Wei, Y.; Thum, L.; Kunene, A.; Schlatmann, R.; Amkreutz, D.: Microchannel design for thin-film catalyst: A model-based study. Chemical Engineering Science 333 (2026), p. 124257/1-15
10.1016/j.ces.2026.124257
Open Access Version
Abstract:
This paper investigates microchannel design strategies for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process using a novel approach of thin-film catalysts by mathematical modelling. Due to the geometrical limitations of 2-dimensional films special attentions were paid to the effects of channel geometry and operation conditions on the backmixing and mass transport phenomena, and subsequently, FTS conversion level and selectivity. The simulation results suggest that a microchannel geometry with high length-to-width ratio L/W minimizes the backmixing effects under conditions of low catalytic activity and small gas flow rates, which is of special importance for measurements under kinetic conditions. However, under conditions of high catalytic activity and high gas flow rates the microchannel seems less preferable for productivity of long-chain hydrocarbons due to the inevitable mass transfer effects from microchannel boundaries. Ranges of design and operation parameters for axial Péclet number PeL ? 10 and transverse Péclet number Ped ? 0.1 are proposed for the FTS thin-film microchannels.