Apollo screens

Support Grid

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

High-Strength Catalyst Support & Flow Distribution Solutions

Support Grids manufactured from precision-engineered wedge wire screens play a critical role in hydroprocessing reactors, including hydrotreating and hydrocracking units. These grids are installed at the bottom of fixed-bed reactors to support catalyst beds, ensure uniform fluid distribution, and allow unrestricted passage of hydrogen and hydrocarbons under severe operating conditions.

Apollo Screens’ wedge wire support grids are designed to deliver exceptional mechanical strength, high open area, and long-term reliability in high-pressure, high-temperature refinery environments.

Role of Support Grids in Hydroprocessing

In hydroprocessing reactors, the support grid performs multiple critical functions:

  • Supports the entire catalyst bed weight
  • Maintains stable catalyst positioning
  • Allows uniform downward or upward flow
  • Prevents catalyst migration or loss
  • Withstands thermal cycling and pressure fluctuations

Wedge wire construction ensures precise slot control and consistent performance throughout the reactor lifecycle.

Apollo Gravel Pack Screen Portfolio Screens for Conventional Gravel Packing

Key Features

  • Continuous V-wire (wedge wire) construction
  • High open area for improved inflow performance
  • Uniform, CNC-controlled slot openings
  • Self-cleaning, non-clogging slot geometry
  • Strong tensile and collapse resistance

Typical Applications

  • Vertical and deviated oil & gas wells
  • Onshore production wells
  • Water wells and municipal boreholes

Typical Applications

  • Hydrotreating reactors (HDS, HDN, HDA)
  • Hydrocracking reactors
  • Residue upgrading units
  • Fixed-bed catalytic reactors in refineries
  • Petrochemical hydrogenation units

Performance Benefits

  • Uniform flow distribution across catalyst bed
  • Reduced pressure drop and improved reactor efficiency
  • Extended catalyst life
  • Reliable operation during start-up, shutdown, and regeneration
  • Long service life with minimal maintenance

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Key Advantages

  • High Open Area
    Continuous V-wire slots provide superior flow capacity, minimizing pressure drop across the reactor.
  • Non-Clogging Slot Design
    V-shaped wire profile prevents blinding and promotes self-cleaning under slurry or vapor-liquid flow.
  • Exceptional Mechanical Strength
    Robust load-bearing capability to support heavy catalyst beds even at large reactor diameters.
  • Precise Slot Openings
    Engineered slot sizes ensure effective catalyst retention without compromising throughput.
  • Thermal & Chemical Resistance
    Suitable for hydrogen-rich, high-temperature refinery environments.

Material Options

To meet refinery and licensor specifications, support grids are available in:

  • SS 304 / SS 304L
  • SS 316 / SS 316L
  • Duplex 2205
  • Super Duplex 2507
  • SS 904L
  • Other high-alloy steels on request

Material selection is based on operating temperature, pressure, hydrogen partial pressure, and corrosion potential.

Why Apollo Screens?

  • Proven expertise in wedge wire technology
  • Custom-engineered designs for hydroprocessing reactors
  • Precision manufacturing with tight slot tolerances
  • Global experience across oil, gas, and refinery applications
  • Reliable performance in critical, high-risk operating environments

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Comprehensive internal components optimized for maximum separation efficiency, operational safety, and reduced maintenance cycles.

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