Parametric analysis of Fischer-tropsch synthesis in a catalytic microchannel reactor

Gamze Gumuslu, Ahmet K. Avci*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) involves highly exothermic conversion of syngas to a wide range of hydrocarbons, but demands isothermal conditions due to the strong dependence of product distribution on temperature. Running FTS in microchannel reactors is promising, as the sub-millimeter dimensions can lead to significant intensification that inherently favors robust temperature control. This study involves computer-based FTS simulations in a heat-exchange integrated microchannel network composed of horizontal groups of square-shaped cooling and wall-coated, catalytic reaction channels. Effects of material type and thickness of the wall separating the channels, side length of the cooling channel, coolant flow rate, and channel wall texture on reaction temperature are investigated. Use of thicker walls with high thermal conductivities and micro-baffles on the catalytic reaction channel wall favor near-isothermal conditions. Response of reaction temperature against coolant flow rate is significant. Using cooling channels with smaller side lengths, however, is shown to be insufficient for temperature control.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-235
Number of pages9
JournalAIChE Journal
Volume58
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
  • Heat-exchange reactor
  • Microchannel reactor
  • Modeling
  • Temperature control

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