Microchannel compression reactor

A method of carrying out a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis comprising:

• supporting a microchannel unit operation with an exterior support structure, the exterior support structure reinforcing an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, the microchannel unit operation including a first set of microchannels in fluid communication with a first inlet conduit and a first outlet conduit, and the microchannel unit operation including a second set of microchannels in thermal communication with the first set of microchannels, the second set of microchannels in fluid communication with a second inlet conduit and a second outlet conduit;
• exerting a positive pressure upon the exterior of the microchannel unit operation by using a pressurized vessel as the exterior support structure, the pressurized vessel housing a fluid exerting the positive pressure upon the exterior of the microchannel unit operation;
• directing a hydrogen source through the first inlet conduit;
• directing carbon monoxide through the first inlet conduit;
• reacting the carbon monoxide and the hydrogen source within the first set of microchannels to produce a hydrocarbon product;
• heating a fluid stream flowing through the second set of microchannels from the reaction between the carbon monoxide and hydrogen source;
• and
• directing the hydrocarbon product through the first outlet conduit.