Multi-stage adiabatic method for performing the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Process for preparing liquid hydrocarbons from the process gases carbon monoxide and hydrogen, comprising a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts, which is performed in 5 to 40 series-connected reaction zones in which the heterogeneous catalysts are present under adiabatic conditions at temperatures of 220° C. to 300° C., wherein downstream of each reaction zone is at least one heat exchange zone through which at least the process gases are passed and around each reaction zone is a thermal insulation zone.