Hydrocarbon synthesis process

Abstract

This invention relates to a hydrocarbon synthesis process. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a Fischer Tropsch Process employing an activated catalyst and to the use of such an activated catalyst, wherein the Fischer Tropsch Process conditions favor the attainment of a low acid selectivity. More particularly the invention relates to a three-phase low temperature Fischer Tropsch (LTFT) process wherein a feed of Hand CO are converted to hydrocarbons and possible oxygenates thereof by contacting the Hand CO in the presence of an iron-based Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a reaction zone, wherein the molar ratio of H:CO in the feed is from 0.5 and less than 1.0 and wherein the iron-based Fischer Tropsch catalyst is activated according to the steps of: (a) providing an iron-based catalyst including iron in a positive oxidation state; and (b) contacting the iron-based catalyst in a reactor with a reducing gas selected from CO and a combination of Hand CO; at a reduction temperature of at least 245° C. and below 280° C.; at a reducing gas pressure of above 0.5 MPa and not more than 2.2 MPa; and at a GHSV of total reducing gas fed to the reactor of at least 6000 ml(N)/g cat/h, thereby reducing the iron that is in a positive oxidation step in the catalyst.