Progress towards modeling of fischer tropsch synthesis in a slurry bubble column reactor

This paper presents a computational multiphase fluid dynamics model developed to simulate Fischer Tropsch synthesis in a slurry bubble column reactor. The work is being undertaken under the Modeling and Simulation Platform of the Idaho National Laboratory's Hybrid Energy Systems initiative to develop and demonstrate hybid energy technology. The SBCR model is one element of an integrated suite of research and development activities targeted towards our nation's pressing energy security and climate change challenges. An SBCR can be used to produce alternative fuels and value-added chemicals from syngas derived from secure domestic feedstocks, including biomass, coal, natural gas, or refuse. Although the fundamental technology was developed in the 1920s, details concerning the myriad complex processes occuring in the SBCR during FT synthesis are still not fully understood. Our team has developed a model based on a robust computational multiphase fluid dynamics platform (NPHASE-CMFD) to be used as a numerical tool or testbed for reactor optimization and design, as well as sensitivity analysis. Mechanistic submodels are connected to the main flow solver to incorporate relevant physics, such as bubble breakup/coalescence, two-phase turbulence and interfacial momentum exchange. A methodology has been developed to incorporate the dominant mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis. Vapor-liquid equilibrium has been assimilated into the product distribution via a simple, robust property method approach. Property data is provided by a chemical process simulation package.