Determination of selectivity equations heavy and light product of petroleum on iron based catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract

Abstract The optimal control of selectivity is an important method to trigger catalyst activity in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to produce favorable products. The determination of a model that will show the extent of product dependence on various parameters is of great importance in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Efforts to increase a product in industry can be economical. In this research, a comprehensive method was evaluated to create a selectivity model of catalyst Fe/Cu/K/SiO2 of hydrocarbon products under conditions of temperature, pressure, and space velocity in a fixed-bed reactor. The response surface methodology was used in order to optimize process conditions and the relation of continuous functions between variables, so that the obtained model showed the selectivity of methane, light olefin hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons products by factors such as temperature, pressure, and space velocity. A comparison of the models showed space velocity, among all the other factors, had a considerable effect on the increase selectivity of light hydrocarbons. On the other hand, the selectivity of methane indicates that temperature decrease parameter has the minimum effect on production. Whereas, the temperature rise cause reduces heavy hydrocarbons. The goal is to maximizing light hydrocarbon and minimizing methane and heavy hydrocarbon products. Highlights • Comprehensive equations to achieve selectivity model of hydrocarbon products. • The response surface methodology was used in order to optimize process conditions. • The optimum products condition was obtained by using the obtained equations.