Using Small-Scale Gas to Liquids Technology for Flare Gas Mitigation
Authors: Ayasse Dr. Conrad , Ayasse Rob 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Scope

The objective of the paper is three-fold. First, to present an overview of the challenges traditional synthesis gas reforming methods pose for efficient Gas to Liquids conversion. The second objective is to show how newly emerging reformer technologies, such as those based on plasma or catalytic partial oxidation, will provide significant improvements. Third, a case will be made for how these new technologies, when paired with a high-efficiency Fischer-Tropsch process, will finally provide oil and gas operators with a genuinely profitable alternative to the environmentally damaging, and wasteful practice, of faring or venting Associated Gas.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The presentation will start with an overview of the current "state of the art" where Gas to Liquids technologies are concerned. This section will highlight the key challenges posed by the traditional synthesis gas reforming technologies, which are steam reforming and auto-thermal reforming. In particular, the specific difficulties they pose for offshore Gas to Liquids deployment will be emphasized. The second part of the presentation will use the case study method to outline how two newly emerging technologies, glid-arc plasma reforming, and Catalytic Partial Oxidation reforming, address those key challenges and shortcomings. This will be based on recent research and testing performed by our technology development partner, the Canada Chemical Corporation. The third part of the presentation will demonstrate how these new technologies, when paired with a highly efficient Fischer-Tropsch reactor, can significantly increase the natural gas to diesel conversion ratio, and thereby deliver vastly improved customer value, even at relatively small scale (1 MMSCFD and less.) This leap forward in Gas to Diesel (GTD) efficiency will therefore finally provide oil and gas operators with a genuinely profitable alternative to the harmful, and wasteful, practice of flaring and venting Associated Gas. Moreover, careful design and packaging of GTD units using these new technologies will also reduce their weight and footprint sufficiently to make them deployable on offshore oil platforms, with a only a minimum of adaptation required to existing infrastructure.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The results showcased in the presentation will be based on two years of computer modelling and lab-testing. They will demonstrate that the new syngas reforming technologies have the potential to enhance conversion output by at least 25%. The conclusion is that these new technologies will finally usher in an era where GTL/GTD conversion units will deliver excellent customer value, even at small scale. This in turn will provide a much needed profitable alternative to flaring, venting or re-injecting Associated Gas.

Novel/Additive Information

The newly emerging syngas technologies are not well known in the petroleum technology industry, nor are the significant benefits that will accrue from their commercialization. We will take the opportunity of this presentation to address that knowledge gap.