To explore reactive
distillation (RD) for Fischer–Tropsch
synthesis (FTS), we develop a steady-state adiabatic RD model for
this system. Here, the calculation of the vapor–liquid equilibrium
(VLE) through cubic equation of state is used to describe the phase
behavior. Rate expressions for the FT and the water–gas shift
reactions are expressed in terms of fugacities and product selectivity
of catalysts are based on Anderson–Schulz–Flory distribution
and experimental data. Next, a mass, equilibrium, summation, and heat
model is extended by considering bypass streams for nonreactive trays
and is used to integrate column structure blocks. A step-by-step initialization
procedure is proposed to accommodate the complexity of the RD column
and the high nonlinearity. This includes case studies of operating
variables in a reactive flash model prepared for performance optimization
of RD. Finally, a typical low-temperature FT process, which favors
diesel production is implemented in the RD model. Comparing the RD
for FTS against conventional slurry reactors, we provide results that
show that RD has a potential edge in industrial processes.
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