PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONVERSION OF METHANE GAS TO HIGHER HYDROCARBONS

摘要

A process and apparatus are provided for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons, especially for converting economically stranded natural gas to a transportable liquid hydrocarbon product mainly comprised of C3+ hydrocarbons, comprising applying ultraviolet light to methane (or to the natural gas containing the methane) under conditions effective to cause its photodissociation and polymerization to C2+ and higher hydrocarbons.