Work

Thermodynamic Modeling of Low-Temperature Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: A Gibbs Free Energy Minimization Study for Hydrocarbon Production

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) facilitates the conversion of syngas, derived from feedstocks such as biomass, coal, and natural gas, into valuable hydrocarbons (HCs). This investigation employed optimization methods, specifically Gibbs energy minimization, to perform a thermodynamic characterization of the low-temperature Fischer–Tropsch (LTFT) reaction for HC generation. The CONOPT3 solver within GAMS 23.2.1 software was utilized for solving the developed model. To represent the complex FTS product spectrum, twenty-three compounds, encompassing C2–C20 aliphatic hydrocarbons, were considered using a stoichiometric framework. The study explored the impact of operational parameters, including temperature (350–550 K), pressure (5–30 bar), and H2/CO molar feed ratio (1.0–2.0/0.5–1.0), on hydrocarbon synthesis. Evaluation of the outcomes focused on HC yield and product characteristics. A significant sensitivity of the reaction to operating parameters was observed. Notably, lower temperatures, elevated pressures, and a H2/CO ratio of 2.0/1.0 were identified as optimal for fostering the formation of longer-chain HCs. The developed model demonstrated robustness and efficiency, with rapid computation times across all simulations.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr13082373

Authors: Julles Mitoura dos Santos Junior, Lucas Pinheiro dos Reis, Annamaria Dória Souza Vidotti, Antonio Carlos Daltro de Freitas, Adriano Pinto Mariano, Reginaldo Guirardello

Institutions: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Universidade Federal do Maranhão

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896