Fischer-Tropsch Conversion / Kinetics

In summary, the conversation discusses a project to produce a certain amount of oil per day using a Fischer-Tropsch process with the help of HYSYS software. The team is facing a problem with not having enough data on the kinetics and conversion of reactions in the reactor. They have researched extensively but have been unable to find the required information. They are also looking for assistance in sizing the reactor.
  • #1
Cyril St-Amand
2
1
Hi,

We are currently working on a small-scale Fischer-Tropsch process.
The modeling software we are using is HYSYS (Aspen).

We want to produce X barils of oil / day using syngas (H2:CO ratio 2:1) using cobalt catalysts.
The problem we are currently facing is that we do not have the kinetics or conversion for every single reaction in the reactor to simulate the process.

We are modeling C1 to C30 only and we have entered all the reactions in the software.
We have the products distribution (by using the Anderson-Schulz-Flory equation and alpha, the chain growth coefficient).

We did a lot of online/library research, but couldn't come up with the kinetics/conversion data required for HYSYS. We'd also like to be able to size the reactor (fluidized-bed) preliminary. We know the GHSV related to the catalyst used thanks to a recent experiment, but we are still unable to size the reactor.

Any help / link / documents / different approach would greatly be appreciated by my team & I.
 
  • Like
Likes Bibleman
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Cyril St-Amand said:
for every single reaction in the reactor to simulate the process.
There's only so far you can go with "theory/modeling" on something like this; and with just mole fraction of feed for a constraint ... ?
 

What is Fischer-Tropsch conversion?

Fischer-Tropsch conversion is a chemical process that converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas into liquid hydrocarbons. It was first developed in the 1920s by German scientists Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch and has since been used to produce synthetic fuels and other chemicals.

How does Fischer-Tropsch conversion work?

Fischer-Tropsch conversion involves a series of chemical reactions known as the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas are first converted into carbon chains, which then undergo further reactions to form longer hydrocarbon chains. These chains are then separated and refined into liquid fuels or other products.

What are the benefits of Fischer-Tropsch conversion?

Fischer-Tropsch conversion offers several benefits, including the ability to produce liquid fuels from alternative feedstocks such as coal, biomass, or natural gas. It also produces high-quality fuels with low levels of sulfur and other pollutants, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

What are the challenges of Fischer-Tropsch conversion?

Despite its benefits, Fischer-Tropsch conversion also has some challenges. It requires a large amount of energy to produce the necessary high temperatures and pressures for the reactions to occur. It also produces a significant amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which can contribute to climate change. Additionally, the process can be expensive and complex to set up and maintain.

How is kinetics related to Fischer-Tropsch conversion?

Kinetics is the study of the rates of chemical reactions, and it is closely related to Fischer-Tropsch conversion. Understanding the kinetics of the Fischer-Tropsch reactions is important for optimizing the process and improving efficiency. Kinetic studies can also help in the development of catalysts and other materials to improve the performance of Fischer-Tropsch conversion.

Similar threads

Blowout characteristic of Hydrocarbon Combustion
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top