Influence of Particle Size and Single-Tube Diameter on Thermal Behavior of Fischer-Tropsch Reactors. Part II. Eggshell Catalysts and Optimal Reactor Performance

Performance of diffusion-optimised Fischer–Tropsch catalyst layers in microchannel reactors at integral operation

Simulation study evaluating impact of diffusion on selectivity and productivity for optimised catalyst layers operated at high conversion.

Modeling of transport phenomena in fixed-bed reactors for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction: a brief literature review

Currently, few processes can be considered practical alternatives to the use of petroleum for liquid fuel production. Among these alternatives, the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reaction has been successfully applied commercially. Nevertheless, many of the fundamentals of this process are difficult to understand because of its complexity, which depends strongly on the catalyst and the reactor design and operating conditions, as the reaction is seriously affected by mass and heat transport issues. Thus, studying this reaction system with transport phenomena models can help to elucidate the impact of different parameters on the reaction. According to the literature, modeling FTS systems with 1D models provides valuable information for understanding the phenomena that occur during this process. However, 2D models must be used to simulate the reactor to correctly predict the reactor variables, particularly the temperature, which is a critical parameter to achieve a suitable distribution of products during the reaction. Thus, this work provides a general resume of the current findings on the modeling of transport phenomena on a particle/pellet level in a tubular fixed-bed reactor.

Enhancing internal mass transport in Fischer–Tropsch catalyst layers utilizing transport pores

A one-dimensional model of Fischer–Tropsch catalyst layers is used for optimization of layer thickness and transport pore fraction to avoid diffusive restrictions and improve productivity.

A critical review on heat transfer in trickle bed reactors

A critical review of the available information about heat transfer between a packed bed with cocurrent downflow of gas and liquid and an external medium was undertaken. Several aspects such as experimental set-ups and methods employed to study heat transfer in trickle bed reactors, models used to interpret experimental data, and literature correlations of heat transfer parameters are addressed. From the analysis of the available experimental information, a refined database has been built, which allows comparing the performance of the existing correlations for the parameters of the extensively employed two-dimensional pseudohomogeneous plug flow model (i.e., effective radial thermal conductivity and wall heat transfer coefficient). In addition, new correlations for effective thermal conductivity have been developed. Identification of gaps in the current knowledge and recommendations for future works are summarized.