Is a monolithic loop reactor a viable option for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis?

A Monolithic Loop Reactor design for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with a production capacity of 5000 ton middle distillates per day (about 40 000 bbl/day) is presented. The required volume, 3350 m(3), is competitive with conventional reactors, while eliminating disadvantages of existing reactor types such as catalyst attrition and separation, backmixing and large diffusion distances. Although the kinetic expressions used in this study do not allow calculating the selectivity precisely, all important conditions, low temperature rise and constant H-2/CO ratios, are met to ensure high selectivity towards heavy hydrocarbons. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.