Effects of operating conditions on selectivity of Fe–Co–Mn/MgO at high temperature CO hydrogenation

•New synthesized catalyst was constructed and tested in a tubular fixed bed micro-reactor.•High temperature FTS was experimented.•Effects of operating conditions on selectivity of the new catalyst were investigated using statistical models.•Selectivity models were presented using RSM methodology.•Single objective and multiple objective optimizations were done based on statistical models.

The effects of process conditions such as temperature, pressure, and H2/CO ratio on Fischer–Tropsch product selectivity were studied using a statistical model based on experimental data. The operating conditions were: T = 673-721 K, P = 1-7 bar, and H2/CO = 0.43–2.33. With the help of collected data which were obtained from a packed bed micro reactor, a statistical model was developed to investigate the effects of above operating conditions on selectivity of methane, alkanes, and alkenes. A three metallic catalyst, Fe–Co–Mn/Mg, was used to carry out the experiments. It was concluded that increase in H2/CO ratio raises alkenes selectivity and diminishes methane and alkanes selectivity. Likewise, temperature and pressure fluctuations vary product distribution. So that optimization must be done to illustrate the optimum conditions. It was obtained that maximum amount of alkenes and minimum amount of methane and alkanes (except methane) was achieved in T = 673 K, P = 1 bar, and H2/CO = 2.33.

Graphical abstract Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide