A new metal carbide Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst developed by Oxford
Catalysts looks set to make second-generation biofuel production using small-scale
FT microchannel reactors environmentally and economically viable.
The catalyst was produced using Oxford Catalysts' patented organic matrix combustion
(OMX) method, which makes it possible to achieve high metal loadings, while
at the same time precisely controlling crystal sizes. The result is a cobalt-based
catalyst of the ideal crystal size to provide the optimum level of activity
in a microchannel reactor.
The FT reaction is a key technology for producing second-generation biofuels
from agricultural waste. Because it takes one tonne of biomass to produce one
barrel of liquid fuel, small-scale Fischer-Tropsch reactors are being developed
to convert the waste on a distributed basis locally rather than at large collection
centres. Microchannel reactors are potentially the best candidates for this
job because they enable more efficient and precise temperature control, leading
to higher throughput and conversion. They are also able to dissipate the heat
produced from the FT reaction more quickly than conventional systems. But to
work efficiently, microchannel reactors require an FT catalyst with a high level
of activity in order to boost the conversion rates to an economic level. The
new FT catalyst developed by Oxford Catalysts fits this bill exactly.
Following several thousands of hours of rigorous testing, Oxford Catalysts
has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a leading developer of small
scale FT microchannel reactors to deploy the new catalyst in small-scale FT
applications, including the conversion of bio-waste or flare gas into liquid
fuels.
Derek Atkinson, Business Development Director, Oxford Catalysts says:
"We have spent 12 months working on developing this particular catalyst,
using our state-of-the-art equipment and our patented OMX method, and are very
pleased with the results. The next stage will involve working closely with a
catalyst producer to supply tonnage quantities for use in demonstration units.
"
Posted August 14th, 2008
