Handling of a catalyst

US6512017B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• SASOL TECHNOLOGY PROPRIETARY LIMITED · ZA

Inventors

• Andre Peter Steynberg · Vanderbijlpark, ZA
• Antonie Christoffel Vosloo · Sasolburg, ZA
• Peter Jacobus Van Berge · Sasolburg, ZA

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01B2203/062
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to methods of minimizing catalyst degradation during the handling of a catalyst used in a slurry phase reactor. The methods include catalyst handling steps such as catalyst loading into a slurry phase reactor, slurry phase reactor start-up, slurry phase reactor shut-down, and slurry phase reactor unloading when catalyst reloading is envisaged. In the method of loading the slurry phase reactor, a slurry of wax and catalyst is formed in a loading vessel. Clean molten wax is formed in the reactor, syngas is pumped through the clean molten wax in the reactor, and the slurry from the loading vessel is transferred to the reactor.