This invention relates to efficiently regenerating catalyst particles by
minimizing the formation of localized "hot spots" and "cold spots" in a
regeneration zone. In one embodiment, the invention includes mixing spent
catalyst from a reactor and cold catalyst from a catalyst cooler in a
mixing zone and directing the mixed catalyst to the regeneration zone in
a fluidized manner with a fluidizing medium. In the regeneration zone,
the mixed catalyst contacts an oxygen-containing regeneration medium
under conditions effective to regenerate the spent catalyst contained
therein.