Two stage process for the conversion of synthesis gas using a cobalt catalyst the first stage and a supported ruthenium in the second stage

摘要

A process is described for the conversion of synthesis gas into hydrocarbons comprising the steps of; (i) passing a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide over a cobalt catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure to produce a first reaction product mixture comprising hydrocarbons, steam, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (ii) condensing and separating water from the first reaction product mixture to produce a de-watered first reaction product mixture, (iii) passing the de-watered first reaction product mixture over a supported ruthenium catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure to produce a second reaction product mixture containing hydrocarbons, and (iv) recovering the hydrocarbons from the second reaction product mixture.