Simulation of fluid dynamics in a microchannel Fischer-Tropsch reactor

Fluid dynamics in a microchannel of a new-generation Fischer-Tropsch reactor for artificial petroleum synthesis is reported. Liquid and gaseous product downflows are modeled in the annular flow approximation. The conjugate flow of gaseous and liquid products is investigated in terms of integral momentum balance equations with capillary effects and microchannel wall roughness taken into consideration. A simulation procedure appropriate for the method of deposition of catalyst particles onto the inner wall is suggested for modeling a random inner surface of the microchannel. The simulation procedure takes into account the variation of the synthesis product composition and the variation of the thermal properties of the liquid and gas phases along the microchannel length. A stable computational procedure has been devised for calculating fluid dynamic parameters of the two-phase flow. The effects of the synthesis gas flow rate and conversion, microchannel diameter, chain propagation constant, temperature, and pressure on the two-phase flow parameters and on the aerodynamic resistance of the gas have been investigated.