to a controlled temperature of 650‹ to 800‹ C. within the second reaction chamber. Temperature control may be effected by injection of a quenching fluid, e.g. water, steam, hydrocarbon oils, recycled gas or mixtures thereof, by passing the gas through a fluidized bed wherein cooling medium circulates through internal heat exchange surfaces, or by cooling means interposed between the two reaction chambers.