Industrial catalyst for the selective Fischer–Tropsch synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons

Abstract

The results of development of an industrial supported cobalt–silica gel catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis are reported. The studies included the selection of a support and the determination of an optimum active component content, a calcination temperature, and the effect of doping with aluminum oxide on the physicochemical and catalytic properties of the Co–SiO₂ system. The catalyst samples were characterized by a set of physicochemical methods. The on-stream stability of the supported cobalt–silica gel catalyst was tested in the continuous mode for 1000 h. In the course of the entire test cycle, the catalyst exhibited stable operation under varied synthesis temperature and gas space velocity, and it can be recommended for industrial applications. The experimental results were used for the preparation of a pilot batch of the catalyst.