Patent ID: 7776933
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: B01J,C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for the synthesis of hydrocarbons in a three phase bubble column reactor comprising the steps of: (i) introducing synthesis gas into the reactor; (ii) causing the synthesis gas to be contacted with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; and (iii) removing products from the reactor, wherein step (i) comprises introducing some or all of the synthesis gas into the reactor at or near the bottom of the reactor; and step (ii) comprises contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst structure immobilised within the reactor, wherein the catalyst structure comprises one or more porous catalyst elements fixable within the reactor, each of said porous catalyst elements being at least 1 cm wherein each porous catalyst element has a gauze, sponge, foil construct or woven mat form that is open in all directions, and wherein the tortuosity of the catalyst element is less than 1.5.