Control of hydrogen/hydrocarbon mole ratio in hydrogen-consuming process

摘要

A system for controlling the hydrogen/hydrocarbon mole ratio in a continuous hydrocarbon conversion process in which hydrogen is consumed in a catalytic reaction zone. Applicable to processes in which the reaction zone effluent is separated to provide a liquid product phase and a hydrogen-rich vaporous phase, a portion of the latter being recycled to the catalytic reaction zone, the control system affords improved overall operation in addition to increased catalyst activity and stability. Analyzers are utilized to monitor composition characteristics of the charge stock and liquid product, and the hydrogen concentration of the vaporous phase introduced into the reaction zone. Representative process output signals are transmitted to comparator/computer means which compares the rate of change of the composition characteristics and the hydrogen concentration, and generates additional, comparator output signals which are utilized within the control system for regulating the hydrogen/hydrocarbon mole ratio.