Attrition resistant catalysts for slurry-phase Fischer-Tropsch process

Technical Report · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/755082· OSTI ID:755082

Jothimurugesan, K

The Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reaction provides a way of converting coal-derived synthesis gas (CO+H{sub 2}) to liquid fuels. Since the reaction is highly exothermic, one of the major problems in control of the reaction is heat removal. Recent work has shown that the use of slurry bubble column reactors (SBCRs) can largely solve this problem. Iron-based (Fe) catalysts are preferred catalysts for F-T because they are relatively inexpensive and possess reasonable activity for F-T synthesis (FTS). Their most advantages trait is their high water-gas shift (WGS) activity compared to their competitor, namely cobalt. This enables Fe F-T catalysts to process low H{sub 2}/CO ratio synthesis gas without an external shift reaction step. However, a serious problem with the use of Fe catalysts in a SBCR is their tendency to undergo attrition. This can cause fouling/plugging of downstream filters and equipment, make the separation of catalyst from the oil/wax product very difficult if not impossible, an d result in a steady loss of catalyst from the reactor. The objectives of this research were to develop a better understanding of the parameters affecting attrition of Fe F-T catalysts suitable for use in SBCRs and to incorporate this understanding into the design of novel Fe catalysts having superior attrition resistance.

• Research Organization: Federal Energy Technology Center, Morgantown, WV (US); Federal Energy Technology Center, Pittsburgh, PA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: FG26-98FT40108
• OSTI ID: 755082
• Report Number(s): DE--FG26-98FT40108--01
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
BUBBLES
CATALYSTS
COBALT
DESIGN
FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS
LIQUID FUELS
REMOVAL
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHESIS GAS