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Novel Membrane Reactor for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis--CeraMem Corporation, 12 Clematis Avenue, Waltham, MA  02453; 781-899-4495

Dr. Michael C. J. Bradford, Principal Investigator

Dr. Robert Goldsmith, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER82971

Amount:  $100,000

 

Recent advances in Fischer-Tropsch technology have increased opportunities to indirectly produce relatively clean chemicals and fuels from domestic coal and natural gas.  However, chemicals and fuels derived from the refining of crude oil remain more cost effective.  Consequently, there is considerable interest in the development of new reactor technology which improves the economics of Fischer-Tropsch technology.  The objective of this program is to develop a low-cost, novel membrane reactor which is suitable for the production of hydrocarbons from hydrogen and carbon monoxide via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.  The focus of Phase I activities will be the preparation, characterization, and laboratory scale evaluation of catalyst-coated membranes, applied to small tubular supports, for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.  Commercial catalyst and CeraMem membrane samples will be tested at CeraMem Corporation to demonstrate that the intrinsic properties of the membrane reactor are suitable for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The proposed technology is intended to provide a novel method for converting synthesis gas to clean fuels and chemicals, so that Fischer-Tropsch technology could be more cost competitive with crude oil refining.  Other potential applications of the reactor technology are foreseeable, and economic benefits are global.