An investigation on the performance of a FTS fixed-bed reactor using CFD methods

In the present work, a numerical model was developed and validated in order to simulate and improve the conversion of synthesis gas (CO + H2) to higher hydrocarbons in a Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) fixed-bed reactor. The reactor was a 3.1 cm diameter and 2.75 m length steel tube in which saturated water was employed to control the peak temperature within the catalyst bed. A 2-D CFD model with an optimized mesh of 22,016 square cells was developed to model hydrodynamics, chemical reaction, non-ideality of the mixture, heat and mass transfer in the reactor. Good agreement was achieved between pilot experimental data and the model. The result showed that adjusting the boiling water flow rate in the range of 25–250 g.min– 1 allows maintaining the FTS temperature at suitable values. An optimum value of 573 K was obtained for feed temperature.