On the relevance of mass transfer limitations in the Fischer-Tropsch slurry process

Abstract

Satterfield and Huff[1] reported recently on significant mass transfer resistances in the FT slurry process. However, their conclusions are at least partly based on a study with an unsuitable catalyst. In the present communication FT studies with 8 different catalysts and bubble columns, respectively, were analyzed using new and reliable results on hydrodynamic properties. In all cases, mass transfer resistances were found to be small compared to reaction resistances. As long as much more active catalysts are not developed significant mass transfer limitations cannot be expected in the bubble column if operated under appropriate conditions. The absence of mass transfer limitations is mainly a result of the high gas holdups attainable with molten paraffin as liquid phase.