Fischer-Tropsch slurry phase process variations to understand wax formation

Use of a slurry-type reactor with an iron catalyst for Fischer- Tropsch synthesis from low H{sub 2}/CO syngas offers the potential advantages of excellent temperature control, flexibility in catalyst addition and removal and internal water gas shift. The most important likely process variations were studied to determine how they affect product selectivity. A C-73 reduced fused magnetite was used as a base-line catalyst since it is mechanically rugged and resistant to process upsets, but several precipitated iron catalysts were also studied and the performances of the various catalysts are compared. We have also developed an improved method of analyzing product distribution data. Information is provided on changes in product distribution during start-up, effect of water content, and correlations of these with composition of the iron catalyst as determined by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Methods of reliable performance testing in a slurry reactor are discussed. 26 refs., 27 figs.