Conversion of syngas to liquid hydrocarbons via a sorption-enhanced dual bed reactor

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) plays an important role in the production of clean liquid transportation fuels, chemicals, and other hydrocarbon products. This study proposes a novel dual bed configuration of FTS reactor in which Zeolite 4A, with the composition of Na₁₂ (Si₁₂Al₁₂O₄₈)?27H₂O, is considered as water adsorbent inside the first reactor. In the second converter, the heat of reaction is used to pre-heat the synthesis gas to the first bed. The simulation results show an enhancement in the gasoline production, a main decrease in undesirable product formation (CO₂ and CH₄), and a favorable temperature profile along the proposed concept rather than the conventional reactor. This paper shows how the concept of in-situ water adsorption is feasible and beneficial for dual bed FTS.