Patent ID: 7034062

Claim:
A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons by contacting a gaseous stream comprising synthesis gas, at an elevated temperature and pressure, with a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium, in a reactor system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a tubular loop reactor wherein the process comprises: a) passing the suspension and the gaseous stream through the high shear mixing zone(s) wherein the gaseous stream is broken down into gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids; b) discharging suspension having gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids dispersed therein from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the tubular loop reactor; c) circulating the discharged suspension around the tubular loop reactor; and d) withdrawing a product suspension stream comprising at least a portion of the circulating suspension from the tubular loop reactor; wherein the tubular loop reactor comprises a tubular conduit having a length of 50 to 300 metres.