Global wasted natural gas (NG) represents the energy needs of Germany and France combined. The World Bank initiated a program to reduce methane flaring by 2030. Processes to convert NG to diesel are both capital intensive and require skilled operators. We propose integrating a micro-refinery with oil-field treaters to reduce capital cost below $500k.  Air partially oxidizes NG at 20 bar and 1000 °C to CO and H<sub>2</sub>. In a second reactor, CO hydrogenates to long chain alkanes-Fischer Tropsch synthesis. This configuration eliminates investment for flares, three-phase separators, and water treatment facilities. Pay back period of one year is optimistically projected.

How to avoid global methane flaring

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.