Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product grade optimization in a fluidized bed reactor

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is an important chemical process for the production of liquid fuels and olefins. In recent years, the abundant availability of natural gas and the increasing demand of olefins, gasoline, diesel and waxes have led to a high interest in further developing this process. A mathematical model of a fluidized-bed reactor used for syngas polymerization was developed and the carbon monoxide polymerization was studied from a modeling point of view. Simulation results show that several parameters affect syngas conversion and carbon product distribution, such as operating pressure, superficial gas velocity, bed porosity, and syngas composition. Optimization of liquid hydrocarbon products was done and the best operating conditions for their production were found for an iron catalyst that produces hydrocarbon chains according to a dual mechanism theory. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.