摘要 |
A compact catalytic reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (50) comprises a reactor module (70) defining a multiplicity of first and second flow channel s arranged alternately, for carrying a gas mixture, and a coolant respectively . A removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (82) with a substrate for examp le of metal foil is provided in each flow channel in which the synthesis reacti on is to occur. The reactor module (70) is enclosed within a pressure vessel (90), the pressure within the pressure vessel being arranged to be at a pressure substantially that of the high pressure reacting gas mixture. Consequently all the flow channels within the module are either at the pressure of their surroundings, or are under compression; no parts are under tension. This simplifies the design of the module, and increases the proportion of reactor volume which can be occupied by the catalyst. |