Catalytic reactor

Abstract

A reactor module for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis consists of a generally rectangular reactor block (10) comprising a stack of plates (12) defining flow channels (15) for coolant and flow channels (17, 117) for the synthesis reaction arranged alternately in the block. The synthesis flow channels (17, 117) extend in a generally vertical direction between upper and lower faces of the reactor block (10) and are defined by plates (12) in combination with either bars (18) or sheets (119) such that each channel is of width no more than 200 mm. The coolant flow channels (15) are oriented in the same direction, and communicate through distributor chambers (26) with inlet and outlet ports at side faces of the reactor block. A plant may contain a multiplicity of such reactor modules operating in parallel, the modules being interchangeable and replaceable. The temperature control is enhanced by allowing the coolant flow to be parallel to the synthesis gas flow.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a catalytic reactor suitable for the conversion of natural gas into longer chain hydrocarbons, especially for carrying out the chemical process of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and to a catalytic reactor comprising such a Equipment for performing the process. Background technique [0002] A process is described in WO01 / 51194 and WO03 / 048034 (Accentus plc) in which methane is reacted with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor; the resulting gas mixture is then used to generate carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a second catalytic reactor Perform Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The overall result is the conversion of methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons which are normally liquid at ambient conditions. The two stages of the process, steam / methane reforming and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, require different catalysts and heat transfer to and from the reaction gas, respectively, because t...

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Problems solved by technology

However, where there is a large pressure differential between the two fluids, this will tend to bend the plate, allowing syngas to bypass the catalyst structure, and heat transfer between the catalyst structure and the plate is hindered and may be difficult. Remove or replace the catalyst structure; but if the plates are strong enough to resist the pressure differential, then the plates will have to be thicker and / or the channels narrower, and the total catalyst-laden channel volume as a proportion of the total reactor volume will tend to smaller

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