Filtration system for slurry hydrocarbon synthesis process using both small and large pore filter elements

A method for separating and filtering solid particles from a hydrocarbon slurry liquid includes two or more filter sections in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon slurry. At least one filter section is comprised of one or more filter elements having a mean pore size of less than 10 microns, and at least one other section is comprised of one or more filter elements having a mean pore size of 10 microns or greater. The small pore filter (less than 10 microns) will exclude all or substantially all of the smaller catalyst fines produced by catalyst particle attrition. The liquid product removed from the small pore filters will be substantially free of particulates. The large pore filters (10 microns or greater) will exclude larger catalyst particles, but will allow the smaller fines to pass. The liquid product removed from the large pore filters will contain the fines generated from catalyst particle attrition.