Processes and systems for reforming of methane and light hydrocarbons to liquid hydrocarbon fuels

Patent · Tue Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2023

OSTI ID:1998447

Marker, Terry; Linck, Martin B.; Wangerow, Jim; Ortiz-Toral, Pedro

Processes for converting methane and/or other hydrocarbons to synthesis gas (i.e., a gaseous mixture comprising H₂ and CO) are disclosed, in which at least a portion of the hydrocarbon(s) is reacted with CO₂. At least a second portion of the methane may be reacted with H₂O (steam), thereby improving overall thermodynamics of the process, in terms of reducing endothermicity (ΔH) and the required energy input, compared to “pure” dry reforming in which no H₂O is present. Such dry reforming (reaction with CO₂ only) or CO₂-steam reforming (reaction with both CO₂ and steam) processes are advantageously integrated with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to yield liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Further integration may involve the use of a downstream finishing stage involving hydroisomerization to remove FT wax. Yet other integration options involve the use of combined CO₂-steam reforming and FT synthesis stages (optionally with finishing) for producing liquid fuels from gas streams generated in a number of possible processes, including the hydropyrolysis of biomass.

• Research Organization: GTI Energy, Des Plaines, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: EE0007009
• Assignee: GTI Energy (Des Plaines, IL)
• Patent Number(s): 11,667,853
• Application Number: 16/928,096
• OSTI ID: 1998447
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 07/14/2020
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English