Gas-to-Liquid
Gas-to-liquids (GTL) processes enable monetization of remote natural gas or other gaseous hydrocarbons, by converting them into sulfur-free synthetic crude oil that can be easily transported by tanker.
The GTL products can then be used as-is or blended with diesel oils as a fuel with lower environmental impact for transportation and power plants. GE Oil & Gas has the latest technologies and solutions associated with GTL and GTL plants.
How it works
A GTL plant converts natural gas or other gaseous hydrocarbons into sulfur-free synthetic crude oil through the following steps:
1. The feed gas is converted to syngas through a steam reforming and partial oxidation process. This requires large amounts of oxygen or air and therefore typically involves a large air-separation unit (ASU).
2. The syngas, consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, is compressed and fed to Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis reactors where it is converted to liquid hydrocarbons. Light or heavy syncrude may be obtained, depending on catalyst temperature and pressure.
3. The product of the FT reaction can be further upgraded in a typical refining unit, which may be associated with the GTL plant.
Features & Benefits
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GE Oil & Gas provides a complete spectrum of project services, from initial concept and installation through to lifecycle support
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Expertise in air compression and power generation combine to cover a wide range of GTL units for syngas, Fischer-Tropsch and final upgrading processes
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Equipment-integration capabilities results in optimized plant performance and enables lower cost per unit of production
- Similar to our work in the LNG industry, we are collaborating with GTL-industry players to create larger scale compression solutions that will further drive down plant-investment costs
