And for the details of the same project:
Water and condensates are separated from the gas. Other components, such as sulphur, are also removed and cleaned. The gas is then cooled and the natural gas liquids are removed via distillation. The remaining pure natural gas (methane) flows to the gasification unit.
QUICK FACTS
- The extracted sulphur is used for other purposes, such as producing fertilisers, in asphalt and concrete.
- The natural gas liquids are piped to Ras Laffan port and sold as chemical feedstocks and LPG fuel for heating appliances and vehicles.
Making synthesis gas
In the gasifier at around 2,200-2,650°F (1,400-1,600°C) the methane and oxygen are converted into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide known as synthesis gas, or syngas.
QUICK FACTS
- The reaction produces heat, which is recovered to produce steam for power.
Making liquid waxy hydrocarbons
The synthesis gas enters one of 24 reactors. Each reactor holds a large number of tubes containing a Shell proprietary catalyst. The catalyst serves to speed up the chemical reaction in which the synthesis gas is converted into long-chained waxy hydrocarbons and water.
QUICK FACTS
-The catalyst consists of tiny granules, just millimetres long with microscopic holes, containing minute metal particles. The total surface area of the microscopic holes in the catalyst granules is more than eighteen times the surface area of Qatar.
- The synthesis process generates a lot of heat, which is also used to produce steam that in turn powers the GTL plant via steam turbines.
- All water in the GTL process is purified and reused in the utilities system of the plant to generate steam.
- Placed end-to-end the tubes would stretch from Qatar to Japan.
Making GTL (gas to liquids) products
The plant creates a range of products from natural gas that would otherwise be produced from oil.
Using another Shell proprietary catalyst, the long hydrocarbon molecules from the GTL reactor are contacted with hydrogen and cut (cracked) into a range of smaller molecules of different length and shape. Distillation separates out the products with different boiling points.
GTL PRODUCTS
GTL Naphtha is used as a chemical feedstock for plastics manufacture.
GTL Kerosene can be blended with conventional Jet Fuel (up to 50%) for use in aviation – known as GTL Jet Fuel – or used as a home heating fuel.
GTL Normal paraffins are used for making more cost-effective detergents.
GTL Gasoil is a diesel-type fuel that can be blended into the global diesel supply pool.
GTL Base oils are used to make high-quality lubricants.
Thanks for all the info.
Remember many years back when talk of super-ports from CC to Houston prevailed. LNG was cussed an discussed extensively all to be shelved when the bottom fell out. It’s come up a couple of times since but always seems to just fade away. maybe now with the over abundance of NG from the shale.
Think we will have to declare war on the greenies before any of this can happen in this country, otherwise it will continue to stay overseas.