Fischer-Tropsch reactor simulation

syngas (CO+H2) -> hydrocarbons + water

Governing equations

The exact equations the solver works for a fischer-tropsch reactor — the same math shown in the app's "Theory" panel, not a black box.

$\alpha$

chain-growth probability [0.7-0.95] — the one knob that sets the whole product slate; high α makes wax, low α makes naphtha

$n$

carbon number of a paraffin chain

$w_n$

mole fraction of the chain of length n (Anderson-Schulz-Flory)

$X$

CO conversion [0..1]

$\dot n_{CO}$

carbon monoxide molar flow [mol/s]

$\dot n_{H_2}$

hydrogen molar flow [mol/s] — can cap the extent before conversion does

$\dot n_{C,reacted}$

carbon atoms actually converted into the product slate [mol/s]

Parameters

alpha [chain-growth 0..1], co_conversion [0..1], max_carbon [int, the heaviest modeled n-paraffin; tail lumps into it], heat_of_reaction [J/mol CO, def -165e3], outlet_temperature [K, optional] — syngas (CO+H2) to an ASF paraffin slate + water

Example flowsheets that use it