5. Industrial implementation

5.1 Main types of installation

Until 1971, two types of catalytic reformer were distinguished:

• semi-regenerative, with in situ treatment of the catalyst during periodic shutdowns every six months to a year;

• other cyclic regenerative processes, with the use of an additional reactor capable of successively replacing each of the other reactors during regenerations, thus ensuring uninterrupted production (swing reactor).

With the development of multi-metal catalyst systems has come a new generation of so-called regenerative processes. They operate by continuously drawing off and regenerating the catalyst, which is then recycled to the reactors. This technology can be applied...