Prospects of Conversion of Hydrocarbon Gases to Liquid Products Based on Nitrogen-Rich Synthesis Gas (Review)

Abstract

The prospects for creating low-volume-production technologies for reforming of natural and associated gases to liquid carbon-containing products based on the use of cheap nitrogen-rich synthesis gas have been analyzed. Processes for obtaining cheap nitrogen-rich synthesis gas and sustainable high-performance synthesis of liquid products based on it have been considered. Data on the conversion of nitrogen-rich synthesis gas to methanol, dimethyl ether, and higher hydrocarbons are presented. The main advantages of using nitrogen-rich synthesis gas have been pointed out, which are the capability of reformers to operate on-site, no need for expensive cryogenic devices for air separation, and reduction of the explosion risks during production.