Shut-down process for a fischer-tropsch reactor, and said reactor

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention relates to a process for the shut-down of a reactor which is used for the preparation of an at least partly liquid hydrocarbonaceous product by reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure and using a catalyst, which reactor is provided with cooling means and with means to recycle gas through the catalyst for temperature equalizing of the catalyst, comprising the steps of: (i) interrupting the feed of synthesis gas; (ii) depressurizing the reactor downstream of the catalyst, and providing the reactor upstream of the catalyst with inert gas; and, (iii) cooling the catalyst to ambient conditions. The invention relates further to a reactor …