Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch fuels from syngas: Kinetic modeling and process simulation of different plant configurations

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is considered a key component of alternative-to-oil technology pathways to obtain synthetic liquid hydrocarbons usable for fuels and chemicals. In view of the growing interest and establishment of more and more syngas-to-liquids projects, it is essential to develop new process models that are at the same time detailed and practical-to-use. Aiming at this target, up-to-date literature kinetics research results have been converted into a well-established industrial process simulator. Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch process oriented to middle distillate production is modeled in detail in this work. Detailed kinetic based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson approach are exploited rather than traditional product distribution laws, both for Fischer Tropsch synthesis as well as hydrocracking. By varying the operating conditions and system process configurations, it is possible to simulate and analyse the performance of once-through and recycle plants with different product outputs. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.