Velocys launches AlphaCore 800 microchannel FT reactor
- AlphaCore 800 produces up to 800 barrels per day (~30 kt/a) of Fischer‑Tropsch liquids from a single reactor.
- The AlphaCore family now spans ~50 to 800 bpd per reactor, including AlphaCore 50, 200, 400 and 800.
- A 1,600 bpd (60 kt/a) FT unit could use two AlphaCore 800 reactors instead of eight AlphaCore 200 reactors, a 75% reduction in reactor count.
- Roadmap goal: increase capacity per reactor to simplify the FT island, cut associated equipment and lower FT unit cost for larger projects.
Product details
Velocys has added AlphaCore 800 to its microchannel Fischer‑Tropsch reactor roadmap. AlphaCore 800 is the company’s highest‑capacity microchannel FT reactor to date, designed to produce up to 800 barrels per day (approximately 30 kt/a) of FT liquids from a single reactor.
Implications for project scale
The AlphaCore family now covers approximately 50 to 800 bpd per reactor (AlphaCore 50, 200, 400 and 800). The roadmap aims to deliver more FT capacity per reactor so projects require fewer reactors as they scale, simplifying the FT island, reducing associated equipment and lowering FT unit cost. Velocys cites an example where a ~1,600 bpd (60 kt/a) FT unit could use two AlphaCore 800 reactors instead of eight AlphaCore 200 reactors, cutting reactor count by 75%.
Market context
The AlphaCore 800 is positioned for larger sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), e‑fuels and synthetic fuel projects, and is particularly suited to SAF plants targeting 100+ kt/a. The announcement coincides with industry discussions at Sustainable Aviation Futures China on next‑generation commercial‑scale SAF and e‑fuels in China and Asia.
Source: Velocys