Separation of Fischer-Tropsch Wax from Catalyst by Supercritical Extraction

Technical Report · Fri Jan 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/643578· OSTI ID:643578

Joyce, P C; Thies, M C

The proposed process of using supercritical fluid extraction in conjunction with the Fischer-Tropsch slurry bubble column reactor has been examined using the ASPEN Plus simulator by the research group at North Carolina State University. Qualitative results have been obtained for varying the following process parameters: solvent-to-wax ratio, solvent type (pentane or hexane), extraction temperature and pressure, and recovery unit temperature and pressure. The region of retrograde behavior was determined for pentane and hexane. Initial results show hexane to be the superior solvent; compared to pentane, hexane requires lower quantities of solvent makeup (the amount of solvent which needs to be added to account for solvent that cannot be recycled), and also results in a lower average molecular weight of slurry in the reactor. Studies indicate that increasing the extraction temperature, extraction pressure, recovery temperature, or solvent to wax ratio decreases the amount solvent makeup required. Decreasing the recovery pressure was found to decrease the makeup flowrate.

• Research Organization: Clemson Univ., SC (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG22-94PC94219
• OSTI ID: 643578
• Report Number(s): DOE/PC/94219--T12; ON: DE97053758
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
CATALYSTS
FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS
HEXANE
PENTANE
SLURRIES
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
WAXES