Patent ID: 6903140

Claim:
A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to a product comprising liquid hydrocarbons and methanol, wherein said process comprises contacting synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure with a suspension of mixed particulate catalyst comprising a mixture of a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and a particulate methanol synthesis catalyst suspended in a liquid medium in a reactor system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel, the process comprising: a) passing the suspension through a said high shear mixing zone(s) where the synthesis gas is mixed with the suspension; b) discharging a mixture comprising the synthesis gas and the suspension from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel; and c) converting the synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons and methanol in the reactor vessel to form a product suspension comprising the mixed particulate catalyst suspended in the liquid medium, liquid hydrocarbons and methanol; wherein the product suspension is, at least in part, recycled to the high shear mixing zone(s).