Fischer-Tropsch Reactor

[tuan]

What exactly is the reaction within Fisher-Tropsch reactor, and the associated beneficial products?

[jeem]

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis converts syngas into long-chain hydrocarbons.
FT is not one reaction, it’s a polymerization process on a metal surface.
Step-by-step:
CO adsorbs on catalyst (Co or Fe)
CO dissociates - C + O
Carbon atoms hydrogenate
CHx species chain-grow
Chains terminate - hydrocarbons leave surface

FT does not directly make “diesel” or “jet fuel”.
So what you get is methane, LPG, Naphtha, Diesel range, wax.

[tuan]

Syngas to long-chain hydrocarbons, and where exactly this reaction is used? I mean what are the major industrial units utilizing this reaction?

[jeem]

See this reaction is being used by Sasol Shell, Chevron to convert the NG to Syn Gas and then through Fischer-Tropsch to fuels including synthetic fuel, naphtha, FT wax, LPG, Jet fuel, and lubricants. Can also be used to have speciality chemicals... all too may end products, long chain hydrocarbons...

[tuan]

Thanks jeem.