Patent ID: 7112613
Filing Date: 2006-09-26
Classification: B03C,C10G

Abstract:
1. Process for converting synthesis gas to hydrocarbons which comprises contacting a gaseous stream comprising synthesis gas, at an elevated temperature and pressure, with a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst having a particle size in the range 5 microns to 500 microns, suspended in a liquid medium, in a system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel wherein the process comprises: passing the suspension and the gaseous stream through the high shear mixing zone(s) wherein the gaseous stream is broken down into gas bubbles; discharging suspension having gas bubbles dispersed therein from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel; and withdrawing suspension comprising the particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in the liquid medium and liquid hydrocarbon products from the reactor vessel and recycling at least a portion of the suspension to the high shear mixing zone(s) via an external conduit at a flow rate of at least 10,000 m taking a side stream from the suspension flowing through the external conduit and passing the side stream directly to a filtration unit.