A Slurry bed reactor for low temperature Fischer-Tropsch

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development of the slurry bed reactor and the reason for its development. Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis is commercially performed in one of two ways. High Temperature Fischer–Tropsch is used for the production of a light syncrude for the production of petrol and diesel. Traditionally this is done in the Synthol process, which uses a circulating fluidised bed reactor (CFBR). Low temperature Fischer–Tropsch is used for the production of high molecular weight hydrocarbons, mostly waxes, which can be sold as such or which can be hydrocracked to excellent diesel. For this, Sasol has traditionally used the tubular fixed bed reactors (TFBR). In 1989, to replace the Synthol CFBR, Sasol commissioned the Sasol Advanced Synthol reactor (SASR), the basis of which is a conventional fluidised bed. It turned out to be much cheaper and more effective than the original Synthol CFBR, much easier to operate, with greater flexibility and much less maintenance. Recently, in May 1993, Sasol commissioned a commercial scale slurry bed reactor (SBR) as an alternative to the TFBR for low temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The experience with this reactor has been very good.