Experimental investigation and modeling of steam cracking of Fischer-Tropsch naphtha for light olefins

The characteristics of product distribution and the kinetic model for predicting the yields of the major products from steam cracking of Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) naphtha have been investigated in a pilot plant under various conditions. An analysis of the experimental data suggests that the naphtha produced via the low-temperature slurry-phase F-T process is an excellent feedstock for the production of light olefins, especially ethylene. For steam cracking of two F-T naphthas studied, ethylene is the primary product varying from 36.89 to 41.83 wt%, and the total yield of valuable light olefins (C2H4, C3H6 and 1,3-C4H6) is not less than 60.34 wt% under the conditions estimated. The experimental product distributions could be satisfactorily predicted by use of a detailed molecular reaction scheme which consists of a first-order primary reaction and 37 secondary reactions.