Abstract

Conversion of natural gas to liquids (GTL) utilizing Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon synthesis technology is an attractive option to bring static gas resources to market. Since 1981, over $450M has been invested in research and development of Advanced Gas Conversion for the 21st Century (AGC-21)1. This state-of-the-art GTL technology provides an important commercial option for utilization of stranded natural gas located around the world. Continuing research at ExxonMobil is leading to additional technology improvements that will further reduce the cost of producing fuels, lube basestocks and other specialty products from natural gas. This article discusses advances in ExxonMobil's AGC-21 technology achieved over the years as a result of an ongoing, comprehensive research, development and engineering program.

Introduction

Current day gas-to-liquids options involve multiple processing steps. These options are being advanced in development efforts at a number of locations worldwide.2 The effort at ExxonMobil is culminating in a complete, integrated processing scheme, Advanced Gas Conversion for the 21st Century, or AGC-21.3-5 This is part of a wider ranging activity on natural gas, an increasingly important resource in meeting future world energy demand. As seen in Figure 1, we are continuing efforts to develop a wide range of technology options such as GTL, while simultaneously working on other gas utilization activities such as the development of high strength steel to improve the economics of long distance pipelines, and our continuing activities to develop and market LNG.

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Figure 1: Options for Taking Gas to Market ExxonMobil is spending considerable time and effort in understanding how best to use energy resources, and we continue work to develop new technologies for more efficient and cost effective utilization of them.

AGC-21 Process The AGC-21 process connects three key steps, as shown in Figure 2. In the first step, syngas is Technology generated by contacting methane with steam and limited oxygen in a high capacity catalytic reactor.6-8 Figure 2: ExxonMobil AGC-21 Advanced Gas Conversion Process Hydrocarbons are synthesized in the second step at high alpha as described by a Shulz-Flory distribution in a novel slurry reactor using new, high productivity catalysts operating at high levels of syngas conversion. The full-range, primarily normal paraffin product contains significant 650°F+ 328 BLOCK 3 - - FORUM 15

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waxy material which is a solid at room temperature and melts above 250°F, unsuitable for pipelining or transporting in conventional crude carriers.

The

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