GBH Enterprises provides a 7-step procedure for the in-situ oxidation of high and low temperature shift catalysts prior to removal from the system. The procedure involves purging combustibles, cooling the catalyst beds, metering in air at increasing rates, and monitoring temperatures until oxidation is complete, estimated at 12 hours. The process allows for the controlled oxidation and safe discharge of the catalysts.

1. GBH Enterprises, Ltd.
In-Situ Oxidation Procedure
for
High and Low Temperature Shift Catalysts
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Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
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2. In-Situ Oxidation Procedure - High and Low Temperature Shift Catalysts
GBHE recommends the following procedure for the controlled oxidation of either
an HTS or an LTS alone or an HTS in series with an LTS.
1.
Remove and isolate all combustibles (e.g., feed gas or recycle synthesis
gas) from the process by purging.
2.
While purging the system, cool the HTS to 400oF and the LTS to 350oF
with a steam or nitrogen flow at a space velocity of 600-1000 hr-1.
NOTE: During this step, some catalyst oxidation will occur as evidenced
by H2 present in the steam samples.
3.
Meter 1% air into the steam ahead of the HTS. Expected delta T is 55oF
per 1% air for the HTS and 25oF per 1% air for the LTS catalyst.
4.
After 30 minutes, when the HTS bed exotherm has stabilized (still holding
LTS inlet @ 350oF) increase air to 3%.
5.
Continue to stepwise increase air addition pausing to monitor maximum
bed exotherms. Since catalyst is to be discharged, mechanical or vessel
temperature limitations are the primary concern.
6.
When the temperature rise has passed completely through both the HTS
and LTS beds, and inlet air rate is 7-10% the metered steam flow, the
oxidation is considered complete.
7.
Steam flow may be stopped and the catalyst cooled in air and discharged.
Estimated time to totally oxidize both the HTS and LTS catalyst beds for air
discharge is approximately 12 hours.
Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com

3. Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com