Investigations on the effect of reaction parameters over Fe/Cu/K catalyst for the production of selective range of liquid hydrocarbon

Effect of reaction conditions were investigated for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process over Fe/Cu/K./ SiO 2 catalyst for maximization of a selective range of liquid hydrocarbon ( C 5 - 20 ) . Operating conditions of the reaction have a strong impact on the activity and selectivity of the process. The parameters that influence the FT synthesis reaction and product distribution include the reactor temperature, pressure, space velocity, the H 2 / CO molar ratio in the feed syngas and the catalyst. Experiments were performed at varying range of temperature, pressure, Space velocity and H 2 / CO molar ratio. Variation in C 5 + selectivity and (olefin/paraffin) O/P ratio were observed and analyzed to select the optimum values. Reaction conditions affect the H 2 and CO surface coverage and re-adsorption of olefins which play a crucial role in altering overall product selectivity. Reaction rates for FT and water gas shift (WGS) reactions were compared at different conditions. At optimum conditions, CO conversion and C 5 + selectivity were 45.9% and 77.4%, respectively. Graphical Abstract Synopsis. The reaction conditions for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis were optimized for maximum C 5 + yield over Fe/Cu/K/ SiO 2 catalyst. At optimized operating conditions (T – 225 ∘ C , P - 25 bar, H 2 / CO molar ratio - 1 and GHSV - 2000 cc/gcat-h), % CO conversion and C 5 + selectivity were observed to be 45.9% and 77.4%, respectively.