Abstract: Novel methods of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are described. It has been discovered that conducting the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a catalyst with a catalytically active surface layer of 35 microns or less results in a liquid hydrocarbon product with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+. Descriptions of novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and reactors are also provided. Novel hydrocarbon compositions with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+ are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting a reactant composition comprising H2 and CO to a product comprising at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms, the process comprising: flowing the reactant composition through a microchannel reactor in contact with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to convert the reactant composition to the product, the microchannel reactor comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing the catalyst; transferring heat from the process microchannels to a heat exchanger; and removing the product from the microchannel reactor; the process producing at least about 0.5 gram of aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms per gram of catalyst per hour; the selectivity to methane in the product being less than about 25%. The disclosed invention also relates to a supported catalyst comprising Co, and a microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel and at least one adjacent heat exchange zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic method for operating an oxygenate to olefins conversion reaction to provide a substantial quantity of prime olefin in the product. The product is provided by operating within desired parameters of weight hourly space velocity and oxygenate partial pressure. Operating the reaction to supply oxygenate at an oxygenate proportion index of at least 0.5, and controlling weight hourly space velocity and molar flow rate of oxygenate to the reactor to maintain a partial pressure-velocity compensation factor of at least 0.1 psia−1hr−1, a prime olefin selectivity of at least 45 wt. % can be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conducting chemical reactions in a reaction channel that has an varying cross-sectional area such that a chemical reactant or reactants experience varying local contact time as the reactant(s) flow through the channel. The invention also provides reactors having reaction channels with varying cross-sectional areas. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reaction channel section has a trapezoidal shape that becomes broader from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic method for operating an oxygenate to olefins conversion reaction to provide a substantial quantity of prime olefin in the product. The product is provided by operating within desired parameters of weight hourly space velocity and oxygenate partial pressure. Operating the reaction to supply oxygenate at an oxygenate proportion index of at least 0.5, and controlling weight hourly space velocity and molar flow rate of oxygenate to the reactor to maintain a partial pressure-velocity compensation factor of at least 0.1 psia−1hr−1, a prime olefin selectivity of at least 45 wt. % can be maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic method for operating an oxygenate to olefins conversion reaction to provide a substantial quantity of prime olefin in the product. The product is provided by operating within desired parameters of weight hourly space velocity and oxygenate partial pressure. Operating the reaction to supply oxygenate at an oxygenate proportion index of at least 0.5, and controlling weight hourly space velocity and molar flow rate of oxygenate to the reactor to maintain a partial pressure-velocity compensation factor of at least 0.1 psia−1hr−1, a prime olefin selectivity of at least 45 wt. % can be maintained.

Abstract: A process for increasing the ethylene selectivity of a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve catalyst by using acetone in an oxygenate conversion process. Acetone can be added with the oxygenate feed at a concentration from about 1% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2% to about 5% by weight. Alternatively, acetone can be added as a pre-feed to the molecular sieve catalyst, particularly regenerated and fresh catalyst, in an contact zone. The pre-feed contacted catalyst is then directed to an oxygenate conversion zone. The acetone concentration in the pre-feed is from about 1% to about 99% by weight, preferably about 30% to about 70% by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making ethylene, propylene, and butylene by contacting a molecular sieve catalyst with an oxygenate to convert a portion of the oxygenate to a product containing olefin; separating the catalyst from the olefin product and directing a portion of the separated catalyst to a regenerator; contacting, in an alcohol contact zone, the regenerated catalyst with an alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, or mixtures thereof; and directing the catalyst from the alcohol contact zone to an oxygenate conversion zone. The relative amounts of ethylene, proplyene, and butylene produced by the process is in part dependant upon the composition of the alcohol used to contact the regenerated catalyst.

Abstract: A process for increasing the ethylene selectivity of a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve catalyst by using acetone in an oxygenate conversion process. Acetone can be added with the oxygenate feed at a concentration from about 1% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 8% by weight, more preferably about 2% to about 5% by weight. Alternatively, acetone can be added as a pre-feed to the molecular sieve catalyst, particularly regenerated and fresh catalyst, in an contact zone. The pre-feed contacted catalyst is then directed to an oxygenate conversion zone. The acetone concentration in the pre-feed is from about 1 % to about 99% by weight, preferably about 30% to about 70% by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making ethylene, propylene, and butylene by contacting a molecular sieve catalyst with an oxygenate to convert a portion of the oxygenate to a product containing olefin; separating the catalyst from the olefin product and directing a portion of the separated catalyst to a regenerator; contacting, in an alcohol contact zone, the regenerated catalyst with an alcohol selected from methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, or mixtures thereof; and directing the catalyst from the alcohol contact zone to an oxygenate conversion zone. The relative amounts of ethylene, prtoplyene, and butylene produced by the process is in part dependant upon the composition of the alcohol used to contact the regenerated catalyst.