Fischer Tropsch Process

From Wikiwaste

The Fischer-Tropsch Process is a means by which liquid fuels can be produced from a variety of carbonaceous feedstocks, which includes residual waste, coal, biomass, and any carbonaceous waste[1]. This process is often implemented in Waste to Chemicals projects[2].

The process converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into oils or fuels that can be substituted for petroleum products. An iron or cobalt based catalyst is required for this reaction, and it is fuelled by the partial oxidation of coal or wood-based fuels such as ethanol, methanol, or Syngas, typically coming from an adjacent Gasification process. This process was first established during the 1920s in Germany[3].

This process can produce “green diesel” or Syngas, depending on the temperature and level of oxygen involved in the process[3].

References

  1. Speight, J. and Oakey, J. (2016). Fuel Flexible Energy Generation Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Fuels. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing, Elsevier Ltd, p.15.
  2. The Chemical Engineer, 2019. Waste to jet fuels project set for take off. Online. [Accessed 10 Jun. 2020.]
  3. 3.0 3.1 Hubbard, W. and Dahiya, A. (2015). Bioenergy Biomass to Biofuels. 1st ed. London: Elsevier, Academic Press, p.67.