Conversion of low H/sub 2//CO ratio synthesis gas to hydrocarbons: Final report, October 1, 1981-September 30, 1986. [Bubble-column reactor]

The objectives of this project have been twofold: (1) to develop a theoretical model for designing bubble-column reactors and assessing their performance and (2) to characterize the performance of a laboratory-scale bubble-column reactor. The theoretical part of the project has focused the effects of gas-liquid mass transfer; axial dispersion of gas, liquid, and catalyst; ad the interplay between the kinetics of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the water-gas-shift reaction. The experimental portion of the project has focused the effects of reaction conditions on product distribution and, in particular, the conditions under which gas-liquid mass transfer becomes important. Any independent set of experiments was undertaken to investigate the chemistry of carbonaceous deposits formed during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. 8 refs.