The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis on a large scale is of interest, as a me
ans of conversion of remote natural gas to high-quality products, particula
rly, liquid transportation fuels. Recent developments have resulted in reac
tors of advanced design having production capacities of 2500 bbl/day or hig
her, which is more than two orders of magnitude higher than the productivit
y of classical reactors operated before or during World War II. Some fundam
ental aspects of these reactors, which belong to the classes of gas-solid f
luidised beds, multi-tubular trickle-beds, and slurry bubble columns, are d
iscussed to aid the selection and design of reactors for a specific applica
tion.
Special attention is given to scaling up of slurry bubble columns. Publishe
d experimental work is carefully analysed, and procedures are recommended f
or the estimation of the necessary design and scale-up parameters. Model ca
lculations of a commercial FT reactor are presented in order to underline v
arious important design and operating issues. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V
. All rights reserved.