Microstructured Fischer-Tropsch Reactor Scale-up and Opportunities for Decentralized Application

Abstract

Current projects focusing on the energy transition in traffic will rely on a high-level technology mix for their commissioning. One of those technologies is the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) that converts synthesis gas into hydrocarbons of different chain lengths. A microstructured packed-bed reactor for low-temperature FTS is tested towards its versatility for biomass-based syngas with a high inert gas dilution. Investigations include overall productivity, conversion, and product selectivity. A 60-times larger pilot-scale reactor is further tested. Evaporation cooling is introduced which allows to increase the available energy extraction from the system. From that scale on, an autothermal operation at elevated conversion levels is applicable.