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Process and apparatus for the production of heavier hydrocarbons from gaseous light hydrocarbons

  • US 4,833,170 A
  • Filed: 02/05/1988
  • Issued: 05/23/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A process for the production of heavier hydrocarbons from one or more gaseous light hydrocarbons comprising the steps of:

  • (a) reacting said gaseous light hydrocarbons with air to partially oxidize a portion thereof and produce a gas stream comprising unreacted light hydrocarbons, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen;

    (b) reacting the gas stream from step (a) with steam and carbon dioxide in the presence of a steam reforming catalyst to convert a substantial portion of the unreacted light hydrocarbons therein to additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide and to produce a synthesis gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide in desired proportion;

    (c) reacting the synthesis gas stream from step (b) in the presence of a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst containing cobalt to form heavier hydrocarbons and water from hydrogen and carbon monoxide in said stream;

    (d) separating heavier hydrocarbons and water from the product stream of step (c) leaving a residue gas stream comprised of unreacted hydrogen and carbon monoxide, light hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and nitrogen;

    (e) subjecting the residue gas stream from step (d) to catalytic combustion with additional air to form a product stream comprising carbon dioxide, water vapor and nitrogen;

    (f) separating carbon dioxide from the product stream of step (e); and

    (g) utilizing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide separated in step (f) for carrying out step (b).

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