Abstract: In the operation of a continuous reforming unit with 0.6 Mt/a capacity of SINOPEC Gaoqiao Petrochemical Company, the reaction temperature drop of the first reactor was decreased, the amount of catalyst dust greatly increased, and the abnormal fluctuations of the level of catalyst in the upper part of the reduction zone and the reduction temperature in the lower part of the reduction zone occurred. The analysis shows that the accumulation of catalyst dust in the system is one of the important reasons, and the low material level of the reduction zone 45%-50% leads to the fluidization of the catalyst in the reduction zone and large amount of dust, which blocks the catalyst movement in the delivery pipe, resulting in catalyst missing at the top of the first reactor, short-circuiting of reaction materials and a significant temperature drop reduction. After taking corresponding technical measures, like increasing the material level of the reduction zone, strengthening the catalyst dust elution operation and adjusting the reactor temperatures, the production is leveled off and the temperature drop is gradually restored.

Key words: continuous reforming unit, catalyst dust, dust accumulation, reaction temperature drop