TITLE: Attrition Resistant Iron-Based Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts.

AUTHOR: K. Jothimurugesan;   J. G. Goodwin;   J. J. Spivey;   S. K. Gangwal.

INST.  AUTHOR: USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States).

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  26 Mar 97,  11p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE97053777INW

ABSTRACT:

The Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) reaction provides a way of converting coal- derived synthesis gas (CO+H2) to liquid fuels. Recent work has shown that the use of slurry bubble column reactors (SBCRS) can largely solve the heat removal problem. Iron-based (Fe) catalysts are preferred catalysts for F-T when using low CO/H2 ratio synthesis gases derived from modem coal gasifiers. This is because in addition to reasonable F-T activity, the FT catalysts also possess high water gas shift (WGS) activity. However, a serious problem with the use of Fe catalysts in a SBCR is their tendency to undergo attrition. This can cause fouling/plugging of downstream filters and equipment, making the separation of catalyst from the oil/wax product very difficult if not impossible, and results in a steady loss of catalyst from the reactor. The objectives of this research are to develop a better understanding of the parameters affecting attrition resistance of Fe F-T catalysts suitable for use in SBCRs and to incorporate this understanding into the design of novel Fe catalysts having superior attrition resistance. Catalyst preparations are based on the use of spray drying and are scalable using commercially available equipment. The research employs among other measurements, attrition testing and F-T synthesis, including long duration slurry reactor runs in order to ascertain the degree of success of the various preparations. The goal is to develop an Fe catalyst which can be used in a SBCR having only an internal filter for separation of the catalyst from the liquid product, without sacrificing F-T activity and selectivity.

REPORT  NUMBER: DOE/PC/96217-T2

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-96PC96217