Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in a microstructured reactor

A multichannel microstructured packed bed reactor is manufactured. The performance of the microstructured reactor for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with high activity cobalt/alumina catalysts is studied. For evaluation of the microstructured reactor performance, the results are compared with results obtained in an electrically heated laboratory scale fixed-bed reactor under similar conditions. The catalyst activity and selectivities obtained with undiluted catalyst in the microstructured reactor are similar to results obtained with diluted catalyst in the fixed-bed reactor. The microstructured reactor's capability to operate with high active catalysts at severe conditions without causing temperature runaways and thus increased deactivation of the catalyst is demonstrated.