Difference between revisions of "Fischer-Tropsch reaction"
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The '''[[w:Fischer–Tropsch_process|Fischer-Tropsch reaction]]''' converts [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]] into various [[hydrocarbons]]: | The '''[[w:Fischer–Tropsch_process|Fischer-Tropsch reaction]]''' converts [[hydrogen]] and [[carbon monoxide]] into various [[hydrocarbons]]: | ||
| − | :(2n+1)[[hydrogen|H<sub>2</sub>]] + n[[carbon monoxide|CO]] → C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>(2n+2)</sub> + n[[water|H<sub>2</sub>O]] | + | :(2n+1)[[hydrogen|H<sub>2</sub>]] + n[[carbon monoxide|CO]] → C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>(2n+2)</sub> + n[[water|H<sub>2</sub>O]] 'n' is any positive number. |
| − | + | Hydrogen can be obtained from [[water]] through [[electrolysis]]. Carbon monoxide is available through the [[Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction]]. | |
| + | |||
| + | == Process == | ||
| + | The process is carried out in reactors at various temperatures and pressures depending on the catalysts and the desired products. Reactor cooling is an important part of the process to obtain the desired products. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Reactors === | ||
| + | The processes are highly exothermic and efficient cooling is required. in the reactors. | ||
| + | === Catalysts === | ||
[[catalyst|Catalysts]] for this reaction include [[iron]], [[cobalt]], [[ruthenium]], and [[nickel]]. | [[catalyst|Catalysts]] for this reaction include [[iron]], [[cobalt]], [[ruthenium]], and [[nickel]]. | ||
| − | + | === Process efficiency === | |
| + | Using conventional Fischer-Tropsch technology, the process ranges in carbon efficiency from 25 to 50% and a thermal efficiency of about 50%. For CTL facilities idealized at 60% with GTL facilities at about 60% efficiency is idealized to 80% efficiency. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Existing examples === | ||
| + | A large scale implementation of Fischer–Tropsch technology is a series of plants operated by Sasol in South Africa, a country with large coal reserves, but little oil. The first commercial plant opened in 1952. Sasol uses coal and now natural gas as feedstocks and produces a variety of synthetic petroleum products, including most of the country's diesel fuel. there are multiple other examples. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === On Mars === | ||
| + | The process would be a path to the synthesis of complex hydrocarbons on Mars from abundant Water and CO2 resources. It will be in competition with synthesis from [[biomass]] as this resource builds up from the presence of humans on Mars and [[Food|food production]]. Fischer–Tropsch catalysts are sensitive to poisoning by sulfur-containing compounds. Cobalt-based catalysts are more sensitive than their iron counterparts. As [[sulfur]] in more common on Mars than on Earth precautions may need to be taken in the preparation of the feedstocks to the reaction. | ||
===See Also=== | ===See Also=== | ||
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{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
| + | == References == | ||
| + | [[w:Fischer–Tropsch_process|Wikipedia article]] | ||
[[Category:In-situ Resource Utilization]] | [[Category:In-situ Resource Utilization]] | ||
Revision as of 08:24, 27 November 2020
The Fischer-Tropsch reaction converts hydrogen and carbon monoxide into various hydrocarbons:
Hydrogen can be obtained from water through electrolysis. Carbon monoxide is available through the Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction.
Contents
Process
The process is carried out in reactors at various temperatures and pressures depending on the catalysts and the desired products. Reactor cooling is an important part of the process to obtain the desired products.
Reactors
The processes are highly exothermic and efficient cooling is required. in the reactors.
Catalysts
Catalysts for this reaction include iron, cobalt, ruthenium, and nickel.
Process efficiency
Using conventional Fischer-Tropsch technology, the process ranges in carbon efficiency from 25 to 50% and a thermal efficiency of about 50%. For CTL facilities idealized at 60% with GTL facilities at about 60% efficiency is idealized to 80% efficiency.
Existing examples
A large scale implementation of Fischer–Tropsch technology is a series of plants operated by Sasol in South Africa, a country with large coal reserves, but little oil. The first commercial plant opened in 1952. Sasol uses coal and now natural gas as feedstocks and produces a variety of synthetic petroleum products, including most of the country's diesel fuel. there are multiple other examples.
On Mars
The process would be a path to the synthesis of complex hydrocarbons on Mars from abundant Water and CO2 resources. It will be in competition with synthesis from biomass as this resource builds up from the presence of humans on Mars and food production. Fischer–Tropsch catalysts are sensitive to poisoning by sulfur-containing compounds. Cobalt-based catalysts are more sensitive than their iron counterparts. As sulfur in more common on Mars than on Earth precautions may need to be taken in the preparation of the feedstocks to the reaction.
See Also
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