Novel Fischer-Tropsch Reactor

73123S03-I Recent advances in Fisher-Tropsch technology have increased opportunities to indirectly produce relatively clean chemicals and fuels from domestic coal and natural gas. However, at the present time, chemicals and fuels derived from the refining of crude oil remain more cost effective. Consequently, there is considerable interest in the development of new reactor technology that improves the economics of Fischer-Tropsch technology. This project will develop a low-cost, membrane loop reactor that is suitable for the production of hydrocarbons from hydrogen and carbon monoxide via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Phase I will focus on the preparation, characterization, and laboratory-scale evaluation of catalyst slurries in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor. Commercial catalyst formulations and membrane modules will be examined to demonstrate that the membrane reactor is suitable for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis. A preliminary process engineering and economic model of a commercial-scale process will be developed in order to evaluate process economic viability and energy efficiency. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The proposed technology should provide a novel method for converting synthesis gas to clean fuels and chemicals, so that Fischer-Tropsch technology could be more cost competitive with crude oil refining.