Patent ID: 7842256

Claim:
A compact catalytic reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis defining a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately in the reactor; wherein the first flow channels are configured to carry a gas mixture which undergoes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; wherein the second flow channels are configured to carry a coolant fluid; and wherein each first flow channel contains a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure comprising a non-porous metal substrate with continuous ceramic coating of substantially uniform thickness no more than 200 μm on at least one surface of said substrate, said ceramic coating incorporating catalytic material, said catalyst structure defining mesopores and macropores providing a pore surface area in the range 80-120 m 2 /g, and said catalyst structure being shaped for defining a multiplicity of bulk flow paths therethrough, wherein the voidage which comprises the proportion of the cross-sectional area of the first flow channel constituted by the said multiplicity of bulk flow paths is between 60% and 72%.