Process Economics Program Report 247
Published: Dec-2002
The chemical conversion of methane to liquid fuels and other higher value products
or derivatives which may be more cost effective to transport long distances
from remote gas sources has therefore attracted renewed interest. Even though
Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is a technically proven gas-to-liquids (GTL)
technology, the conversion of natural gas to liquid fuels such as diesel and
gasoline as opposed to higher value chemical products such as chemical grade
methanol has only relatively recently been perceived to be a potentially viable
commercial proposition. Recent advances in FT synthesis technologies, particularly
with regard to natural gas reforming and catalytic partial oxidation, coupled
with anticipated increased demand for "clean" diesel fuel appear to
be enhancing the economic viability of this route to GTL.
The focus of this report is a comparative techno-economic evaluation of three
leading technologies for FT based GTL diesel production, currently under development
by the following companies - Sasol, ConocoPhillips, and BP. We also briefly
survey the status of FT based GTL technology development by other leading technology
developers. The scope of this report includes an assessment of market trends
for petroleum-based products as well as future transportation fuel specifications,
in addition to a geographical breakdown of natural gas reserves with wellhead
costs estimated for various locations.
Other PEP Related Reports
Advanced
Gas-to-Liquid Process 247A
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