The pivotal role of an interconnected cellular conductive structure to manage heat removal in compact Fischer–Tropsch fixed-bed reactors

Abstract

An interconnected conductive structure is crucial to run FTS in compact reactors under severe conditions, while keeping a remarkably effective T-control.

Heat Transfer Intensification in Compact Tubular Reactors with Cellular Internals a Pilot-Scale Assessment of Highly Conductive Packed-Pocs with Skin Applied to the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

“…Due to the simplicity of the adopted setup, however, no quantitative information could be derived on the enhancement of the overall heat transfer coefficient granted by the presence of the conductive foams in the reactor. Nevertheless, we were able to show that the improved performances measured in the presence of the Al-foam were not simply due to the presence of some metallic diluent in the reactor, but were due to the continuity of the metal struts transferring heat in the radial direction of the reactor [36].…”

An Overview of Low-Temperature Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: Market Conditions, Raw Materials, Reactors, Scale-Up, Process Intensification, Mechanisms, and Outlook

“…Currently, there are relevant theoretical and experimental works that highlight the improvement of the FBR in the FT process. Among the experimental works, the following are prominent: the structural modification of FBR with a static mixer to increase the contact between the gas and solid phase, improving the mass transfer in the radial direction; the intensification of the FT process through hydroprocessing of unbranched FT products is aimed at enhancing the flow properties of hydrocarbons in low temperatures and promoting the production of stable liquid fuels in remote geographical locations; the study of the key-variables of the FT process concerning the activity and performance of the ruthenium-based catalyst for the possible scaling of the process; or to improve heat transfer through the intensification of open-cell foam structures, specifically by increasing radial heat transfer through the material thermal conductivity, modifying the reactor configuration through the structure and type of material used in the catalyst matrixi.e., periodic open cellular structure, open-cell metal foam, open/closed cross flows structureshas opened up a new avenue of research known as Packed-Foams reactors. − In this context, the evaluation of catalyst multilayers accommodation to enhance the chain growth probability with lower energy consumption and without the risk of hotspots deactivating the catalyst is an intriguing proposition that has recently gained traction …”

Carbon neutral methanol from pulp mills towards full energy decarbonization: an inside perspective and critical review

“…180 The process is not new, and plants are often held back by high production costs, scaling issues and temperature control difficulties, despite some recent technology developments being made in this regard. 4,182,183 Furthermore, jet fuel can also be synthesized from methanol, and it seems that this pathway can achieve higher selectivity and yield because it avoids the production of a liquid with a wide range of carbons in the FT step; besides, it can also avoid the necessity of an additional RWGS unit, which is currently mandatory in the FT route with CO 2 capture, 9 and brings additional CAPEX/OPEX. A detailed comparison, as well as determination of the optimal process, requires specific studies and currently falls out of the scope of the current work, but it represents future research of major relevance.…”