A PROCESS FOR PURGING A CATALYTIC REACTOR USED TO CONVERT SYNTHESIS GAS

摘要

The catalytic reactor comprises a catalyst for converting synthesis gas to a product which is liquid or solid at ambient conditions. The catalyst is in the form of solid catalytic bodies without free liquid. Operation of the reactor is stopped by performing a shutting-in procedure. After the shutting-in procedure, operation of the reactor is restarted. The restarting comprises removing products such as hydrocarbons and water from the surface of the catalyst gradually so as to avoid damage to the pore structure of the catalyst by purging the catalyst with a flowing gas that contains a reducing agent e.g. hydrogen, for between 6 and 12 hours, at a temperature at or below the normal operating temperature of the catalyst.