Gtl(Gas to Liquids) Process Optimization Simulation Study

GTL(Gas to Liquids), especially natural gas to FT(Fisher-Tropsch) synthetic fuel, process optimization study was performed in order to find optimum parameters for optimum production. The minimum required energy and optimum operating conditions of GTL process are determined through the changes of system variables, such as temperature, H₂/CO ratio, etc. During the simulation, the overall synthetic processes are assumed to proceed with steady-state reaction of GTL, and catalyst and the physical properties of reacting medium are governed by Redlich-Kwong-Soave (RKS) equation. The reaction model of GTL process are assumed to be composed of ATR syngas(synthesis gas) reforming unit and FTS(Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis) reactor unit.

The simulation procedures are carried out to determine optimum condition of GTL process while varying syngas composition and operating temperature of the reactor. According to simulation results, optimum operating parameters of GTL process are temperature of 255°C and H₂/CO ratio of 2. The simulation results will be compared to the actual experimental data from the lab-scale GTL process which is composed of ATR(Auto Thermal Reforming) reaction and FT slurry phase reaction.