An in situ process for conducting regeneration of spent hydrocarbon synthesis
catalyst. Regenerated, but not yet re-activated, catalyst (15) may be introduced
into an operating HCS reactor (1) that has catalyst rejuvenation means (14).
Any combination of a fresh, activated catalyst, a fresh, passivated catalyst or
short-term or long-term deactivated catalysts may already be present in the HCS
reactor (1). The regenerated, but not yet re-activated catalyst is activated
in the HCS reactor (1) with rejuvenation means (14) at normal process
conditions. The HCS reactor (1) receives syngas through the inlet line (3)
and releases liquid hydrocarbons through outlet line (4) and gaseous hydrocarbon
and unreacted syngas through the offgas line (2). Catalyst is removed from
the HCS reactor (1) through the slipstream line (5) and into a filtration
unit (6) which is fed with a stripping fluid (7). The filtered catalyst
proceeds to the regeneration unit (9) which is fed a regenerative fluid
(10). The regenerated catalyst is returned to the HCS Reactor (1)
through the catalyst return line (11) where it is reactivated.
