Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor (20) for reforming comprises a reactor module (70) to define a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately, for carrying first and second gas flows, and a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (80) with a substrate for example of metal foil is provided in each flow channel in which a chemical reaction is to occur. The reactor is for use with a first gas flow whose pressure is above ambient pressure and is no less than that of the second gas flow. The reactor module (70) may be formed of a stack of plates (72, 74, 75). The module (70) is enclosed within a pressure vessel (90), the pressure within the pressure vessel being arranged to be at a pressure substantially that of the first gas flow. Consequently no parts of the module (70) are under tension. This simplifies the design of the reactor module, and increases the proportion of its volume occupied by the catalyst.

Abstract: A GTL facility for a fixed offshore hydrocarbon production platform which comprises a deck attached to a base that is secured to the sea floor. The GTL facility comprises a syngas reactor for converting natural gas into syngas and a liquids production unit for converting the syngas into a hydrocarbon liquid. Furthermore, at least one of the syngas reactor and the liquids production unit comprises a catalyst which is constructed using PI micro-reactor technology. As a result, the GTL unit is sufficiently small to be located on the deck of the platform.

Abstract: Natural gas is processed to generate longer-chain hydrocarbons, the process comprising subjecting the gas to steam reforming to generate a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and then subjecting this mixture to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is performed at an elevated temperature above 230° C. and with a gas hourly space velocity greater than 10 000 hr?1 so as to achieve a selectivity to the production of C5+ hydrocarbons that is less than 65%. The resulting liquid product can be used as a vehicle fuel, while the tail gases may be used to generate electricity.

Abstract: Methane is reacted with steam, to generate carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor; the resulting gas mixture can then be used to perform Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a second catalytic reactor. In performing the steam/methane reforming, the gas mixture is passed through a narrow flow channel containing a catalyst structure on a metal substrate, and adjacent to a source of heat, in a time less than 0.5 s, so that only those reactions that have comparatively rapid kinetics will occur. Both the average temperature and the exit temperature of the channel are in the range 750° to 900° C. The ratio of steam to methane should preferably be 1.4 to 1.6, for example about 1.5. Almost all the methane will undergo the reforming reaction, almost entirely forming carbon monoxide. After performing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the remaining hydrogen is preferably used to provide heat for the reforming reaction.

Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is performed on a CO/H*2 feed gas using a plurality of compact catalytic reactor modules (12) each defining catalytic reaction channels and coolant channels, in two successive stages, with the same number of reactor modules for each stage. The gas flow velocity in the first stage is sufficiently high that no more than 75% of the CO undergoes conversion. The gases are cooled (16) between successive stages so as to remove water vapour, and the pressure is reduced (20) before they are subjected to the second stage. In addition the reaction temperature for the second stage is lower than for the first stage, such that no more than 75% of the remaining carbon monoxide undergoes conversion during the second stage too. The deleterious effect of water vapour on the catalyst is hence suppressed, while the overall capacity of the plant (10) can be adjusted by closing off modules in each stage while keeping the numbers equal.

Abstract: Natural gas is processed to generate longer-chain hydrocarbons, the process comprising subjecting the gas to steam reforming to generate a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and then subjecting this mixture to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The reforming reaction (20) is performed at 0.4–0.5 MPa and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (50) at 1.8–2.1 MPa, and two compressors (36, 44) are used to raise the pressure, the gas mixture being cooled (26, 32, 40) before and after the first compressor (36). This reduces both the operating cost and capital cost of the plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting natural gas from a remote source into hydrocarbon liquid stable at room temperature, comprising a skid or trailer-mounted portable gas-to-liquids reactor. The reactor includes a preprocessor which desulfurizes and dehydrates the natural gas, a first-stage reactor which transforms the preprocessed natural gas into synthesis gas, and a liquid productions unit using a Fisher-Tropsch or similar polymerization process. The hydrocarbon liquid may be stored in a portable tank for later transportation or further processed on site in a portable hydrocarbon cracking unit to yield fuel or lubricating oils.