Showing papers on "Substitute natural gas published in 1981"

Process for enhanced benzene-synthetic natural gas production from gas condensate

Abstract: An upgraded benzene-synthetic natural gas product is produced from hydrocarbon gas condensate feedstock by catalytically reforming a C6-300°F B.P. fraction and hydrogasifying the remainder of the feedstock. The overall efficiency of the process is enhanced by dealkylation of certain intermediate streams in the process and by recycling certain other aromatic and hydrogen-rich streams within the process.

Chemistry and technology of synthetic fuels

Abstract: Today about 90% of our energy comes from oil, gas and coal, with almost half from oil alone. We cannot effect a major worldwide shift from the direct and indirect use of fossil fuels until after the year 2000. The timely development of a synthetic fuels industry in the US and other industrial nations is important to an orderly transition from reliance principally on oil and gas to use of a more diversified mix of energy sources. A synthetic fuels industry could start contributing to the domestic energy supply in the US by the end of the 1980s, since several processes for making synthetic fuels are in advanced stages of development. The conversion of coal to liquids and gases, the utilization of oil from shale, and the conversion of heavy crude oils and heavy petroleum residual to clean fuels constitute three of the more promising routes to synthetic fuels. The contribution of a synthetic fuels industry to the total energy supply of the US in the year 2000 is expected to be about 9% - equivalent to about 4.5 million barrels of oil per day. These synthetic fuels will derive primarily from conversion of coal and separation of oil frommore » shale. 7 figures, 2 tables. (DP)« less

Integrated hydrogasification process for topped crude oil

Abstract: Process for converting a relatively high boiling point crude oil fraction, such as a 500°+F. initial boiling point topped crude to synthetic natural gas. In the process, a lower boiling point fraction of the feedstock is hydrogasified while a residual oil fraction of the feedstock is partially oxidized to produce hydrogen for use in the process. A mid-cut fraction between the gasification fraction and the partial oxidation fraction is converted in a combined steam reforming-methanation stage, along with some by-product aromatics, to produce additional synthetic natural gas products.

Development of the Shell-Koppers Coal Gasification Process

Abstract: The Shell-Koppers process for the gasification of coal under pressure, based on the principles of entrained-bed technology, is characterized by: practically complete gasification of virtually all solid fuels; production of a clean gas without by-products; high throughput; high thermal efficiency and efficient heat recovery; environmental acceptability. There are numerous possible future applications for this process. The gas produced (93-98 vol. % hydrogen and carbon monoxide) is suitable for the manufacture of hydrogen or reducing gas and, with further processing, substitute natural gas (s.n.g.). Moreover, the gas can be used for the synthesis of ammonia, methanol and liquid hydrocarbons. Another possible application of this process is as an integral part of a combined-cycle power station featuring both gas and steam turbines. The integration of a Shell-Koppers coal gasifier with a combined-cycle power station will allow of electricity generation at 42-45 % efficiency for a wide range of feed coals. The development programme includes the operation of a 150 t/day gasifier at Deutsche Shell’s Harburg refinery since November 1978 and of a 6 t/day pilot plant a Royal Dutch Shell’s Amsterdam laboratories from December 1976 onwards. Both facilities run very successfully. With hard coal a conversion of 99% is reached while producing a gas with only 1 vol. % CO 2 . The next step will be the construction and operation of one or two 1000 t/day prototype plants which are scheduled for commissioning in 1983-4. Towards the end of the 1980s large commercial units with a capacity of 2500 t/day are contemplated. The economy, especially of these large size units, is very competitive.

Steam gasification of wood in the presence of catalysts

Abstract: Catalytic steam gasification of wood, including sawdust, chipped forest slash, and mill shavings, is being investigated. Results of laboratory, process development unit (PDU), and feasibility studies illustrate attractive processes for conversion of wood to methanol and a substitute natural gas (SNG). Recent laboratory studies developed a long-lived alloy catalyst for generation of a methanol synthesis gas by steam gasification of wood. Modification of the PDU for operation at 10 atm (150 psia) is nearly complete. The modified PDU will be operated at the elevated pressure to confirm yields and design parameters used in process feasibility studies. Feasibility studies were completed on wood-to-methane (SNG) and wood-to-methanol plants with capacities of 2000 and 200 oven dried tons (1800 and 180 metric t) per day using catalytic gasification. The results showed that generation of methanol on the large scale is economically viable today while SNG generation is competitive with future prices.

Synfuels' other side

Abstract: Development of a synthetic fuels industry will result in increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, acid rain, slag heaps, and huge construction complexes. The potential adverse environmental hazards associated with the Great Plains coal gasification complex in North Dakota are examined. Attention is given to the exposure of workers to toxic chemicals, dusts, vapors, and gases. The major environmental concerns related to oil shale, recovery of oil from underground shale deposits, coal gasification, and coal liquefaction are examined.

Development of the Shell-Koppers coal gasification process

Abstract: The Shell-Koppers process for the gasification of coal under pressure, based on the principles of entrained-bed technology, is characterized by: practically complete gasification of virtually all solid fuels; production of a clean gas without by-products; high throughput; high thermal efficiency and efficient heat recovery; environmental acceptability. There are numerous possible future applications for this process. The gas produced (93-98 vol. % hydrogen and carbon monoxide) is suitable for the manufacture of hydrogen or reducing gas and, with further processing, substitute natural gas (s.n.g.). Moreover, the gas can be used for the synthesis of ammonia, methanol and liquid hydrocarbons. Another possible application of this process is as an integral part of a combined-cycle power station featuring both gas and steam turbines. The integration of a Shell-Koppers coal gasifier with a combined-cycle power station will allow of electricity generation at 42-45 % efficiency for a wide range of feed coals. The development programme includes the operation of a 150 t/day gasifier at Deutsche Shell’s Harburg refinery since November 1978 and of a 6 t/day pilot plant a Royal Dutch Shell’s Amsterdam laboratories from December 1976 onwards. Both facilities run very successfully. With hard coal a conversion of 99% is reached while producing a gas with only 1 vol. % CO 2 . The next step will be the construction and operation of one or two 1000 t/day prototype plants which are scheduled for commissioning in 1983-4. Towards the end of the 1980s large commercial units with a capacity of 2500 t/day are contemplated. The economy, especially of these large size units, is very competitive.

Method for producing upgraded products from a heavy oil feed

Abstract: Method for converting a heavy or high boiling fraction oil to separate upgraded products, namely synthetic natural gas and carbon-coated aluminum, by hydrocracking the residual oil in the presence of particulate alumina at elevated temperature and pressure. The product streams, carbon-impregnated alumina and hydrocracked gaseous products, upon purification, are each of separate value. Economics of the process are improved by integration of certain purification steps and by the provision of hydrogen, for the hydrocracking process, by recycle from separated hydrogen in the synthetic natural gas stream and from partial oxidation of an additional portion of residual oil feedstock and separated heavy aromatics from the hydrocracking unit.