Technology of the Fischer-Tropsch Process

Abstract Sasol One, formerly known as South African Coal, Oil, and Gas Corp., operates a plant for the production of liquid fuels, pipeline gas, and chemical products from coal in Sasolburg in the province of the Orange Free State in South Africa. This plant started production in 1955 and today Sasol has 25 years' practical experience with the production of synthesis gas via Lurgi coal gasification and the synthesis of hydrocarbons by the Fischer-Tropsch process. In 1975 the decision was taken to build a much larger Fischer-Tropsch plant, mainly for the production of motor fuels, and this plant is at present being commissioned. The first final products from this plant will become available to the public early in the second half of 1980. The continuing increase in crude oil prices and instability on the oil supply market were the incentives for the decision in 1979 to build anther Sasol plant practically identical to Sasol Two. Construction on this Sasol Three plant is well under way and it is expected to ...