An integrated process for producing a liquid hydrocarbon stream from
Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon product without having to remove particulate
contaminants such as catalyst fines from hot Fischer-Tropsch wax is
disclosed. The process involves performing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis,
preferably under conditions which favor formation of wax and heavy
products (i.e., using a catalyst with high chain growth probabilities),
and obtaining a waxy heavy fraction including particulate contaminants.
The fraction is subjected to hydroprocessing conditions, preferably upflow
hydroprocessing conditions, using a catalyst bed which, through judicious
selection of hydroprocessing catalysts and/or flow conditions, permits
passage of the particulate contaminants. The particulates are then removed
from the upgraded liquid product, for example by filtration, distillation
and/or centrifugation. Removal of the particulate contaminants from the
upgraded liquid hydrocarbon products is significantly easier than removing
the particulates from the unprocessed waxy heavy products.