Low-Olefin Production Process Based on Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Process Synthesis, Optimization, and Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

A low-olefin production process was developed with natural gas as the feedstock. The proposed process directly generates low olefins based on the Fischer−Tropsch synthesis reaction. Techno-economic assessments were conducted to evaluate the economic aspects of the developed process, whereby data were compared to that of the counterpart gas-to-liquid process. Results showed that the Fischer−Tropsch to olefins process has good economic prospects. This work provides a feasible approach for a low-olefin production process through process synthesis and optimization. Input chilling utilities could be reduced by 45% compared to that before the exergy recuperation and heat integration, while the heating utilities could be reduced to 0 MMBtu/h. Effects of catalyst's selectivity to low olefins on the economic performance of the proposed process were also analyzed.

A Review on the Conversion of Synthetic Gas to LPG over Hybrid Nanostructure Zeolites Catalysts

“…Additionally, they adjusted the hybrid catalyst by changing the methanol catalyst and accordingly varying the ratio of metal catalyst to zeolite. The highest catalytic performance was recorded for CuÀ Zn USY (20). This specific study improved the second step in the synthesis of LPG from syngas with an LPG yield of 75 %.…”

“…They tested USY (30), ZSM-5, CuÀ Zn USY (20), CuÀ Zn b-zeolite, CuÀ Zn ZSM-5, PdÀ Ca/SiO 2 b-zeolite, PdÀ Ca/SiO 2 ZSM-5. CuÀ Zn USY (20) (the number 20 dedicates the silica to alumina ratio of the USY) was superior to others due to a DME conversion of 100 % and LPG selectivity of 75.5 %. The zeolite alone was considerably very weak to facilitate the conversion process.…”

“…Another study was conducted by Asami et al ( 2005), [49] who investigated the semi-indirect conversion of synthesis to LPG over hybrid catalyst of methanol catalyst and different zeolites. They tested USY (30), ZSM-5, CuÀ Zn USY (20), CuÀ Zn b-zeolite, CuÀ Zn ZSM-5, PdÀ Ca/SiO 2 b-zeolite, PdÀ Ca/SiO 2 ZSM-5. CuÀ Zn USY (20) (the number 20 dedicates the silica to alumina ratio of the USY) was superior to others due to a DME conversion of 100 % and LPG selectivity of 75.5 %.…”

“…[18] Accordingly, through the well-established Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) technology, syngas can be utilized as a raw material to produce light olefins, synthetic kerosene, light oil, and naphtha range fuels such as gasoline and diesel. [19,20] In fact, recent literature studies have indicated the possibility of turning syngas into high grade aviation fuels via the incorporation of modified zeolite catalyst systems. [21][22][23][24] Similarly, the syngas can be converted into methanol at the milder reaction temperatures in the range of 250 to 400 °C aided by the used of supported metal oxide catalyst for further upgrading into many other chemicals such as dimethyl ether (DME), ethanol, biochemical, ethylene, formaldehyde, acetic acid, polyolefin, LPG and BTEX aromatics.…”

“…Synthesis gas is used in several industrial plants that include the methanol production and ammonia synthesis plants [18] . Accordingly, through the well‐established Fischer‐ Tropsch (F‐T) technology, syngas can be utilized as a raw material to produce light olefins, synthetic kerosene, light oil, and naphtha range fuels such as gasoline and diesel [19,20] . In fact, recent literature studies have indicated the possibility of turning syngas into high grade aviation fuels via the incorporation of modified zeolite catalyst systems [21–24] .…”