Ebullated bed reactor having top-mounted recycle pump

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A continuous reaction process and apparatus wherein a liquid or slurry is contacted with gas in an ebullated catalyst bed reaction zone,with the liquid and gases flowing upwardly through the reaction zone into a phase separation zone substantially free of catalyst particles. The liquid and gases are separated by a phase separation-collection device, and the liquid portion is collected and recycled through a central conduit by a recycle pump having its impeller located in the upper portion of the conduit. The pump impeller bearing is pressurized and purged by a clean compatible fluid, such as hydrogen or oil to exclude reactor, liquid containing fine solids from the bearing and seal …