FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS GAS CONVERSION REACTOR

This paper describes the design and mathematical modeling of a catalytic reactor for the Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas to paraffinic hydrocarbons. The interesting feature of the reactor is a series of cooling coils located within a fixed-bed of catalyst. The coils are oriented perpendicular to the direction of gas flow through the reactor. Coolant flows through the coils to remove the heat of reaction. An experimental pilot-plant reactor was built and operated to test this design. In addition, a steady-state, two-dimensional, psedo-homogeneous reactor model was developed to study the effect of cooling-coil design on reactor performance. Higher overall heat transfer coefficients were obtained with this design, compared to a typical tubular reactor design. Thus, less cooling surface area per unit volume is required. The coil reactor design was estimated to be significantly less expensive to build than a conventional tubular fixed-bed reactor.