(522d) Production of Liquid Fuels Using Micro-Channel Reactor Technology

Utilization of a micro-channel reactor for production of liquid fuels from synthesis gas has been shown to lead to substantial improvement in liquid productivity compared to conventional technology. The exceptional heat transfer characteristics of the catalytic micro-channel reactor allows for significantly higher operating temperatures without excess formation of methane. Experimental results are presented showing the effect of H2/CO ratio, temperature, pressure, and space velocity on the conversion and selectivity to liquid fuels on a cobalt catalyst using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. A statistical analysis of these results is given indicating the primary and interaction effects for each of these variables. Also discussed are the catalyst deposition techniques employed and issues pertaining to the scale up of the micro-channel system.