Upgrading Fischer-Tropsch waxes to produce transport fuels by catalytic hydrocracking/isomerization: A review

Abstract

The interest in using the Fischer-Trospch (FT) process to produce liquid fuels has greatly increased over the last 40 years. Many studies have analyzed several aspects related to the chemistry of the process, product distribution and kinetic models, along with the different catalysts and reactor prototypes, to improve the yield of the most valuable products, such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Considering the reaction mechanism, heavy waxes with C_n > 20 result to be inevitable products of FT synthesis. These hydrocarbons can represent up to 50 wt% of the total reactor output, notably lowering the yield of desired products. Although FT waxes have their own market sector, upgrading this product can also lead to fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, depending on current demand. This review analyzes the developments in upgrading FT waxes to produce transportation fuels by catalytic hydrocracking/isomerization, as well as the challenges facing current technologies and processes.