Investigations on the effect of reaction parameters over Fe/Cu/K catalyst for the production of selective range of liquid hydrocarbon

Abstract

Effect of reaction conditions were investigated for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process over Fe/Cu/K./ $$\hbox {SiO}_{2}$$ catalyst for maximization of a selective range of liquid hydrocarbon $$(\hbox {C}_{5-20})$$ . Operating conditions of the reaction have a strong impact on the activity and selectivity of the process. The parameters that influence the FT synthesis reaction and product distribution include the reactor temperature, pressure, space velocity, the $$\hbox {H}_{2}/\hbox {CO}$$ molar ratio in the feed syngas and the catalyst. Experiments were performed at varying range of temperature, pressure, Space velocity and $$\hbox {H}_{2}/\hbox {CO}$$ molar ratio. Variation in $$\hbox {C}_{5+}$$ selectivity and (olefin/paraffin) O/P ratio were observed and analyzed to select the optimum values. Reaction conditions affect the $$\hbox {H}_{2}$$ and CO surface coverage and re-adsorption of olefins which play a crucial role in altering overall product selectivity. Reaction rates for FT and water gas shift (WGS) reactions were compared at different conditions. At optimum conditions, CO conversion and $$\hbox {C}_{5+}$$ selectivity were 45.9% and 77.4%, respectively. Synopsis. The reaction conditions for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis were optimized for maximum $$\hbox {C}_{5+}$$ yield over Fe/Cu/K/ $$\hbox {SiO}_{2}$$ catalyst. At optimized operating conditions (T – 225 $$^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ , P - 25 bar, $$\hbox {H}_{2}/\hbox {CO}$$ molar ratio - 1 and GHSV - 2000 cc/gcat-h), % CO conversion and $$\hbox {C}_{5+}$$ selectivity were observed to be 45.9% and 77.4%, respectively.