Mechanistic study of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using transient kinetics

The Fischer-Tropsch reaction mechanism over an iron-based catalyst was studied with the steady state isotopic transient kinetic analysis technique using a plug-flow fixed-bed reactor. This reactor was operated under differential and intrinsic conditions in the absence of severe pressure effects related to the abrupt change in isotopic feed composition. The evolution of the labeled carbon 13C in the C1 to C5 hydrocarbon products, leading to a kinetic analysis of the Fischer-Tropsch mechanism was described. A plug-flow reactor model was used. Data were obtained at 330°C, H2/CO ratios from 4 to 20, and a pressure of 1.2 bar. The results for the methanation reaction, which includes a reaction mechanism and the relevant kinetic parameters, and the extension of this mechanism to include higher hydrocarbon formation, were presented. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AIChE Spring National Meeting (New Orleans, LA 4/6-10/2008).