Gas-to-liquid process
A method of economically and efficiently converting natural gas into one or more liquid hydrocarbon products is provided in which the method includes the steps of: (a) building a plant comprising one or more modules for the conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas and the conversion of synthesis gas into heavier hydrocarbons and at least one product module on a transportable platform at a location that facilitates heavy construction; (b) transporting the plant to a location containing sufficient natural gas reserves for operation; (c) installing the plant near the natural gas reserve; and (d) producing intermediate or finished liquid hydrocarbon products.
1 . A method of economically and efficiently converting natural gas into one or more liquid hydrocarbon products comprising the steps of:
(a) building a plant comprising one or more modules for the conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas and the conversion of synthesis gas into heavier hydrocarbons and at least one product module on a transportable platform at a location that facilitates heavy construction;
(b) transporting the plant to a location containing sufficient natural gas reserves for operation.
(c) installing the plant near the natural gas reserve; and
(d) producing intermediate or finished liquid hydrocarbon products.
2 . The method of claim 1 that uses a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process for converting natural gas into liquid hydrocarbons.
3 . The method of claim 2 that uses air as an oxidant to produce synthesis gas for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is built on a floating platform.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein the plant is transported by means selected from the group of barge and heavy lift ship.
6 . The method of claim 4 wherein the plant is installed by means selected from the group of tension legs, a fixed platform, and beaching on shore.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the hydrocarbon products are selected from the group of naphtha, kerosene, diesel fuel, and jet fuel.
8 . The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of distributing the hydrocarbon products in the region where the plant is installed.