Sasol advanced synthol process

Sasol advanced synthol process—high-temperature process (approximately 340°C) that uses syngas to produce gasoline and olefins. 

Recent advances in Eischer-Tropsch technology at Sasol include the demonstration of the slurry-bed Eischer-Tropsch process and the new generation Sasol Advanced Synthol (SAS) Reactor, which is a classical fluidized-bed reactor design. The slurry-bed reactor is considered a superior alternative to the Arge tubular fixed-bed reactor. Commercial implementation of a slurry-bed design requires development of efficient catalyst separation techniques. Sasol has developed proprietary technology that provides satisfactory separation of wax and soHd catalyst, and a commercial-scale reactor is being commissioned in the first half of 1993. 

SAS [Sasol Advanced Synthol] A process for converting synthesis gas to petroleum and light olefins. Developed and operated by Sasol in South Africa. 

The Secunda process scheme was conceived to maximize gasoline production - therefore, it includes hydroprocessing and catalytic reformers similar to those used in petroleum refineries. Due to the scale of operation, it includes facilities for the recovered of ethylene, alcohols, ketones, phenols, ammonia and other chemical products. Its twin plant at the same location, Sasol 3, has a very similar configuration. At present all the original Synthol reactors have been replaced by the more efficient Sasol Advanced Synthol (SAS) reactors, with capacities of up to 20 000 bpd per train. 

Slurry bed reactors using heavy oil to support the catalyst have been tested and can operate over a wider range of operating conditions and feed gas compositions thm the fluid beds. Sasol has now developed an improved Sasol advanced Synthol (SAS) reactor to produce high-grade distillate. The Sasol slurry phase distillate process (SSDP) has been tested in a demonstration plant at Sasol 1 since 1993. The SAS reactor is said to use an iron-based catalyst similar to the one used in its original plants, whereas the SSDP process uses a cobalt catalyst. 

Sasol produces synthesis gas from coal by partial oxidation or from natural gas by steam reforming. The first version of the Synthol process was upgraded to use the advanced Synthol reactor. Both Synthol processes use fluid catalyst beds. A new SSDP has now been introduced and should soon be operating. Distillates and waxes can be produced (25 atm 240°C). 

Sasol Conventional steam-reforming catalysts. 1. ARGE process. Iron catalyst. 2. Advanced Synthol. Iron catalyst. 3. SSPD process. Cobalt or iron catalyst. 

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