Nozzle for use in a catalyst unloader

• US 5,222,533 A
• Filed: 10/10/1990
• Issued: 06/29/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: BASF Corporation (BASF SE)
• Original Assignee: BASF Corporation (BASF SE)
• Inventors: Porter, Troy G. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): CUSICK, ERNEST
• Application Number:
  US07/595,164
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 141/1.7, 141/65, 141/89, 141/91, 4/256, 134/167 C, 134/168 C, 134/169 C, 239/DIG. 13, 15/345, 15/347
• US Class Current: 141/65
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2208/00761 Discharging
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 8/0015 Feeding of the particles in the reactor; Evacuation of the particles out of the reactor
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 8/06 in tube reactors; the solid particles being arranged in tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0495 Nozzles propelled by fluid jets

Abstract

A nozzle is provided for use in discharging a controlled stream of fluid into a reactor tube of a catalyst unloading apparatus for removing non-packed, non-bridging, and packed bridging flowable catalyst and bead material from within the reactor tube. The nozzle has a main channel running medially along its length for entry and exit of the controlled fluid, and a plurality of unevenly spaced smaller fluid discharge openings positioned around the circumference of the nozzle at such an angle to the central axis of the nozzle so as to discharge some of the controlled fluid in an upward and sideward thrusting manner, such that a sideward and downward thrust is exerted against the nozzle, thereby forcing the nozzle to position itself in a downward manner against the side of the reactor tube. This action allows both the catalyst and the bead material to be removed in one continuous operation.

Claims

1. A nozzle suitable for use in discharging a controlled stream of fluid into a reactor tube of a catalyst unloading apparatus for removing non-packed, non-bridging, and packed bridging flowable catalyst and bead material from within the reactor tube, said nozzle comprising:

a main channel running medially along the length of said nozzle for entry and exit of the controlled fluid; and

a plurality of unevenly spaced smaller fluid discharge openings positioned around the circumference of said nozzle at such an angle to the central axis of the nozzle so as to discharge some of the controlled fluid in an upward and sideward thrusting manner, such that a sideward and downward thrust is exerted against said nozzle, thereby forcing the nozzle to position itself in a downward manner against the side of the reactor tube and allowing both the catalyst and the bead material to be removed in one continuous operation.

2. A nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said fluid discharge openings are substantially tear-shaped.

3. A nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle has three or less fluid discharge openings.

4. A nozzle according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle has more than three fluid discharge openings.

5. A method for unloading non-packed, non-bridging and packed, bridging flowable particle catalyst and bead material from the opened end of a reactor tube which comprises utilizing the nozzle of claim 1.