Post-Conference – FISCHER-TROPSCH Workshop (25 June 2008)

PROGRAM FOCUS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO FISCHER-TROPSCH

This section is oriented to the delegates that are not directly involved in the technical aspects of the conversion of syngas to liquid fuels.

This is a 90 minutes session dealing with aspects such as typical Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, selectivity of the primary Fischer-Tropsch products, reactors (including cooling and catalyst/wax separation, when applicable), hydrotreating,  hydrocracking (including selectivities) and final product properties.

IRON OR COBALT CATALYSTS FOR COAL TO LIQUIDS

Currently there is a strong perception that iron based catalysts must be used for coal derived syngas and that cobalt based FT catalysts are to be used for gas derived syngas.  The technical basis of this perception will be discussed.

BIOMASS & BIOFUEL: FUEL PRODUCTION ON A FARM

The concept of distributive fuel production could be implemented if the next-generation technologies can address the “Economy of Scale” issue. This will require resource and process intensification and their integration with carbon efficiency. These as well as other process issues and potential approaches will be presented that can drive the non-petroleum (renewables) economy.

FUTURE CTL, CBTL, BTL PLANTS CAPACITY 

Medium and small size capacity plants as compared to the current large plants approach.  Is there room for smaller plants?

• Is there Fischer-Tropsch technology available for emerging CTL/BTL/CBTL small companies?
• Technological approach for small projects as compared to large ones.  Possible differences between them.
• Effect of the plant capacity on the selection of the Fischer-Tropsch reactor (fixed bed vs slurry bed reactors)

DEVELOPMENT OF CATALYSTS FOR FIXED AND SLURRY BED REACTORS

How the approach is different for these two catalysts and the constraints and degrees of freedom for both.

• Effect of the catalyst particle size (mm for fixed bed vs um for slurry bed)
• Influence of the reactor heat transfer characteristics on the catalyst design
• Desired catalyst properties for both reactors

The participants will have the opportunity to suggest topics for discussion within the main categories.  A form will be distributed for this purpose during registration.

About the workshop leader: Dr Rafael L Espinoza and Prof Devinder Mahajan

Dr Espinoza has been involved in the field of GTL for most of his professional life. He was director of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) R&D at ConocoPhillips (2000-2005) and responsible for the technical development of the FT and Hydroprocessing technologies, including catalyst development and preparation scale-up, modeling, process development, reactor technology and products.

At Sasol (1986-2000), he had the positions of Sasol Research Fellow, Manager of Basic Catalysis Research and Sections Leader for high and low temperature FT at the Process Development Dept. Some of the projects in which he was involved include the development of catalysts for Slurry, Fixed and Fluidized bed reactors, development of a Slurry bed reactor for FT (coordinator 1986-1989), commercial plants support, optimization of conceptual designs for new FT plants, optimization of the configuration of the Sasol plant in Sasolburg, etc.

Dr Espinoza was also Sr. Chief Research Officer at CSIR in South Africa where he worked on catalyst development in the fields of acid catalysis, supported transition metals and FT.

He has numerous refereed papers and 48 granted US patents in the field of synthetic fuels. In 2005 he started a consulting company (www.RafaelEspinoza.com).  He is also co-founder and Vice-President Technology for Emerging Fuels Technology, in Tulsa, OK.

Professor Devinder Mahajan holds one of the few joint appointments between Brookhaven National Laboratory and SUNY at Stony Brook. His research interests focus on Energy issues that includes a portfolio of projects on Methane hydrates, H2 production, Fuel Cells, Fischer-Tropsch, Methanol, and mixed alcohol synthesis using soluble (single-site) or slurried (nano heterogeneous or colloidal phase) based catalysts.

He has organized symposia and international workshops on issues such as Clean Fuels, Methane Hydrates, and Biomass and recently served as a Guest Editor of three special volumes: Topics In Catalysis (TIC), Journal of Petroleum Science & Engineering (JOPSE), and Industrial Engineering and Chemistry Research (I&ECR).  He is the author of over 140 papers and abstracts, 9 patents, and presented over 50 invited lectures around the globe.

He serves on several national and international energy-related committees and consults and lectures on clean energy topics. In 2006, he was recognized with a membership to the prestigious Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RANS)-US Section and is a recipient of the RANS Crown and Eagle Medal of Honor for service to the field of “Petroleum Engineering”. 

Commercialising Coal/Biomass Gasification, Liquefaction, Projects/Investments,
Carbon Capture & Sequestration

Key REASONS to attend CTLtec Americas 2008:

• First hand insight on coal & biomass conversion (CTL & CBTL), regulatory policies and NETL’s roadmap
• Latest projects’ status, economics and operational challenges
• Tap on projects experience from South Africa and China
• Grasp full details on energy efficiency and economics of CBTL
• Assess the commercial viability of projects
• Evaluate the gasification, liquefaction and advanced catalytic technologies
• Clarify issues of water requirement and available solutions on carbon capture and sequestration
• Gain access to more than 8 hours of business networking opportunities with key stakeholders, national and transnational organizations, financial, environmental, regulatory and
 non-government organizations
• Attract and secure investment partners for your projects

Be sure to attend CTLtec Americas 2008.  Register early with your team today.

Views from past attendees:

“Carve a window on coal” ~ Advisor, BP Exploration & Production Technology

“Interesting presentations, quite some new insights” ~ Director, Lurgi

“A good opportunity for networking in the CTL world”  ~ Coal Conversion Manager, Total

“A broad review of an important subject in a special setting” ~ Vice President, Alstom

“From Asia, Africa, Canada to the US, Coal to Energy – It’s a Global
Business Now!”

The Facts:

• Rentech has announced its first fully integrated CBTL demonstration unit at Colorado. 
• Baard Energy has also begun its production facility in the Ohio River Clean Fuels CTL project which it will co-feed 30% biomass with 70% coal, and capture CO2 for sequestration. 
• US Air Force has launched a feasibility study on CBTL; also include testing and certification process for every airframe to fly on the synthetic fuel blend by early 2011.

CTLtec Americas 2008 features developments in synthetic fuels production from Coal & Biomass to hydrocarbons and chemicals, as well as latest outlook on carbon capture and sequestration.  Industry experts from South Africa and China will also join the discussion to share their current experiences. 

Post Conference Workshop: FISHER-TROPSCH workshop addresses topical issues such as technological approach, potential problems and solutions during startup period.

Presenting the latest for the American and Canadian coal industry,
CTLtec Americas 2008 provides exceptional networking and business opportunities.

A must attend event.  Mark your calendar to be at this premier gathering of key
industry players.  Sign up with your team to enjoy attractive group discount. 
Register online @ www.cmtevents.com with your team.

You will network with
Presidents, CEOs, VPs & Directors, Analysts, General Managers,
Commercial Managers, Business Development Executives, Research Directors,
Sales & Marketing Managers, Technical Advisors involved in:
Coal, CTL/GTL, Gasification, Liquefaction, Refinery Industrial Gas,
Chemicals, Methanol, Olefins, Catalysts, EPC, Power & Utilities,
Engineering Companies, Lubricant Companies, Gas Separation,
Equipment and Technologies providers