Parametric analysis of Fischer-tropsch synthesis in a catalytic microchannel reactor

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) involves highly exothermic conversion of syngas to a wide range of hydrocarbons, but demands isothermal conditions due to the strong dependence of product distribution on temperature. Running FTS in microchannel reactors is promising, as the sub‐millimeter dimensions...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:AIChE journal 2012-01, Vol.58 (1), p.227-235
Main Authors: Gumuslu, Gamze, Avci, Ahmet K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Catalysis
Catalysts
Catalytic reactions
Channels
Chemical engineering
Chemistry
Cooling
Exact sciences and technology
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
General and physical chemistry
Heat conductivity
heat-exchange reactor
Hydrocarbons
microchannel reactor
Microchannels
modeling
Reactors
Simulation
Temperature
Temperature control
Texture
Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
Walls
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) involves highly exothermic conversion of syngas to a wide range of hydrocarbons, but demands isothermal conditions due to the strong dependence of product distribution on temperature. Running FTS in microchannel reactors is promising, as the sub‐millimeter dimensions can lead to significant intensification that inherently favors robust temperature control. This study involves computer‐based FTS simulations in a heat‐exchange integrated microchannel network composed of horizontal groups of square‐shaped cooling and wall‐coated, catalytic reaction channels. Effects of material type and thickness of the wall separating the channels, side length of the cooling channel, coolant flow rate, and channel wall texture on reaction temperature are investigated. Use of thicker walls with high thermal conductivities and micro‐baffles on the catalytic reaction channel wall favor near‐isothermal conditions. Response of reaction temperature against coolant flow rate is significant. Using cooling channels with smaller side lengths, however, is shown to be insufficient for temperature control. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
ISSN:0001-1541
1547-5905
DOI:10.1002/aic.12558