| 摘要 |
A novel production process is disclosed for the conversion of methane or natural gas, particularly shale gas, into a liquid fuel near the point of origin. The process is notably “non-Fischer-Tropsch” meaning that it does not require oxygen to be admitted into the reactor for supplying thermal energy by partial combustion, which is normally required to split methane. This freedom from high temperature operation and the other demands of an oxygenation process means that higher carbon efficiency is achievable This is made possible with mechanochemistry and “sonic catalysis” that employ kinetic energy to promote the breakdown of methane molecules, the reformation of the resulting carbon-hydrogen fragments, and the rejuvenation of the catalyst surface. A number of liquid fuels can be produced which are easily transported and fully marketable without further processing. Within the range of output products is a liquid solvent which can be used as a substitute “fracking” fluid, which is recoverable as recycled feedstock for further conversion—thus eliminating the problem of water treatment. The reactor can be made more compact, lighter, modular, skid-mounted and fully transportable to the well-head where the gas-to-liquid conversion process reduces the release of natural gas and enables the monetization of stranded or flared gas. |
| 主权项 |
1. A mechanochemical process to convert natural gas, shale gas or methane to liquid hydrocarbon products—which process is accomplished with kinetic energy produced by one or more jet mill reactors which are fitted with rotating impellers, and, in which the reactor contains a catalyst that is provided in the form of the structural wall or as a replaceable liner of the reactor; and in which shear forces of accelerated feedstock create high velocity impact on the catalyst surface, causing breakdown of methane and continual resurfacing of the catalyst surface, thus lowering the thermal requirement for splitting methane while keeping the catalyst activated. |
