Influence of the Feed Gas Composition on the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis in Commercial Operations

Key technical challenges relating to the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis applied in the commercialization of coal/gas-to-liquids (CTL/GTL) technologies have been reviewed. Based on the experiences accumulated from pilot plant, semi-work test and lab researches, the influences of the H2/CO ratio and the CO2 in the feed gas on the F-T process as well as on CTL/GTL complex in terms of product yields, energy efficiency and carbon utilization efficiency have been studied. Being contrary to the current design schemes for F-T process using the coal derived syngas and the iron-based catalyst, it is suggested to feed the F-T synthesis unit with a syngas having a H2/CO ratio of 0.5 and then adjusting to 1.4 via the recycling process. As a result, the carbon efficiency of the whole plant could be reached to as high as 50%. For the issue of CO2 addition to the feed gas, it is proved that only a diluting role is played under the current commercial slurry phase F-T process.