×

Production of hydrocarbons from natural gas

  • US 7,879,919 B2
  • Filed: 12/12/2006
  • Issued: 02/01/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A process for producing hydrocarbons from natural gas, the process includingin a cryogenic separation stage, cryogenically separating the natural gas to produce at least a methane stream and natural gas liquids;

  • in a reforming stage, reforming the methane stream to produce a synthesis gas which includes at least CO and H2;

    in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage, converting at least some of the CO and H2 into a Fischer-Tropsch product which includes hydrocarbons;

    in a Fischer-Tropsch product separation stage, separating a Fischer-Tropsch tail gas which includes at least CO and H2, methane and heavier than methane hydrocarbons from the Fischer-Tropsch product; and

    recycling at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas to the cryogenic separation stage, where the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is cryogenically separated into two or more streams, the cryogenic separation stage including a methane wash unit or column, with cooled natural gas serving as a reflux in the methane wash unit or column, and with methane recovered from the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas being recycled to the reforming stage for the production of synthesis gas.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×