Production of liquid hydrocarbons via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis on a pilot-scale reactor using a cobalt-based mesoporous catalyst

• Published in: Brazilian journal of chemical engineering 2022-12, Vol.39 (4), p.1023-1032
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Adriano Henrique Soares, Aguiar, Eduardo Falabella Souza, Cavalcante, Célio Loureiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Review
• ISSN: 0104-6632; 1678-4383
• DOI: 10.1007/s43153-021-00203-5

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of a typical proprietary catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch reaction , in the form of cylindrical pellet on a pilot-scale fixed bed reactor for the production of n-paraffins. The catalyst was identified that the support is mesoporous, showing the active phase (cobalt) a good dispersion. The tests were carried out at a pressure of 20 bar, varying the temperature (210 ºC and 230 ºC) and the space velocity. The results showed a reduction in the conversion of H 2 and CO with the increase in space velocity and temperature, as evidenced in the literature. In addition, it was observed that selectivity to CH 4 increased with the increase in temperature, maintaining the ratio H 2 /CO (1.6). Regarding hydrocarbon productivity, it was noticed that there was a significant increase in the yield of heavy oil and water at 230 ºC. At this temperature, the selectivity to C19 + was reduced when compared to 210 ºC, indicating that in order to produce paraffins of high molecular weight, it is advisable to carry out the reaction at a lower temperature. The results obtained in the laboratory were compared to those obtained in the pilot plant. As a matter of fact, although the catalyst and the operating conditions were the same, different results were observed, indicating mass transfer effects play an important role. The diffusion of H 2 and CO to the active site depends on mass transfer effects, mainly impacting on the selectivity to CH 4 .