The document provides detailed procedures and precautions for the water wash of refinery process catalysts, emphasizing the importance of cooling and slow drying to prevent damage. It covers various aspects of catalyst performance evaluation and technology in the refining and petrochemical industries. Additionally, it includes disclaimers about the accuracy of the information and the necessity for caution regarding the handling of catalysts to avoid potential hazards.

1. Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com
GBH Enterprises, Ltd.
METHANATOR WATER WASH
PROCEDURES
Process Information Disclaimer
Information contained in this publication or as otherwise supplied to Users is
believed to be accurate and correct at time of going to press, and is given in
good faith, but it is for the User to satisfy itself of the suitability of the Product for
its own particular purpose. GBHE gives no warranty as to the fitness of the
Product for any particular purpose and any implied warranty or condition
(statutory or otherwise) is excluded except to the extent that exclusion is
prevented by law. GBHE accepts no liability for loss or damage resulting from
reliance on this information. Freedom under Patent, Copyright and Designs
cannot be assumed.

2. Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com
PRECAUTIONS
1. The catalyst must be cool before water is added. Hot catalyst will form steam
within the pellets, breaking up the catalyst.
2. The catalyst must be dried slowly. Rapid drying will form steam within the
pellets, giving a "popcorn" effect.
3. GBH Enterprises, Ltd., C2
PT Catalysts Process Technology Consultancy
should be contacted to discuss the particular situation before deciding on a
water wash.
PROCEDURE
1. Cool entire catalyst bed to below 200o
F.
2. Introduce clean process condensate, or deionized water if possible (90o
150o
F), using reverse flow. Maintain a low flowrate (<100 gpm) until a liquid
level is established in the catalyst bed.
3. Once the liquid level has risen above the catalyst bed, increase the flowrate to
200 - 300 gpm.
4. Obtain effluent samples, monitoring for potassium carbonate.
5. When impurities have dropped to an acceptable level, slowly cut flow of water.
6. Drain vessel. Do not allow catalyst to stand in water.
7. Purge the bed of liquid by pressurizing with nitrogen, purging, and then drying
with nitrogen flow for 12 hours (N2 temperature below 250o
F).
8. Pressurize methanator with heated process gas and adjust inlet temperature
to normal operating temperatures.

3. Refinery Process Stream Purification Refinery Process Catalysts Troubleshooting Refinery Process Catalyst Start-Up / Shutdown
Activation Reduction In-situ Ex-situ Sulfiding Specializing in Refinery Process Catalyst Performance Evaluation Heat & Mass
Balance Analysis Catalyst Remaining Life Determination Catalyst Deactivation Assessment Catalyst Performance
Characterization Refining & Gas Processing & Petrochemical Industries Catalysts / Process Technology - Hydrogen Catalysts /
Process Technology – Ammonia Catalyst Process Technology - Methanol Catalysts / process Technology – Petrochemicals
Specializing in the Development & Commercialization of New Technology in the Refining & Petrochemical Industries
Web Site: www.GBHEnterprises.com
Note: To avoid nickel carbonyl formation, it is preferable to heat the catalyst
above 400o
F in nitrogen or some other CO free gas. If this is impractical
and the catalyst must be heated with process gas, low pressure, high rate
heating should be employed. The gas must be vented at a height and
ideally flared. Care should be taken to ensure all methanator and local
drains are shut.