OPTIMISATION OF A MULTI-STAGE FISCHER-TROPSCH SYNTHESIS PROCESS

摘要

A method for the optimisation of a multi-stage Fischer-Tropsch process producing hydrocarbons from synthesis gas, which method comprises the steps of: (i) providing synthesis gas comprising in the range of from 1 to 7 vol% inerts, preferably of from 2 to 5 vol%; (ii) supplying part of the synthesis gas provided in step (i) to a first-stage hydrocarbon synthesis reactor provided with a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst and catalytically converting the synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure to obtain a first liquid hydrocarbon product stream and a first gaseous hydrocarbon product stream; (iii) feeding part of the synthesis gas provided in step (i) and a portion of the first gaseous product stream comprising unconverted synthesis gas into a second-stage hydrocarbon synthesis reactor provided with a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, and catalytically converting the synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure to obtain a second liquid hydrocarbon product stream and a second gaseous hydrocarbon product stream.