Abstract: A process to prepare a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide comprises performing a partial oxidation on a methane comprising feed using a multi-orifice burner provided with an arrangement of separate passages, wherein the gaseous hydrocarbon having an elevated temperature flows through a passage of the burner, an oxidizer gas flows through a separate passage of the burner and wherein the passage for gaseous hydrocarbon feed and the passage for oxidizer gas are separated by a passage through which a secondary gas flows, wherein the secondary gas comprises hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Process for the preparation hydrogen and a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas from a carbonaceous feedstock by performing the following steps: (a) preparing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide having a temperature of above 700° C. (51); (b) catalytic steam reforming a carbonaceous feedstock in a Convective Steam Reformer zone (44), wherein the required heat for the steam reforming reaction is provided by convective heat exchange between the steam reformer reactor zone and the effluent of step (a) to obtain as separate products a steam reforming product having a hydrogen to CO molar ratio of greater than 2 and a cooled effluent of step (a), and (c) separating hydrogen from the steam reforming product.

Abstract: A method for the production of syngas from methanol feedstock is disclosed. The methanol feed (110) is supplied to a partial oxidation reactor (112) with oxygen (114) and optionally steam (116) to yield a mixed stream (118) of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide (122) is separated out and the hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture (124) is fed to a cold box (126) where it is separated into hydrogen-rich and carbon monoxide-rich streams (130, 128). The separated carbon dioxide (122) can be recycled back to the partial oxidation reactor (112) as a temperature moderator if desired. The carbon monoxide-rich stream (128) can be reacted with methanol (134) in an acetic acid synthesis unit (132) by a conventional process to produce acetic acid (136) or an acetic acid precursor. Optionally, an ammonia synthesis unit (144) and/or vinyl acetate monomer synthesis unit (156) can be integrated into the plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the coproduction of methanol and ammonia from natural gas involving the following steps: 1. Natural gas (flow 1) , steam and oxygen are mixed with one another in a reactor A during which the natural gas is partially oxidized and additionally reformed with the aid of catalysts; 2. The gas mixture removed from reactor A is split into a flow (flow 2) for synthesizing methanol in a unit E and into another flow (flow 3) for producing hydrogen; 3. The carbon monoxide present in flow (flow 3) for producing hydrogen is converted into carbon dioxide inside reactor B with the aid of catalysts and intermediate cooling stages; 4. Remaining impurities such as methane, traces of carbon monoxide and argon are washed out in a cleaning unit D, and hydrogen (flows 6, 8) is fed to the methanol synthesis in unit E and to the ammonia synthesis in unit F; 5.

Abstract: A process to make ethylene and/or propylene from methane comprises preparing a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen from methane, performing a Fischer Tropsch synthesis using the gaseous mixture to obtain a Fischer Tropsch product having a 50 wt % recovery point above 250° C., evaporating a part of the Fischer Tropsch product in the presence of a dilution gas comprising the unconverted carbon monoxide and hydrogen from the Fischer Tropsch synthesis step and carbon dioxide into a gas and a liquid fraction and separating the liquid fraction from the remaining gas fraction, further heating the gas fraction and subjecting the gas fraction to a thermal cracking step, isolating a mixture of methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen from the cracked gases, and recycling the mixture of methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen to the step of preparing a gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A process for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons comprises: (A) reforming methane by catalytic reaction with steam at elevated temperature to generate carbon monoxide and hydrogen; (B) subjecting the mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a Fischer-Tropsch reaction to generate one or more higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and water; and C) extracting or removing one or more oxygenates from the water. The oxygenates are either or both: on start-up of the process, catalytically combusted to provide heat for step (A), and replaced at least in part with methane from tail gas from step (B) when the temperature attains or exceeds the combustion temperature of methane; and/or used as a fuel-enhancer for tail gas from step (B) for steady-state heat provision in step (A).

Abstract: A method for the production of syngas from methanol feedstock is disclosed. The methanol feed (110) is supplied to a partial oxidation reactor (112) with oxygen (114) and optionally steam (116) to yield a mixed stream (118) of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide (122) is separated out and the hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture (124) is fed to a cold box (126) where it is separated into hydrogen-rich and carbon monoxide-rich streams (130, 128). The separated carbon dioxide (122) can be recycled back to the partial oxidation reactor (112) as a temperature moderator if desired. The carbon monoxide-rich stream (128) can be reacted with methanol (134) in an acetic acid synthesis unit (132) by a conventional process to produce acetic acid (136) or an acetic acid precursor. Optionally, an ammonia synthesis unit (144) and/or vinyl acetate monomer synthesis unit (156) can be integrated into the plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing synthesis gas blends which are especially suitable for conversion either into oxygenates such as methanol or into Fischer-Tropsch liquids. Such a process involves reforming of two separate gaseous hydrocarbon feedstreams (formed, for example, by dividing a natural gas feedstock) in a steam-reforming unit and an oxygen-blown reforming unit, respectively. The syngas effluent from each reforming unit is then combined, after appropriate pressure adjustments, to realize a synthesis gas blend containing selected amounts and ratios of H2, CO and CO2. In further invention embodiments, processes are provided for converting the resulting syngas blends into oxygenates or Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons. Further conversion of the oxygenates so produced into light olefins also constitutes part of this invention.

Abstract: A method for increasing oil recovery from an oil reservoir by injection of gas into the reservoir, is described. The method comprises separation of air into an oxygen-rich fraction and a nitrogen-rich fraction, reformation of natural gas together with oxygen to produce a synthesis gas for production of methanol or other oxygenated hydrocarbons or higher hydrocarbons. The raw synthesis products and a waste gas from the synthesis are separated, and the nitrogen-rich fraction and at least a part of the waste gas are injected into the oil reservoir to increase the oil recovery from the reservoir. A plant for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for producing liquid energy carriers from a solid carbon carrier by means of gasifying a solid carbon carrier. The installation is at least comprised of a drying device, a gasification apparatus, a synthesizing device for synthesizing the liquid energy carrier, a device for effecting the electrolysis of water for producing oxygen serving as a gasification agent and hydrogen for the synthesis process, and of a combustion apparatus, which is connected to the output of the gasification apparatus for carbon-containing gasification residues and to the oxygen outlet of the device for effecting the electrolysis of water. According to the invention, at least a portion of the waste steam from the drying device and at least a portion of the residual gas arising during synthesis are fed to the gasification process in the gasification apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing syngas are provided. A first hydrocarbon can be partially oxidized in the presence of an oxidant and one or more first catalysts at conditions sufficient to partially combust a portion of the first hydrocarbon to provide carbon dioxide, non-combusted first hydrocarbon, and heat. The non-combusted first hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of the heat generated in the partial oxidation step and the one or more first catalysts to provide a first syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged from the first syngas to a second hydrocarbon to reform at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon in the presence of steam and one or more second catalysts to provide a second syngas. A syngas, which can include the at least a portion of the first syngas, at least a portion of the second syngas, or a mixture thereof can be converted to provide one or more Fischer-Tropsch products, methanol, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of methanol, and, in particular, to a process for the production of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a fuel gas stream which has been separated from the product stream obtained from a process for the autothermal cracking of paraffinic hydrocarbons with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst capable of supporting combustion beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of methane to methanol has been developed. The process involves contacting a gas stream, comprising methane, a solvent and an oxidizing agent with a bimetallic catalyst at oxidation conditions to produce a methyl ester. Finally, the methyl ester is hydrolyzed to yield a methanol product stream. The bimetallic catalyst comprises at least two transition metal components. One example of the catalytic component is a combination of cobalt and manganese.

Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of methane to methanol using a supported transition metal catalyst has been developed. Examples of the transition metals which can be used are copper and palladium, while an example of a support is silica. Optionally, the catalyst can contain a modifier component such as cesium. Generally the process involves contacting a gas stream, comprising methane, a solvent such as trifluoroacetic acid and an oxidizing agent such as air or hydrogen peroxide with the catalyst, at oxidation conditions to produce a methyl ester, e.g. methyl trifluoroacetate. Finally, the methyl ester is hydrolyzed to yield a methanol product stream.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing and reacting compounds in a cyclone reactor (10) is disclosed and described. A liquid carrier can be provided which can include solid catalyst particles, liquid catalysts, and/or liquid reactants. The liquid carrier can be formed into a swirl layer (38) within the cyclone reactor (10). A reactant composition including at least one reactant can also be injected through at least a portion of the swirl layer (38) such that at least a portion of the reactant is converted to a reaction product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting organic waste feed streams into usable liquid fuels by adjusting the ratio of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen in the effluent gas of a high temperature waste treatment system. A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit is used to remove carbon dioxide from the effluent gas of a high temperature waste treatment system, while leaving carbon monoxide and hydrogen, thereby producing a gas stream amenable to the production of methanol and other liquid fuels using commercially available catalytic reactors.

Abstract: Production of methanol from a stream of crude glycerol. The crude glycerol is preferably a side product (waste product) that results from the production of biodiesel from vegetable oils and animal fats. The crude glycerol stream is combined with superheated steam and oxygen to produce a synthesis gas that is then passed to a methanol synthesis reaction zone to produce methanol.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for mixing two or more gaseous or liquid streams, where the gaseous streams are combined in an inlet chamber and thereafter repeatedly accelerated and decelerated in one or more of stages, and a value of a maximum linear velocity of the accelerated combined gaseous stream is maintained in each step within a range of mass flow rates of the gaseous streams. The invention also provides apparatus for mixing two or more gaseous or liquid streams, one embodiment comprises a body with a seat; a spindle with a plug, which is installed in the seat and the seat and the plug have a plurality of conical surfaces forming the same plurality of conical annuli. The spindle is able to move the plug in an axial direction in the seat during the mixing. Another embodiment comprises a body, a spindle with a tube plug. A cage and annular mixing elements surround the tube plug.

Abstract: Partial oxidation process of liquid fuels, selected from hydrocarbon and/or oxygenated compounds, together with gaseous fuels, selected from hydrocarbon compounds, natural gas and LPG, by means of a suitable catalytic system comprising the following steps: premixing the reagents and possibly heating them to temperatures ranging from 25 to 400° C., said reagents consisting of said liquid fuels, said gaseous fuels and oxygen or air or oxygen enriched air, optionally in the presence of vapor and/or CO2; reacting the mixture of reagents in the catalytic zone, at inlet temperatures ranging from 50 to 500° C. and space velocities ranging from 1,000 to 1,000,000 Nl reagents/L cat×h, reaching temperatures ranging from 450 to 1350° C.

Abstract: In a process for forming a methane-enriched fuel, a hydrocarbon feedstock that includes hydrocarbons having molecular weights greater than that of methane (CH4) is mixed with an oxidizable gaseous reactant that includes water (H2O) and is free of molecular oxygen (O2). The mixture, which has a H2O/total hydrocarbon (H2O/C) ratio of less than about 1, is heated to an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst to form a methane-enriched pre-reformate product. At least a portion of the feedstock hydrocarbons having molecular weights greater than that of methane is converted to methane (CH4) in the process.

Abstract: A process for producing electrical power, chemicals, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen is provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone heated to a temperature from about 1050° F. to about 1900° F. to provide a synthesis gas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the synthesis gas can be used as a fuel source for one or more turbines to drive one or more electrical generators. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the synthesis gas can be introduced to one or more gas converters to provide methanol, alkyl formates, dimethyl ether, ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch products, derivatives thereof or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for the startup of an ATR which does not contain an ignition means is provided. Also provided is a process to ascertain ATR catalyst activity prior to introduction of sufficient oxidant to form a flammable feed mixture.

Abstract: A composition and method for a Catalytic Partial Oxidation (CPO) of methane to synthesis gas. The catalyst allows the process to proceed at low residence time providing a long time thermal stability. The perovskite structure [AzA?1-z][B1-x-yNix Rhy] O3-? of the catalyst is obtained using mainly La, Sr, as A and A? cation sites (A, A?: actinide and/or lanthanide, elements and/or elements from Group I and II) and mainly Fe, Ni, as B cation sites (B: transition metal element and/or element from Group III to V).

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons is described including; a) subjecting a mixture of a hydrocarbon feedstock and steam to catalytic steam reforming to form a partially reformed gas, b) subjecting the partially reformed gas to partial combustion with an oxygen-containing gas and bringing the resultant partially combusted gas towards equilibrium over a steam reforming catalyst to form a reformed gas mixture, c) cooling the reformed gas mixture to below the dew point of the steam therein to condense water and separating condensed water to give a de-watered synthesis gas, d) synthesising hydrocarbons from side de-watered synthesis gas by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and e) separating the hydrocarbons from co-produced water, characterised in that at least part of said co-produced water is fed to a saturator wherein it is contacted with hydrocarbon feedstock to provide at least part of the mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and steam subjected to steam reforming.

Abstract: A process for production of hydrocarbons including a) reforming a divided hydrocarbon feedstock stream, mixing the first stream with steam, passing the mixture over a catalyst disposed in heated heat exchange reformer tubes to form a primary reformed gas, forming a secondary reformer feed stream including the primary reformed gas and the second hydrocarbon stream, partially combusting the secondary reformer feed stream and bringing the partially combusted gas towards equilibrium over a secondary catalyst, and producing a partially cooled reformed gas, b) further cooling the partially cooled reformed gas below the dew point of steam therein to condense water and separating condensed water to give a de-watered synthesis gas, c) synthesising hydrocarbons from the de-watered synthesis gas by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and separating some of the synthesised hydrocarbons into a tail gas, and d) incorporating part of the tail gas into the secondary reformer feed stream before partial combustion thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing high linear paraffin or high end-chain monomethyl content products is accomplished by converting synthesis gas in a Fischer-Tropsch reaction to hydrocarbon products. These may be hydrotreated to provide an n-paraffin content of greater than 50% by weight, with substantially all branched paraffins being monomethyl end-chain branched paraffins. At least one non-linear paraffin isomer, which may be a monomethyl paraffin isomer, may be separated from the hydrocarbon products through distillation to provide an n-paraffin product having an n-paraffin content percentage by weight of the n-paraffin product that is greater than the initial n-paraffin content.

Abstract: A gasification plant for producing ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, and electrical power from carbon-bearing feedstocks.

Abstract: A process for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons comprises (A) reforming methane by catalytic reaction with steam at elevated temperature to generate carbon monoxide and hydrogen; (B) subjecting the mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a Fischer-Tropsch reaction to generate one or more higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and water; and (C) extracting or removing one or more oxygenates from the water. The oxygenates are either or both: on start-up of the process, catalytically combusted to provide heat for step (A), and replaced at least in part with methane from tail gas from step (B) when the temperature attains or exceeds the combustion temperature of methane; and/or used as a fuel-enhancer for tail gas from step (B) for steady-state heat provision in step (A).

Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for producing C1 to C4 alcohols, optionally in a mixed alcohol stream, and optionally converting the alcohols to light olefins. In one embodiment, the invention includes directing a first portion of a syngas stream to a methanol synthesis zone wherein methanol is synthesized. A second portion of the syngas stream is directed to a fuel alcohol synthesis zone wherein fuel alcohol is synthesized. The methanol and at least a portion of the fuel alcohol are directed to an oxygenate to olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene and propylene.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons from gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feed involving the steps of: i) partial oxidation conversion of the gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feed and oxygen containing gas at elevated temperature and pressure into synthesis gas; ii) catalytical conversion of synthesis gas of step i) using a cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst into a hydrocarbons comprising stream; iii) separating the hydrocarbons comprising stream of step ii) into a hydrocarbons product stream and a recycle stream; and, iv) removing carbon dioxide from the recycle stream and recycle of carbon dioxide depleted recycle stream to step i).

Abstract: This disclosure discusses problems associated with using natural gas to produce a variety of synthetic hydrocarbon products by production processes that require syngas feedstocks with varying H2/CO and (H2?CO2)/(CO+CO2) ratios. A number of gas separation membranes are used to vary the composition of the feed streams to different hydrocarbon synthesis units so that different synthetic hydrocarbon products can be produced. The process supplies syngas to an integrated hydrocarbon processing system comprising a number of hydrocarbon synthesis units. Gas (usually a portion of a raw syngas stream) is routed through the separation membrane units, multiple H2-rich and H2-lean streams are produced. These H2-rich and H2-lean streams can then be combined in a controlled fashion to produce feed streams of the desired compositions for the various hydrocarbon synthesis units. A variety of liquid synthetic hydrocarbon products can be produced from a given syngas source as required by market demands.

Abstract: Process and system for the production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon feed stock comprising the steps of endothermic and/or adiabatic catalytic steam reforming and autothermal steam reforming in series, wherein the steam reforming is carried out in one or more endothermic stages in series or in one or more adiabatic steam reforming stages in series with intermediate heating of feed stock gas leaving the adiabatic reforming stages and wherein carbon monoxide containing gas characterised by having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon of less than 4.5 is added prior to at least one of the endothermic or adiabatic steam reforming stages and/or prior to the autothermal steam reforming step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved catalyst compositions, as well as methods of making and using such compositions to prepare synthesis gas and ultimately C5+ hydrocarbons. In particular, preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise catalyst systems comprising a core and an outer region disposed on said core, wherein a substantial amount of the catalytic metal is located in the outer region of the catalyst support matrix. In addition, the catalyst systems are able to maintain high conversion and selectivity values with very low catalytically active metal loadings. The catalyst systems are appropriate for improved syngas, oxidative dehydrogenation and other partial oxidation reactions, including improved reaction schemes for the conversion of hydrocarbon gas to C5+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation and a process for the production of liquid fuels starting from a solid feedstock that contains the organic material in which: a) the solid feedstock is subjected to a gasification stage so as to convert said feedstock into synthesis gas, b) the synthesis gas is subjected to a purification treatment, c) the purified synthesis gas is subjected to a conversion stage that comprises the implementation of a Fischer-Tropsch-type synthesis so as to convert said synthesis gas into a liquid effluent and a gaseous effluent, d) the liquid effluent is fractionated so as to obtain a gaseous fraction, a naphtha fraction, a kerosene fraction and a gas oil fraction, and e) at least a portion of the naphtha fraction is recycled in gasification stage a).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the preparation of dimethylether from hydrocarbons, including tri-reforming a feedstock mixture comprised of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and water vapor in the presence of a tri-reforming catalyst, to prepare a syngas, which then undergoes gas-phase direct synthesis into dimethylether in one step in the presence of a hybrid catalyst. According to the process of this invention, three main processes among typical syngas preparation processes are simultaneously performed, and then, the syngas thus obtained is prepared into dimethylether through a direct reaction in one step, thereby decreasing the apparatus cost and operation cost. In addition, all of the carbon dioxide separated and recovered from the unreacted material and by-products may be reused as reaction material, thus decreasing the generation of carbon dioxide and reducing the material cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for producing methanol and ethanol, preferably in a mixed alcohol stream. In one embodiment, the invention includes directing syngas to a synthesis zone wherein the syngas contacts a methanol synthesis catalyst and an ethanol synthesis catalyst (either a homologation catalyst or a fuel alcohol synthesis catalyst) under conditions effective to form methanol and ethanol. The methanol and ethanol, in a desired ratio, are directed to an oxygenate to olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene and propylene in a desired ratio. The invention also relates to processes for varying the weight ratio of ethylene to propylene formed in an oxygenate to olefin reaction system.

Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for producing light olefins from methanol and ethanol, optionally in a mixed alcohol stream. In one embodiment, the invention includes directing a first syngas stream to a methanol synthesis zone to form methanol and directing a second syngas stream and methanol to a homologation zone to form ethanol. The methanol and ethanol are directed to an oxygenate to olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene and propylene.

Abstract: What is described is a method and an installation for the simultaneous production of methanol synthesis gas, ammonia synthesis gas, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from natural gas, in which several plant elements (or plant units) are serially arranged one by one in one single production chain, whereat these elements comprise: a first reactor A, in which the natural gas is transformed under oxygen supply into a synthesis gas mixture comprised of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and steam (water vapor), a second reactor B, which allows to control the transformation of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, optionally a compressor C for compressing the generated gases, an absorber D for the absorption of carbon dioxide and for obtaining the carbon monoxide-hydrogen mixture used for methanol synthesis, a low-temperature separator E, in which ammonia synthesis gas is obtained by introducing liquid nitrogen, and in which simultaneously carbon monoxide, argon and methane are removed.

Abstract: Production of methanol includes supplying into a reactor a hydrocarbon-containing gas, supplying into the reactor an oxygen-containing as gas, carrying out in the reactor an oxidation of the heated hydrocarbon-containing gas by oxygen of the oxygen-containing gas, and supplying into the reactor a cold hydrocarbon-containing gas to be mixed directly with a mixture of the heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas at a later stage of the reaction to produce also formaldehyde.

Abstract: A process for thermochemical conversion of heavy oil and petroleum coke to fluid fuels includes the steps of: providing a fossil fuel selected from the group consisting of heavy oil, petroleum coke and mixtures thereof; and exposing the fossil fuel to an external source of concentrated radiation so as to increase the temperature of the fossil fuel, supply high-temperature heat required for the desired endothermic conversion process, and convert the fossil fuel to a product selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, gaseous hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Low-energy hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger is placed in parallel with a partial oxidation reactor in a new hydrogen plant with improved efficiency and reduced steam export, or in an existing hydrogen plant where the hydrogen capacity can be increased by as much as 20–30 percent with reduced export of steam from the hydrogen plant.

Abstract: Process for converting synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons, at an elevated temperature and pressure. The process comprises continuously introducing a synthesis gas feed stream comprising 0.1 to 50% by volume of carbon dioxide into a continuous stirred reactor system comprising a reactor vessel containing a suspension of a solid particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium, wherein the solid particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is stable in the presence of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for producing synthesis gas and higher hydrocarbons from light hydrocarbons and molecular oxygen as well as the higher hydrocarbons produced by the disclosed methods and apparatus. The methods and apparatus disclosed utilize components comprising nickel and nickel alloys.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to an olefin includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce the olefin, usually ethylene. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of oil from a subsurface reservoir in combination with the production of liquid hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbonaceous stream involving: (i) separating an oxygen/nitrogen mixture into a stream enriched in oxygen and an oxygen depleted stream; (ii) partial oxidation of the hydrocarbonaceous feed at elevated temperature and pressure using enriched oxygen produced in step (i) to produce synthesis gas; (iii) converting synthesis gas obtained in step (ii) into liquid hydrocarbons; and (iv) recovering oil from a subsurface reservoir using at least part of the oxygen depleted gas stream produced in step (i).

Abstract: Synthesis gas for a Fischer-Tropsch process is obtained by primary steam reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock in tubes in a heat exchange reformer, subjecting the primary reformed gas to secondary reforming and using the hot secondary reformed gas to heat the tubes in the heat exchange reformer. The resultant reformed gas is cooled, de-watered and used to form hydrocarbons in the Fischer-Tropsch process. At least part of the tail gas from the Fischer-Tropsch process is combusted in a gas turbine to provide power for the reforming process.

Abstract: Process for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon comprising partially oxidizing in a reaction zone, a mixture comprising a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which is capable of supporting oxidation of the hydrocarbon. Prior to the partial oxidation, the mixture comprising the hydrocarbon and the oxygen-containing gas is passed through a heat exchanger which provides a pressure drop which acts to even the velocity profile and ensure that the reactants flow uniformly over the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to start a process for producing normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbonaceous feed, which process involves the steps of: (i) compressing and optionally separating an oxygen containing gas; (ii) partial oxidation of the hydrocarbonaceous feed at elevated temperature and pressure using the compressed oxygen containing gas of step (i) to obtain synthesis gas and steam; (iii) catalytically converting the synthesis gas of step (ii) at elevated temperature and pressure to obtain the normally liquid and/or gaseous hydrocarbons and steam; and (iv) using steam obtained in step (ii) and/or step (iii) and optionally combusting of hydrocarbons for generating power for providing the pressurized oxygen containing gas for step (i), which method starts with using a hydrocarbonaceous feed fired boiler for providing steam for the generation of power for step (i) for compressing and optionally separating the pressurized oxygen containing