Natural Gas Processing from Midstream to Downstream
by Nimir O. Elbashir, Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Ioannis G. Economou, Kenneth R. Hall
19 Natural Gas to Acetylene (GTA)/Ethylene (GTE)/Liquid Fuels (GTL) The Synfuels International, Inc. Process
Kenneth R. Hall1, Joel G. Cantrell1, and Ben R. Weber, Jr2
1Bryan Research & Engineering, LLC, Texas, USA
2Synfuels International, INC, Parkland Hall, Texas, USA
Chapter Menu
- 19.1 Introduction
- 19.2 Additive and Subtractive Processes
- 19.3 The Synfuels Process
- 19.4 Pilot Plant
- 19.5 Location, Location, Location
- 19.6 Biofuels
- 19.7 Conclusion
19.1 Introduction
Ever since the discovery of producible fields of petroleum, humankind has used its properties as a fuel and a feedstock to advance its needs and desires. A historical description of the advance of petroleum and its products is beyond the scope of this chapter, but suffice it to say that life today would be vastly different, and doubtless more primitive, without petroleum (natural gas and oil).
Chemical engineering and chemistry have played a vital role in advancing use of petroleum over the past century. Among the early advances pertinent to the story in this chapter, is the development of the Fischer‐Tropsch process. Originally it was a means for Germany to turn its ample coal supplies into liquid fuels for its war machine in World War I. Even today, it remains a useful process to convert natural gas into liquid fuels. However, it produces many undesired products that require extensive recycling. In addition, it is an extremely expensive process because it requires processing vast amounts ...