ILS - 32-Parallel Fischer Tropsch Testing Unit

Our design split the unit into two 16-parallel sections with each one dedicated for the respective catalyst tests – screening and ageing. The fast screening unit was euipped with a fast cold tail-gas analysis allowing to quickly determine potential catalyst candidates and the long-term testing section had a hot tail-gas GC included, which allows to detect up to C10 hydrocarbons and alcohols. A carbonyl purification reactor in the feed section prevents low amounts of iron- or nickel carbonyls from decomposing on the catalyst surface and possibly falsifying data; a particularly large problem for long time-on-stream runs.

The system has operated successfully for more than 7 years and provides Sasol with a powerful tool for catalyst screening and stability testing with 32 channels in total while keeping the operator load to a minimum. The quick sealing system online analysis methods have resulted in higher speed improved carbon balance as well as the ability to derive Flory-Schulz distribution plots directly from the on-line data produced. The possibility to study the kinetics of olefin incorporation and steaming ageing effects or water co-adsorption on the reaction make the system even more versatile and powerful.