Abstract: The characteristics of catalyst regeneration technology of a 3.2 Mt/a continuous catalytic reforming unit in the aromatics project, which adopted the UOP patented Cyclemax continuous regeneration technology, were introduced. The start-up and operation of the plant were analyzed in terms of catalyst loading, catalyst circulation and chlorine absorption by ChlorsorbTM. The problems encountered in the start-up and operation, such as poor catalyst lifting, excessive catalyst dust, over-temperature of chlorine absorption tank, rapid decreases of catalyst strength and specific surface area, were described and analyzed. After using solid-phase dechlorination technology to replace the ChlorsorbTM, and adopting the spiral-wound tube heat exchanger for the mixed feed of the unit, the catalyst circulation system was smooth and the catalyst dust content reduced to less than 10 kg/d, the total temperature reduction of reforming reaction dropped to 316 ℃ when the inlet temperature of the reactor was not higher than 530 ℃. The catalyst showed excellent performance.

Key words: Cyclemax continuous regeneration technology, catalyst circulation, chlorine absorber, catalyst regeneration