摘要 |
A process for the production of C2+ alcohols from a methane-containing feedstock which process comprises
a) optionally reacting in a pre-reformer the methane-containing feedstock in the presence of steam, where the steam plus CO 2 to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1;
b) reforming at least a portion of the methane-containing feedstock in a first reformer optionally in the presence of steam, where the steam plus CO 2 to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1 to produce a first product stream comprising CO, H 2 and CO 2 ;
c) optionally subjecting at least a portion of the first product stream and/or a portion of the methane containing feedstock to a reforming process in a second reformer in the presence of steam and oxygen to produce a second product stream comprising CO, H 2 and CO 2
d) subjecting the product streams to a bacterial fermentation process in a fermenter to produce a third product stream comprising an aqueous solution of at least one C2+ alcohol, nutrients and reaction intermediates and a fourth product stream comprising CO, H 2 and CO 2 at least 60% of the CO being converted;
e) recycling at least a portion of the fourth product stream to the methane-containing feedstock;
f) recovering at least a part of the at least one C2+ alcohols from the third product stream to leave a fifth product stream; and
g) recycling at least a part of the fifth product stream to the fermenter. |