ABSTRACT
The Fischer–Tropsch process is a catalytic chemical reaction in which carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the synthesis are converted into hydrocarbon derivatives of various molecular weights. The Fischer–Tropsch process is a series of catalyzed chemical reactions that convert a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen and into hydrocarbon derivatives. The Fischer–Tropsch technology has found industrial application since 1938 in Germany where a total of nine plants produced synthetic hydrocarbon derivatives. The Fischer–Tropsch process is an established technology and already applied on a large scale, although its popularity is hampered by high capital costs, high operation and maintenance costs, and the uncertain and volatile price of crude oil. Since its discovery the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis has undergone periods of rapid development and periods of inaction. The Fischer–Tropsch product stream typically contains hydrocarbon derivatives having a range of numbers of carbon atoms, including gases, liquids, and waxes.
