Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Comparison of Process Based On Fossil and Biomass Feedstock

The conversion of synthesis gas to fuels is independent of the feedstock once the proper ratio of hydrogen/carbon monoxide  has been obtained.  In one approach to obtain the proper ratio for the syngas, the water-gas shift reaction is used and this can be done in a separate reactor or in the Fischer-Tropsch reactor.  The feedstock will determine the amount of adjustment that is required to attain the proper hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio; in general, the amount of adjustment will be greatest for biomass than for coal than for natural gas.  Approaches to conduct this adjustment will be described as well as the limitations that they place on the process and on lthe catalyst that is used.