Publication: Associated Gas Monetization via miniGTL: Conversion of Flared Gas into Liquid Fuels and Chemicals
Date
2014-01
ISSN
Published
2014-01
Author(s)
Fleisch, Theo
Abstract
The large scale conversion of natural
gas to liquid fuels (GTL) and chemicals (GTC), collectively
called ‘miniGTL’ for convenience in this report - has been
practiced for decades. For instance, a world scale GTL plant
can convert 300 MMscfd of gas into 30,000bpd of diesel or
gasoline while a world scale methanol plant produces about
2500tpd of methanol from about 75 MMscfd of gas. Over the
last few years, miniGTL technologies have been developed to
monetize smaller volumes of gas (less than 25 MMscfd) and
thereby offer opportunities to extinguish flares. The
engineering of such plants focuses on modular design,
simplicity, automation and robustness of operation. In our
first study reported in February 2012, a small number of
companies with commercially viable options were identified,
while others needed more time for RD to demonstrate their
technologies. Now, two years later, Oberon Fuels, Velocys
and CompactGTL are on the brink of multiple commercial
plants. The progress of all companies reviewed in our first
report will be discussed. This report contains the most
comprehensive study of miniGTL technologies available today.
Over 24 companies have been reviewed and are described in
some detail. The goal of this study is the identification of
companies that provide relatively low risk, commercially
viable options today in order to simplify evaluation and
choice for GGFR members in eliminating flares.
Citation
“Fleisch, Theo. 2014. Associated Gas Monetization via miniGTL: Conversion of Flared Gas into Liquid Fuels and Chemicals. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/22116 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”