Mathematical Modeling of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Assisted by Sorption-Enhanced Dual-bed Reactor

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) plays an important role in the production of clean liquid transportation fuels, chemicals, and other hydrocarbon products. This study proposes a novel configuration of FTS reactor in which Zeolite 4A, with the composition of Na12 (Si12Al12O48).27H2O, is considered as water adsorbent. A configuration of two catalyst beds instead of one single bed with selective adsorption of water inside the first bed is developed for gasoline production. Contact of gas and fine solid particles inside the first reactor results in the selective adsorption of water from the FT synthesis system which increases temperature and gasoline production. This reactor functions at a higher than normal operating temperature and at very high yield. In the second converter, the heat of reaction is used to pre-heat the synthesis gas to the first bed. Thus, a more favorable temperature profile is observed in SE-DR compared to conventional reactor (CR). This paper shows how the concept of in-situ water adsorption is feasible and beneficial for dual bed FTS.