PROCESS FOR MAXIMIZING 371 DEGREES+ PRODUCTION IN A FISCHER-TROPSCH PROCESS

• Main Authors: BURNS, LOUIS, FRANCIS, SAY, GEOFFREY, RHYS, WITTENBRINK, ROBERT, JAY, HOWSMON, GREGG, JOHNSTON
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 23.05.2007
• Subjects: CHEMISTRY; CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; METALLURGY; MINERAL WAXES; PEAT; PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVEHYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, ORGASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE

A hydrocarbon synthesis (HCS) process wherein a Fischer-Tropsch reactor is operated to maximize the selectivity to 371° C.+ boiling fraction while minimizing the production of less valuable products such as light gases (C1-C4), naphtha and diesel fractions. Inventive modes of operation to offset the effects of catalyst deactivation and maximize selectivity to 371° C.+ boiling fraction are utilized including (a) reducing gas inlet velocity to maintain an optimal CO conversion level, (b) introducing additional active catalyst until a maximum loading is reached, and (c) increasing reactor temperature until productivity reaches a predetermined cut-off level.