Effect of process conditions on the product distribution of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over a Re-promoted cobalt-alumina catalyst using a stirred tank slurry reactor

•The growth probability of C1 intermediate (α1) is dependent on process conditions.•The C2+ growth probabilities (α2+) are relatively constant at different conditions.•Constant α2+ with residence time suggests minor impact of 1-olefin readsorption.•C5+ selectivity is correlated with α1 values.•Suppr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of catalysis 2014-03, Vol.311, p.325-338
Main Authors: Todic, Branislav, Ma, Wenping, Jacobs, Gary, Davis, Burtron H., Bukur, Dragomir B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alumina
Catalysis
Chemical synthesis
Chemistry
Cobalt catalyst
Exact sciences and technology
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
General and physical chemistry
Process conditions
Product selectivity
Rhenium promoter
Slurry reactor
Slurry reactors
Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
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Summary:•The growth probability of C1 intermediate (α1) is dependent on process conditions.•The C2+ growth probabilities (α2+) are relatively constant at different conditions.•Constant α2+ with residence time suggests minor impact of 1-olefin readsorption.•C5+ selectivity is correlated with α1 values.•Suppression of excess methane formation leads to higher α1, i.e., higher C5+ yield. The effects of process conditions on Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) product distribution were studied using a 1-L stirred tank slurry reactor and a 0.48%Re–25%Co/Al2O3 catalyst. It was found that the chain growth probability of C1 intermediate (α1) has the most dominant effect on CH4 and C5+ selectivity. α1 was found to be highly dependent on process conditions. Relatively constant values of C2+ growth probabilities with reactor residence time, as well as other process variables, suggest that 1-olefin readsorption has a minor effect on product selectivities. A low value of α1 and its different response to variations in process conditions, compared to higher chain growth probabilities, seems to support a hypothesis that a higher-than-expected yield of methane is caused by at least two separate methane formation pathways. Understanding these pathways and ways to suppress excess methane formation is a key factor in obtaining higher C5+ selectivity.
ISSN:0021-9517
1090-2694
DOI:10.1016/j.jcat.2013.12.009