PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM NATURAL GAS

摘要

A process (10) for producing hydrocarbons from natural gas includes, in a cryogenic separation stage (16), cryogenically separating the natural gas to produce at least a methane stream and natural gas liquids, in a reforming stage (20), reforming the methane stream to produce a synthesis gas which includes at least CO and H2, and in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage (22), converting at least some of the CO and H2 into a Fischer-Tropsch product which includes hydrocarbons. A Fischer- Tropsch tail gas which includes at least CO and H2, methane and heavier than methane hydrocarbons, is separated from the Fischer-Tropsch product in a Fischer-Tropsch product separation stage (24). At least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is recycled to the cryogenic separation stage (16), where the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is cryogenically separated into two or more streams.