Deactivation of Iron Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst in the Presence of Different Promoters: Model Determination and Parameter Estimation Using a Hybrid ANN/GPLE Technique

In this paper, the deactivation of the iron-based catalyst was assessed in the presence of Zr, Mn, and Cr promoters at two different loadings (5 and 10%). ANN/GPLE hybrid technique was applied for model determination and parameter estimation, as well as calculation of catalyst stability in the following conditions: temperature=280℃, H2/CO=2, and pressure=1.8 atm. The results showed that the promoter loading could change the deactivation behavior of the iron catalyst such that the first-order GPLE model well fitted the results at a promoter loading of 5%. For the case of 10% loading, the second-order GPLE model well fitted the results. A decline in the promoter loading on the iron catalysts enhanced the catalyst stability while decreasing its deactivation constant (kd). The promoter loadings of 5% and 10% indicated coking and sintering mechanisms, respectively. Among the different promoters at various loadings, Mn promoter at the loading of 5% could significantly prolong the catalyst life and enhance the stability of the iron catalyst. Zr increased the deactivation constant of Fe catalyst (kd) more than other promoters. ANN/GPLE technique is a promising method for the catalytic deactivation investigation, model determination, and parameter estimation.