SEPARATION OF FISCHER-TROPSCH WAX PRODUCTS FROM ULTRAFINE IRON CATALYST PARTICLES

Technical Report · Wed Mar 31 04:00:00 EST 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/823533· OSTI ID:823533

Neathery, James K; Jacobs, Gary; Davis, Burtron H

In this reporting period, a fundamental filtration study was started to investigate the separation of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) liquids from iron-based catalyst particles. Slurry-phase FTS in slurry bubble column reactor systems is the preferred mode of production since the reaction is highly exothermic. Consequently, heavy wax products must be separated from catalyst particles before being removed from the reactor system. Achieving an efficient wax product separation from iron-based catalysts is one of the most challenging technical problems associated with slurry-phase FTS. The separation problem is further compounded by catalyst particle attrition and the formation of ultra-fine iron carbide and/or carbon particles. Existing pilot-scale equipment was modified to include a filtration test apparatus. After undergoing an extensive plant shakedown period, filtration tests with cross-flow filter modules using simulant FTS wax slurry were conducted. The focus of these early tests was to find adequate mixtures of polyethylene wax to simulate FTS wax. Catalyst particle size analysis techniques were also developed. Initial analyses of the slurry and filter permeate particles will be used by the research team to design improved filter media and cleaning strategies.

• Research Organization: University of Kentucky (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• DOE Contract Number: FC26-03NT41965
• OSTI ID: 823533
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
BUBBLES
CARBON
CATALYSTS
CLEANING
DESIGN
FILTRATION
FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS
IRON
IRON CARBIDES
MIXTURES
PARTICLE SIZE
POLYETHYLENES
PRODUCTION