Luis Pablo Dancuart

Processing of Primary Fischer-Tropsch Products

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the refining of fischer-tropsch (FT) products is very different from crude oil refining in terms of feed composition, refining focus, and heat management. The same basic technologies and commercial catalysts used in crude oil refining have therefore been adapted for use in FT primary product refining. The chapter discusses that the refinery configuration and choice of refining technologies depend largely on the split between chemicals and fuels production. Valuable products, like linear alpha- olefins, can be extracted from the FT product. The chapter reviews that as for a crude oil refinery, the FT refinery design depends on the nature of the feed that must be processed. Some key properties of the primary FT product components are discussed in the chapter with an explanation of their impact on the refining approach, most notably the hetero-atom constraints, compatibility with fuel requirements, and carbon number distribution. This serves as an introduction to the detailed discussion on the preferred refining options for the various cuts. The focus is on fuel production from the primary product although some of the chemical extraction opportunities that exist are highlighted in this context.

Fischer-Tropsch Based GTL Technology: a New Process?

Abstract The 21st century is witnessing the establishment of a new global business based on natural gas processing. The Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) industry is entering a new phase of expansion based on the use of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. While for many this might look like new technology, most of the fundamentals are not so new. Decades ago, the pioneers of this industry were able to foresee with ingenuity and provide with science the foundation that is used by todays engineers and scientists. They also predicted the unique benefits that could be expected from the use of synthetic fuels. Moreover, based on the unique composition of the primary products, they anticipated their importance as chemicals and other non-fuel products. The development of the FT-based GTL technology is intimately related to the initial efforts to apply it using coal as feedstock. Its evolution followed a logical process that was delayed by years of abundant, low cost petroleum and a lack of stringent fuel specifications aimed at protecting the environment. This work highlights some of these concepts, giving recognition to the FT technology pioneers.