Study of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction using on-line gas-chromatographic analysis. [L-olefins and n-paraffins for the C/sub 4/-C/sub 13/ hydrocarbons]

An on-line gas-chromatographic method was used to analyze the products obtained during the course of a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The utility of this method for investigating catalyst activity and selectivity throughout the catalyst lifetime is illustrated. The variation in product composition with different reaction parameters has been demonstrated. The adherence of a classical Fischer-Tropsch iron catalyst to Anderson-Schulz-Flory kinetics can be illustrated under a variety of reaction conditions.