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 process for the production of methanol from liquid or gaseous starting materials, in which the emission of carbon dioxide is reduced or completely eliminated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons by first generating in a pressure swing reformer a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO greater than 2:1. Then, a portion of the hydrogen is separated to produce a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO of about 2:1 which steam is then introduced into a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor for conversion to liquid products.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons by first generating in a pressure swing reformer a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO greater than 2:1. Then, a portion of the hydrogen is separated to produce a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO of about 2:1 which steam is then introduced into a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor for conversion to liquid products.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production in an existing process plant for converting natural gas into a product, where the natural gas is first converted to a synthesis gas in a synthesis gas section, the synthesis gas is brought to reaction in a reactor for synthesis of the product, where non-converted synthesis gas and product are separated into two streams, where a product-rich stream is taken off the process, while a product-poor stream is re-circulated back as feed to the reactor together with fresh synthesis gas, and where part of the re-circulating stream is taken off the re-circulation loop as a purge gas, where the purge gas is separated into hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor streams, where hydrogen-rich streams are introduced in stages of the process where addition of hydrogen is desirable, and where the residual thermal value of the hydrogen-poor stream may be used for heating prior to the stream being discharged, wherein the synthesis gas from the synthesis gas section receives a hydrogen-rich stream f

Abstract: A process to control the amount of N-contaminant is synthesis gas which is fed into a Fischer-Tropsch reactor and which utilizes Fischer-Tropsch produced water is provided. A process which utilizes a countercurrent flow of Fischer-Tropsch produced water produced in a downstream Fischer-Tropsch reactor to wash syngas being fed to an upstream Fischer-Tropsch reactor is provided.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation in a batch manner or in a substantially continuous manner.

Abstract: A process (10) for producing synthesis gas includes, in a gasification stage (12), gasifying a carbonaceous feestock to provide a raw synthesis gas which includes at least H2, CO and CH4 and, in a partial oxidation stage (14), subjecting the raw synthesis gas to partial oxidation in the presence of oxygen to provide an upgraded synthesis gas which includes less CH4 and more H2 and CO than the raw synthesis gas. The invention extends to a process for producing a synthesis gas derived product.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas/methane, oxygen and/or steam. In particular, the present invention relates to processes for the production of synthesis gas, reducing the oxygen concentration from the synthesis gas, and the production of liquid hydrocarbons using the oxygen reduced synthesis gas as a feedstock. More particularly, the present invention described herein identifies catalyst compositions, apparatus and methods of using such catalysts and apparatus for preparing liquid hydrocarbons via oxygen reduced synthesis gas all in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch-based hydrocarbon conversion process involves compressing air in a compressor section of a gas turbine, delivering a portion of the compressed air to a combustor of the gas turbine, delivering a portion of the compressed air to a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon conversion unit, extracting thermal energy from the combustor and delivering it to the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon conversion unit, converting light hydrocarbons into heavier hydrocarbons in the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon conversion unit, and delivering combustion gases from the combustor to an expansion section of the gas turbine. A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) may also be used to harness waste heat from the expansion section. A conversion system for converting light hydrocarbons into heavier hydrocarbons includes a turbine from which heat energy is removed and used to assist in converting hydrocarbons and whereby greater throughput of the turbine is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for cogenerating organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, C1-C4 acids, C1-C4 alcohols, methanol, naphthalene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene) along with synthesis gas in a synthesis gas reactor, preferably a catalytic partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for managing hydrogen in a hydrocarbon gas to liquid plant. The process includes passing a syngas feed stream produced by a partial oxidation reactor to a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, thereby converting the syngas to hydrocarbon liquids. The hydrogen management process further includes passing a second hydrogen rich stream produced by an auxiliary source to a hydrogen user such as an FT water stripper, an FT catalyst regeneration unit, and an FT product upgrading unit. The auxiliary source could be a process for converting hydrocarbons to syngas, a process for converting hydrocarbons to olefins, a process for converting hydrocarbons to aromatics, a process for catalytically dehydrogenating hydrocarbons, a process for catalytically cracking hydrocarbons, a process for refining petroleum, and a process for converting hydrocarbons to carbon filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for managing hydrogen in a hydrocarbon gas to liquid plant. The process includes feeding a syngas stream produced by a partial oxidation reactor to a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, thereby converting the syngas to hydrocarbon liquids. It also includes passing a substantially oxygen-free feed stream comprising hydrocarbon gas and water to a steam reformer, thereby producing a hydrogen-rich stream. The H2/CO ratio in the syngas feed stream can be adjusted to a desired value by introducing a first portion of the hydrogen-rich stream to the syngas feed stream. A second portion of the hydrogen-rich stream can be passed to one or more hydrogen users, e.g., a catalyst regeneration unit, in the GTL plant.

Abstract: An integrated Fischer-Tropsch process having improved alcohol processing capability is provided. The integrated Fischer-Tropsch process includes, optionally, synthesis gas production, Fischer-Tropsch reaction, Fischer-Tropsch reaction product recovery and, optionally, separation, catalytic dehydration of primary and internal alcohols, and, optionally, hydro-processing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which comprises performing a partial catalytic oxidation of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the presence of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Recuperating the gas mixture, which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption or by permeation, to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit. In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapor impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas in a catalytic partial oxidation reactor by adding hydrogen to the reactor feed stream.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons and ammonia, and more particularly a process for optimizing the production of hydrocarbons and ammonia using a combined hydrocarbon synthesis plant and ammonia synthesis plant. Synthesis gas exiting a reforming section of the hydrocarbon synthesis process is sent to a hydrogen extraction unit, where it is divided into a hydrogen-rich stream and a hydrogen-poor stream. The hydrogen-rich stream is then fed into an ammonia synthesis process. The hydrogen-poor stream may be returned to the hydrocarbon synthesis process or may be used as a fuel gas. The process reduces emission of CO2 into the atmosphere, and requires only one reforming section and one air separation unit for both processes. Removal of hydrogen from the hydrocarbon synthesis process before the synthesis gas enters a Fischer-Tropsch reactor also lowers the H2/CO ratio of the synthesis gas, therefore resulting in better hydrocarbon selectively.

Abstract: In a process for the use of a hydrocarbon feedstock (10) by reacting the feedstock in a reactor (11) with oxygen (9) to form a synthesis gas containing at least carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen and subjecting the synthesis gas to a conversion process comprising an exothermic reaction to produce dimethyl ether in a converter (15), the converter operating at an operating pressure, said oxygen being provided to the reactor at an oxygen pressure, the synthesis gas is produced at a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the converter.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: In a process-for the use of a hydrocarbon feedstock (10) by reacting the feedstock in a reactor (11) with oxygen (9) to form a synthesis gas containing at least carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen and subjecting the synthesis gas to a conversion process comprising an exothermic reaction to produce methanol as a final product in a converter (15), the converter operating at an operating pressure, said oxygen being provided to the reactor at an oxygen pressure, the synthesis gas is produced at a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock involving: (i) catalylically reforming at least part of the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock at elevated temperature and pressure with steam in at least one reforming zone; (ii) heating the reforming zone(s) by means of a carbon dioxide containing heating gas containing a product obtained by partial oxidation of the reformer product obtained in step (i) and carbon dioxide depleted light product obtained in step (vi) with an oxygen-containing gas in an oxidation zone; (iii) separating carbon dioxide from cooled down heating gas obtained in step (ii); (iv) catalytically converting at least part of the carbon dioxide depleted gas steam obtained in step (iii) at elevated temperature and pressure into normally liquid hydrocarbons; (v) separating product stream obtained in step (iv) into a light product having mainly unconverted synthesis gas, inerts and light hydrocarbons and a heavy product; having mainly normally

Abstract: An integrated large capacity, single-train process for making 1,00020,000 MTPD methanol and 3006,000 MTPD acetic acid is disclosed. Syngas 120 is produced by autothermal reforming 118 of natural gas 102 where the feed 112 of the natural gas is supplied with oxygen and CO2 recycle 110 to the autothermal reformer (ATR) 118. A portion (5-50%) of the syngas is fed to CO2 removal 122 to obtain the recycle CO2 and cold box 130 to obtain a hydrogen stream 131 and a CO stream 135. The 50-95% remaining syngas, hydrogen stream 131 and optionally any CO2 from an associated process are fed to methanol synthesis 140, which produces the methanol. The methanol is supplied to an acetic acid unit 136 with the CO 135 to make the acetic acid, which in turn can be supplied to a VAM synthesis unit 148. Oxygen for the ATR and any VAM synthesis can be supplied by a single common air separation unit 116, and utilities such as steam generation can further integrate the process.

Abstract: A method and a plant for simultaneous production of a gas for injection into an oil field and production of methanol, dimethyl ether and/or other oxygenated hydrocarbons or production of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas is disclosed. An air separation unit (ATR) for production of pure nitrogen for injection and pure oxygen for production of synthesis gas (“syngas”) by authermal reformation of a natural gas is an essential part of the method and plant.

Abstract: (1) In a gas-phase catalytic oxidation process for conducting gas-phase catalytic oxidation reaction using a fixed bed multipipe type reactor having reaction tubes filled with a catalyst while feeding a reaction raw gas thereinto, the catalyst is filled in each of the reaction tubes of the fixed bed multipipe type reactor to form two or more catalyst layers having different catalytic activities from each other in a direction of the oxidation reaction, and the catalyst layer disposed nearest to a reaction raw gas inlet of the reaction tube has a higher catalytic activity than that of the next catalyst layer adjacent thereto, or (2) in a process for producing (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylic acid by subjecting a raw material of the (meth)acrolein or (meth)acrylic acid, and molecular oxygen or a molecular oxygen-containing gas to gas-phase catalytic oxidation reaction using a fixed bed multipipe type reactor having two or more catalyst layers in an axial direction of each of reaction tubes provided in the reactor

Abstract: An integrated process for producing LNG and GTL products is provided, wherein a CO2-containing natural gas feed to an LNG production zone is first pre-treated to separate at least a portion of the CO2 therefrom, and the resulting CO2 stream obtained thereby is then directed to a GTL production zone and utilized to make GTL products that include methanol and/or methanol derivatives.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After pyrolysis, the portion may be heated to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the portion to generate synthesis gas. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation in a batch manner or in a substantially continuous manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for storing and transporting hydrogen by employing carbon dioxide as a storage medium. An electrolyzer uses energy from renewable sources to provide hydrogen by dissociating water. A reactor forms a product by reacting hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The product is transported to a consumption location or the storage location. A storage device may be employed to store retained carbon dioxide produced when the product is consumed. Retained carbon dioxide is transported to the reactor location to be reacted with the hydrogen provided from a hydrogen source. As such, a carbon dioxide circuit is used to efficiently transport and store hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for cogenerating organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, C1-C4 acids, C1-C4 alcohols, methanol, naphthalene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene) along with synthesis gas in a synthesis gas reactor, preferably a catalytic partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas/methane, oxygen and/or steam. In particular, the present invention relates to processes for the production of synthesis gas, reducing the oxygen concentration from the synthesis gas, and the production of liquid hydrocarbons using the oxygen reduced synthesis gas as a feedstock. More particularly, the present invention described herein identifies catalyst compositions, apparatus and methods of using such catalysts and apparatus for preparing liquid hydrocarbons via oxygen reduced synthesis gas all in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a process that allows for the adjustment of hydrogen concentration in a syngas product or Fischer-Tropsch feedstock stream. In particular, the invention is identified as an improved process for producing syngas comprising a secondary chemical reaction, preferably a water gas shift reaction, that allows for the adjustment of the hydrogen concentration in a syngas product stream. Ultimately, the present invention is for an improved process for converting hydrocarbon-containing gas to liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for treatment and disposal of water produced by converting a lighter hydrocarbon to a heavier hydrocarbon using a Fischer-Tropsch process. The system and method also provide for disposal of contaminants associated with the conversion process using a combustion chamber of at least one gas turbine. Water produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process may be used to wash or scrub synthesis gas in a synthesis gas water wash column prior to the synthesis gas entering a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. Contaminated water from the synthesis gas water wash column may be directed to a water stripping column which uses steam from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to scrub or clean the contaminated water. A stream of contaminated steam and undesired contaminants preferably exits from the water stripping column and is directed to the combustion chamber of at least one gas turbine.

Abstract: A method for increasing production in an existing processing plant for converting natural gas into a product, wherein the natural gas is first converted into a synthesis gas in a synthesis gas section, the synthesis gas is reacted in a reactor for synthesis of the product, where non-converted synthesis gas and product are separated into two streams, where a product-rich stream is taken out of the process, while a product-poor stream is recycled as feed to the reactor together with make-up synthesis gas, and where a portion of the recycle stream is taken out of the recycle loop as a purge gas, where the purge gas is separated into hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor streams, where hydrogen-rich streams are introduced into steps in the process where it is desirable to have a supplement of hydrogen, and where the residual thermal value of the hydrogen-poor stream is optionally used for heating before it is discharged. A modified processing plant for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Method to start a process for producing normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbonaceous feed, which process comprises 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 gas until step (iv) takes

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons by first generating in a pressure swing reformer a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO greater than 2:1. Then, a portion of the hydrogen is separated to produce a synthesis gas stream having a mole ratio of H2:CO of about 2:1 which steam is then introduced into a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor for conversion to liquid products.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for arranging multiple reaction zones such that at least one hot spot in one of the reaction zones is moderated by a cooler spot in an adjacent reaction zone.

Abstract: In a process for the use of a hydrocarbon feedstock (10) by reacting the feedstock in a reactor (11) with oxygen (9) to form a synthesis gas containing at least carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen and subjecting the synthesis gas to a conversion process comprising an exothermic reaction to produce dimethyl ether in a converter (15), the converter operating at an operating pressure, said oxygen being provided to the reactor at an oxygen pressure, the synthesis gas is produced at a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the converter.

Abstract: In a process for the use of a hydrocarbon feedstock (10) by reacting the feedstock in a reactor (11) with oxygen (9) to form a synthesis gas containing at least carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen and subjecting the synthesis gas to a conversion process comprising an exothermic reaction to produce methanol as a final product in a converter (15), the converter operating at an operating pressure, said oxygen being provided to the reactor at an oxygen pressure, the synthesis gas is produced at a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the converter.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbon products includes converting a natural gas feedstock to synthesis gas, which is reacted, in a hydrocarbon synthesis stage and by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, to produce a range of hydrocarbon product. An overheads vapour phase is separated from a liquid phase, and fed to a product condensation stage, where condensation of some components thereof takes place. A vapour phase, an aqueous phase, and a condensed product phase are withdrawn. The vapour phase is fed to a vapour phase work-up stage where a gas component comprising increased concentrations of CO and H2, relative to the vapour phase feed to the vapour phase work-up stage, is recovered, with this gas component being recycled to the hydrocarbon synthesis stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a blended syngas feed with a variable H2/CO ratio for use in a syngas conversion reactor. In this process a H2/CO ratio of from approximately 1.0 to 3.0 for the blended syngas feed is selected. A first syngas is formed with a H2/CO ratio of at least 2.0 by reacting methane with an oxygen source. A second syngas is formed with a H2/CO ratio of no more than 1.5 by reacting LPG with CO2. The first syngas and the second syngas are blended to form a blended syngas feed with the selected H2/CO ratio, and this blended syngas feed may be used in the syngas conversion reactor.

Abstract: A process for converting synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons, at an elevated temperature and pressure, comprising 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: The present invention discloses synthesis gas catalysts, and methods for making such catalysts, that are active for promoting partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons to CO and H2. The catalysts comprise a support and an active metal. The catalysts may further comprise a promoter and halide or a rare earth oxyhalide. The present invention further discloses a method for producing synthesis gas by net partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons by contacting O2 and light hydrocarbons in the presence of a synthesis gas catalyst as previously described. The present invention also describes a method for extending the life of a synthesis gas catalyst by contacting the catalyst with a halide. A method for making middle distillates from light hydrocarbons by partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons over a synthesis gas catalyst as previously described and Fischer-Tropsch reaction is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally stable, high surface area alumina supports and method of preparing such supports with at least one modifying agent. The method includes adding the modifying agent to the alumina prior to calcining. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of such catalysts for the catalytic partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons (e.g., methane or natural gas) to produce primarily synthesis gas. The present invention further relates to gas-to-liquids conversion processes, more specifically for producing C5+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of natural gas to higher hydrocarbons in a system comprising (1) a synthesis gas production unit and (2) a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis unit comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel wherein the units are located aboard a floatable structure, and the process comprises the steps of: (a) converting the natural gas to synthesis gas in the synthesis gas production unit; (b) converting the synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons, at an elevated temperature and pressure, in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis unit by (i) passing synthesis gas and a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium through the high shear mixing zone(s) wherein the synthesis gas is broken down into gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids which are dispersed in the suspension, and (ii) discharging suspension containing the dispersed gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas/methane, oxygen and/or steam. In particular, the present invention relates to processes for the production of synthesis gas, reducing the oxygen concentration from the synthesis gas, and the production of liquid hydrocarbons using the oxygen reduced synthesis gas as a feedstock. More particularly, the present invention described herein identifies catalyst compositions, apparatus and methods of using such catalysts and apparatus for preparing liquid hydrocarbons via oxygen reduced synthesis gas all in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a water-gas shift reactor that extends the useful operating life of copper-based catalysts contained therein. Methods of the invention are especially useful, for example, in operating water-gas shift reactors that are subject to frequent cycles of startups and shutdowns.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbon products includes converting a natural gas feedstock to synthesis gas, which is reacted, in a hydrocarbon synthesis stage and by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, to produce a range of hydrocarbon products. An overheads vapour phase is separated from a liquid phase, and fed to a product condensation stage, where condensation of some components thereof takes place. A vapour phase, an aqueous phase, and a condensed product phase are withdrawn. The vapour phase is fed to a vapour phase work-up stage where a gas component comprising increased concentrations of CO and H2, relative to the vapour phase feed to the vapour phase work-up stage, is recovered, with this gas component being recycled to the hydrocarbon synthesis stage.

Abstract: A reformer for obtaining a synthesis gas by partially oxidizing a carbon-containing raw material and then steam-reforming the oxidized raw material, includes: a reactor vessel, an oxidizing agent feed pipe and a carbon-containing raw material feed pipe, wherein the central axis of the oxidizing agent feed pipe and the central axis of the carbon-containing raw material feed pipe intersect with each other downstream of the outlet of the oxidizing agent feed pipe in an oxidizing agent flowing direction and downstream of the outlet of the carbon-containing raw material feed pipe in a carbon-containing raw material flowing direction.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin comprising partially combusting in a reaction zone a mixture of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst which is capable of supporting combustion beyond the fuel rich limit of flammability to produce the olefin, wherein the superficial feed velocity of said mixture is at least 250 cm s?—1? at standard temperature and operating pressure with the proviso that where the catalyst is an unsupported catalyst, the superficial feed velocity of said mixture is at least 300 cm s−1 at standard temperature and operating pressure.

Abstract: A method is described for conversion of natural gas or other fossil fuels to higher hydrocarbons, comprising the following steps: a) reaction of natural gas with steam and oxygenic gas in at least one reforming zone in order to produce a synthesis gas consisting primarily of hydrogen and CO, in addition to some carbon dioxide; b) passing said synthesis gas to a Fisher-Tropsch reactor in order to produce a crude synthesis stream consisting of lower hydrocarbons, water and non-converted synthesis gas; c) separation of said crude synthesis stream in a recovery zone, into a crude product stream mainly containing heavier hydrocarbons, a water stream and a tail gas stream mainly containing the remaining constituents; which is charaterized in that the method also comprises the following steps; d) stream reformation of at least part of the tail gas in a separate steam reformer; e) introduction of the reformed tail gas into the gas stream before this is led into the Fischer-Tropsch reactor.