Modeling and operating conditions optimization of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis in a fixed-bed reactor

The effect of a range of operation variables such as pressure, low temperature and H2/CO molar feed ration the catalytic performance of 80%Co/20%Ni/30 wt% La2O3/1 wt% Cs catalyst was investigated. It was found that the optimum operating conditions is a H2/CO = 2/1 molar feed ratio at 260 °C temperature and 2 bar pressure. Reaction rate equations were derived on the basis of the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) type models for the Fischer–Tropsch reactions. The activation energy obtained was 59.69 kJ/mol for optimal kinetic model.