Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a microstructured reactor

A multichannel microstructured packed bed reactor is manufactured. The performance of the microstructured reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with high activity cobalt/alumina catalysts is studied. For evaluation of the microstructured reactor performance, the results are compared with results obtained in an electrically heated laboratory scale fixed-bed reactor under similar conditions. The catalyst activity and selectivities obtained with undiluted catalyst in the microstructured reactor are similar to results obtained with diluted catalyst in the fixed-bed reactor. The microstructured reactor's capability to operate with high active catalysts at severe conditions without causing temperature runaways and thus increased deactivation of the catalyst is demonstrated. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.