An apparatus and method for contacting fluids in a fluid-solids contacting chamber
is disclosed. The fluid-solid contacting chamber has a plurality of beds, and the
chamber comprises a plurality of conduits and outlet ports that are capable of
providing improved fluid distribution of fluids that are introduced above or between
the beds. One or more conduits are arranged within a single conduit, which provides
a compact and inexpensive assembly for conveying the fluids to each conduit's outlet
port. In operation, the fluid flow to the outlet port of each conduit is regulated
within that outlet port's most efficient operating range, and since the flows can
regulated simply by hand, the method of this invention can be practiced readily.
Catalytic condensation and other hydrocarbon process units that employ this invention
will have increased on-stream efficiencies and realize significant economic benefits.