Introduction to Fischer-Tropsch Technology

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the practical application of fischer-tropsch (FT) technology. It is the means by which synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide is converted to hydrocarbon products. The hydrocarbon products are mostly liquid at ambient conditions but some are gaseous and some may even be solid. For the above definition, the term “hydrocarbons” includes oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as alcohols. However, the sole production of an oxygenated hydrocarbon, such as methanol is excluded. The chapter explores that interest in FT technology is increasing rapidly. This is due to the recent improvements to the technology and the realization that it can be used to obtain value from stranded natural gas. In other words, remotely located natural gas will be converted to liquid hydrocarbon products that can be sold in worldwide markets. This is often referred to as the gas-to-liquids (GTL) industry. The chapter also discusses the application of FT technology usually involves complex integration, it inevitably consists of three basic steps: synthesis gas preparation, FT synthesis, and product upgrading.