TITLE: Theoretical Model for the Performance of Bubble-Column Reactors Used for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.

AUTHOR: D. Stern;   A. T. Bell;   H. Heinemann.

INST.  AUTHOR: California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  1985,  54p.

NTIS ORDER NO.: DE85008832/INW  

ABSTRACT:

A theoretical model is presented for describing the performance of bubble-column reactors used for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The model accounts for axial dispersion in both the gas and liquid phases, and for non-uniform distribution of catalyst. The influence of H sub 2 and CO concentrations in the liquid phase on the stoichiometry and kinetics of the synthesis and water-gas-shift reactions are treated rigorously.  Calculations have been carried out to illustrate the influence of transport parameters on syngas conversion and axial distribution of reactants and products. Comparisons are also made with recently reported experimental results, to demonstrate the capability of the model to predict the dependence of the syngas conversion and H sub 2 -CO consumption ratio on feed composition and velocity. 28 references, 13 figures, 2 tables. (ERA citation 10:020128)

REPORT  NUMBER: LBL-17958

CONTRACT  NUMBER: FG22-81PC40795