Abstract: There is herein described a process and apparatus for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. More particularly, there is described a process and an isothermal reactor apparatus for the partial oxidation of methane which comprises a heat transfer surface, a porous catalytic membrane and wherein heat is dissipated and/or removed through the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: There is herein described a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. More particularly, there is described a Fischer-Tropsch reactor that incorporates forced flow through a small pore, thick layer, monolith supported catalyst and high levels of heat transfer that is able to operate with high levels of catalyst effectiveness. The catalyst bed (103) is supported on a distinct porous structure (101) through which the syn-gas flow is forced and the catalyst layer has a thickness of more than 200 microns.

Abstract: There is herein described a high pressure gas to liquid (GTL) process. More particularly, there is described a once through high pressure GTL process utilizing a porous catalytic membrane reactor capable of being connected to a novel structured fixed bed reactor that incorporates forced flow through the porous catalytic structured catalyst in combination with high levels of heat transfer where there is no compression of syngas between reforming and Fischer-Tropsch steps.

Abstract: There is herein described a high pressure gas to liquid (GTL) process. More particularly, there is described a once through high pressure GTL process utilising a porous catalytic membrane reactor capable of being connected to a novel structured fixed bed reactor that incorporates forced flow through the porous catalytic structured catalyst in combination with high levels of heat transfer where there is no compression of syngas between reforming and Fischer-Tropsch steps.

Abstract: There is herein described a process and apparatus for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. More particularly, there is described a process and an isothermal reactor apparatus for the partial oxidation of methane which comprises a heat transfer surface, a porous catalytic membrane and wherein heat is disipated and/or removed through the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus; all to produce hydrogen gas, particularly synthesis gas. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an alpha alumina membrane which has been treated with a TiO2 wash coat on one side and has an active gamma alumina layer on an opposite side. A metal catalyst, preferably rhodium, is deposited within the pores of the alumina. Oxygen travels through the membrane and is activated before contacting methane on the other side of the membrane and forming synthesis gas through partial oxidation of the methane. Embodiments of the invention have a number of benefits including the high conversion rate of oxygen (100%), the separate feed streams of methane and oxygen which allow for optimal ratios to be used without danger of explosion, and the opportunity to vary the feed rates without changing the products formed. Normally gaseous hydrocarbons recovered from remote oil wells (e.g.