Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
catalyst regeneration, wax solubility, CO, convert carbon monoxide
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Catalysts are widely used throughout many industries to decrease reaction time and make processes economically favorable. In the synthetic fuels industry a catalyst is used to convert carbon monoxide gases (CO) to hydrocarbon liquids (CnH2n+2). In this process, the catalyst becomes coated with the heavier hydrocarbon products. This coating is a wax and deactivates the catalyst (inhibits the catalyst from reacting). The catalyst is currently one of the largest expenses for this process and prevents the process from being competitive with natural fuels. Hence, a method to remove the waxes from the catalysts was studied. The process of removing the wax from the catalyst is called regeneration. Two methods of regenerating the catalyst were compared in this experiment, Soxhlet Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE).
Recommended Citation
Smith, Steven Gale and Bartholomew, Dr. Calvin
(2013)
"Catalyst Regeneration/Wax Solubility,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1746.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1746