Crust formation at the top of a catalyst bed can occur when a reactor – especially one used to process feedstocks containing olefins and oxygenates (coker products, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) products and renewable feeds) – has been packed with catalyst having too high activity. When a crust does form, it can lead to excessive pressure drop, flow maldistribution, and difficulties during catalyst unloading.
Topsoe’s catalyst grading solutions prevent crust formation by gradually increasing the catalytic activity from low in the inert topping to higher, the further down the bed you go. The result is longer cycles, optimized reactor performance, and more profitable operation.
Catalysts
Catalysts
The performance catalysts we supply for this application are listed below.
CatalystsTK-10
TK-10 is an inert hold-down catalyst applicable as topping layer in catalytic reactors instead of spherical material. It is shape-optimized and provides a high void fraction, as well as being an important part of grading in composite catalyst fillings. Application Catalyst grading systems.
CatalystsTK-15
TK-15 is a shape-optimized inert providing high void fraction. TK-15 is used for topping off catalytic reactors instead of spherical material. It is specifically designed for units experiencing high gas rates or carry-over of coke spalled from the heater or heat exchange train. Application Catalyst...
CatalystsTK-26 TopTrap™
Particulate trap TK-26 TopTrap™ is an inert macro-porous material designed to pick up iron scale and other contaminants. TK-26 TopTrap™ is a shape-optimized multiple-lobe extrudate with three central holes providing a high external void fraction. TK-26 TopTrap™ should be loaded...
CatalystsTK-30
TK-30 is a high purity alumina catalyst shaped as rings or extrudates. As a separate layer, it functions as void grading material in catalytic reactors, but it can also be used as diluent for controlling catalyst activity in any hydroprocessing application. Application Catalyst grading systems.
CatalystsTK-447 SiliconTrap™
Replacing TK-437, the new generation TK-447 SiliconTrap™ is a very high surface area catalyst for silicon pick-up and desulfurization of coker naphtha feedstock. This catalyst has a low hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity and should be used in combination with TK-441 SiliconTrap™ as a...
CatalystsTK-710 HyOctane™
TK-710 HyOctane™ is a CoMo type catalyst with moderate hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity, limited loss of octane, high hydrodemetallization (HDM) activity and metal storage capacity. It is applied in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline post-treatment and various grading applications...
CatalystsTK-711
TK-711 is a catalyst with high hydrodemetallization (HDM) activity, metal storage capacity and moderate hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity. It is used in various grading applications for all types of feeds.
CatalystsTK-797
TK-797 is a low-activity NiMo-type catalyst used in various grading applications where a low activity is required. Application Integral part of the grading system- Catalysts
TK-799
TK-799 is a low-activity Mo-type catalyst especially suited as grading for hydrogenation of highly olefinic feeds and used in various grading applications where a low activity is required. Application Integral part of the grading system 
CatalystsTK-831
TK-831 provides high hydrodemetallization (HDM) activity, metal storage capacity and moderate hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) activity. It is used in various grading applications for all types of feeds.
CatalystsTK-930 D-wax™
TK-930 D-wax™ is an isomerization selective dewaxing catalyst, specifically designed for improvement of cold flow properties with a minimum yield loss for diesel, jet fuel, and renewables. The catalyst is promoted by base metals for good stability and high hydrogenation activity, ensuring a good...
Equipment
Equipment
The proprietary equipment we supply for this application are listed below. Also see our reactor internals overview for more.
EquipmentDistributor Tray
Our Vapor Lift Distributor Tray (VLT) ensures uniform distribution of liquid and gas over the entire cross section area of the catalyst bed.
EquipmentScale Catcher
Our Scale Catching technology is a proven and economically feasible solution to delay pressure drop development and significantly increase unit utilization.
Services
Services
The services we supply for this application are listed below.
ServicesCatalyst Loading
All plants – even those with lots of turnaround experience – can run into trouble during loading. When a problem occurs, it can lead to longer turnarounds and, in the worst case, result in an underperforming catalyst. That makes proper loading an important step in profitable plant operation. Topsoe...
ServicesGeneral Technical Service
Optimal interaction between catalyst and technology is crucial if your plant is to perform at its best. Topsoe’s General Technical Service employs the full weight of our knowledge and experience to advise, inform and guide you towards improvement. All General Technical Service is provided as in-...
ServicesPlant Assessment / Optimization
Refineries and chemical plants are complex and vulnerable to changes over time. These changes can degrade performance and impact negatively on day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your bottom line. Whether you choose a catalyst performance evaluation or full-scale process and catalyst...
ServicesSampling & Analysis
As a general rule, the more you know about a plant or unit’s operating conditions, the better you’ll be able to keep performance, cost-efficiency and profits high. Our Sampling & Analysis service is your direct route to the detailed insight it takes to make better decisions. During start-ups...
ServicesStart-up & Reduction / Activation
Starting up your plant or unit is a complicated and time-consuming procedure that involves monitoring numerous parameters and ensuring the right start-up sequencing. If not performed correctly, it can result in delays or even damage to your catalysts, unit or plant. Our Start-up & Reduction/...
ServicesTroubleshooting
Catalysts and processes normally operate smoothly, yet suboptimal performance can occur from time to time. Since most issues have multiple root causes – usually originating in external factors – the process of solving an issue can be difficult and complex. Our Troubleshooting service draws on the...
