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

Abstract

in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com).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 computerbased 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.

Parametric investigation of oxidative coupling of methane in a heat‐exchange integrated microchannel reactor

“…17 -21 Recently, strongly exothermic processes such as Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis and FT wax hydrocracking, both of which demand strict temperature control, have been simulated in heat-exchange integrated microchannel reactors involving coupling of catalytic reaction and cooling channels. 22,23 These studies clearly showed that effective temperature control in the reaction channels can be obtained by fast heat exchange between the adjacent channels.…”

“…The coupling of an exothermic and an endothermic reaction, both running in adjacent channels of the same reactor has been studied for several systems such as oxidation assisted steam reforming of hydrocarbons to achieve efficient hydrogen and synthesis gas production in compact units . Recently, strongly exothermic processes such as Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) synthesis and FT wax hydrocracking, both of which demand strict temperature control, have been simulated in heat‐exchange integrated microchannel reactors involving coupling of catalytic reaction and cooling channels . These studies clearly showed that effective temperature control in the reaction channels can be obtained by fast heat exchange between the adjacent channels.…”

CFD modeling of a modular reactor for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Effectiveness of a micro-scale cross-current cooling channel

“…FTS catalysts have been applied to conventional reactors such as the multi-tubular fixed bed reactor (TFBR), slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR), and fluidized bed reactor (FBR) [9][10][11]. Furthermore, micro-channel technology has been recently used to minimize heat transfer resistance [1,[12][13][14][15] high productivity, and thermally stable operation of the synthesis reactor.…”

“…With the increasing instability in the price of crude oil and the depletion of natural crude oil resources, the production of synthetic fuels by the gas-to-liquid (GTL) process has continued to receive more attention [1]. The key concept of the GTL process is chemical conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas (syngas; mixture of CO and H 2 ), followed by conversion of syngas to longer chain hydrocarbons, which are typically in the range of hydrocarbons used in liquid transportation fuels, via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) [2].…”

Conventional Fluid Dynamics and CFD Modeling for the Systematic Analysis of the Inside Flow of the Fischer-Tropsch Packed Bed Reactor

“…두 번째, 몇 가지의 대 표적인 화학종의 개별적인 반응속도식과 그 외에 양 이 적은 고분자 부분을 하나의 반응속도식으로 묶어 서 적용하는 경우 [9][10][11]. 세 번째, ASF 이론을 사용하여 식 (5)과 같이 chain growth factor 를 이용해 화학종 별 반응속도식을 추정하는 경우다 [1,[12][13]. …”