Studies on the bi-functional FTS hybrid catalyst mixed with SAPO-34 Zeolite for Application in GTL-FPSO process

Abstract

The Gas to Liquid (GTL) process is one of the most remarkable catalytic technologies for carbon neutrality in fuel production. In the GTL process, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reaction is known as a core process that changes synthesis gas (CO + H2) to high-value hydrocarbon products [1-4]. In this study, the CHA shape zeolite was synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal method [5], Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by an impregnation method. The hybrid FTS catalyst was prepared by physically mixing Co supported catalyst with synthesized and commercial zeolite in various ratio. The effect of synthesized and commercial zeolites was investigated on conversion and selectivity in the FTS reactions. The physiochemical properties of all prepared catalysts were analyzed by various characterization techniques. The catalytic performance of the multi-functional hybrid catalyst was evaluated under a fixed bed reactor. The FTS products were analyzed by on-line and off-line GCs. The catalytic performance over the multi-functional hybrid FTS catalysts was compared with Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The results show that hybrid FTS catalyst can produce higher amount of green fuel in comparison to Co/Al2O3. It was found that hybrid FTS catalyst can produce more lighter hydrocarbon than Co/Al2O3. It was considered that the heavy hydrocarbons produced over Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst will be hydrocracked on acid sites of SAPO-34 zeolite and will be converted to lighter hydrocarbons in the range of fuel cuts.