Enhancement of Fischer-Tropsch process for hydrocarbon fuel formulation
An enhanced Fischer-Tropsch process for the synthesis of sulfur free, clean burning, green hydrocarbon fuels, examples of which include syndiesel and aviation fuel. Naphtha is destroyed in a hydrogen generator and recycled as feedstock to a syngas (FT) reactor in order to enhance the production of syndiesel from the reactor. A further variation integrates a second hydrogen generator capturing light hydrocarbon gas for conversion to hydrogen and carbon monoxide which supplements the Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The result is a considerable increase in the volume of syndiesel formulated. A system for effecting the process is also characterized in the specification.
1. A system for synthesizing hydrocarbons, said system comprising:
(a) means for generating syngas lean in hydrogen content;
(b) means for catalytically converting said syngas to produce hydrocarbons, containing at least naphtha;
(c) a hydrogen generator;
(d) circuit means for recycling naphtha to said hydrogen generator to form a hydrogen rich stream; and
(e) circuit means for combining said hydrogen rich stream with said hydrogen lean stream to provide a blended and enriched hydrogen content stream for enhancing hydrocarbon production.
2. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for generating syngas comprises a thermal gasifier.
3. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for catalytically converting said syngas comprises a Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
4. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said circuit means for recycling naphtha to said hydrogen generator comprises a recycle loop.
5. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said hydrogen generator comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a steam methane reformer and a autothermal reformer or a combination thereof.
6. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said circuit means for recycling naphtha to said hydrogen generator comprises a recycle loop for recycling naphtha into at least one of said SMR, said ATR, or a combination thereof.
7. The system as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said hydrogen generator comprises an SMR and an ATR.
8. The system as set forth in claim 1 , further including means for hydrocracking product exiting said means for catalytically converting said syngas.
9. The system as set forth in claim 1 , further including means for fractionating hydrocracked product.
10. The system as set forth in claim 1 , further including means for withdrawing energy from said system to act as a precursor for power generation.
11. The system as set forth in claim 1 , further including means for storing formulated enhanced hydrocarbon.