Experimental investigation and modeling of steam cracking of Fischer–Tropsch naphtha for light olefins

The characteristics of product distribution and the kinetic model for predicting the yields of the major products from steam cracking of Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) naphtha have been investigated in a pilot plant under various conditions. An analysis of the experimental data suggests that the naphtha produced via the low-temperature slurry-phase F–T process is an excellent feedstock for the production of light olefins, especially ethylene. For steam cracking of two F–T naphthas studied, ethylene is the primary product varying from 36.89 to 41.83 wt%, and the total yield of valuable light olefins (C2H4, C3H6 and 1,3-C4H6) is not less than 60.34 wt% under the conditions estimated. The experimental product distributions could be satisfactorily predicted by use of a detailed molecular reaction scheme which consists of a first-order primary reaction and 37 secondary reactions.