SYNTHESIS GAS PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

1. A system for converting lighter hydrocarbons to heavier hydrocarbons, the system comprising a synthesis gas production unit and a unit to produce syngas for a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, the synthesis gas production unit including a first compressor, an autothermal reformer fluidly coupled to the first compressor for producing synthesis gas and combusting at least a portion the gas therein, and an expansion turbine section fluidly coupled to the autothermal reformer for developing energy with the gas from the autothermal reformer; the expansion turbine section is coupled to the first compressor for delivering energy, and the synthesis Fischer-Tropsch reactor coupled to the expansion turbine section for receiving the synthesis gas therefrom and producing heavier hydrocarbons. 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a separator fluidly coupled to the first compressor and autothermal reformer for selectively removing mass from the gas flow therethrough. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the separator comprises an nitrogen separator fluidly coupled to the first compressor and autothermal reformer for selectively removing nitrogen from the gas flow therethrough. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the compressor and expansion turbine comprise a single gas turbine. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the compressor is operable to receive enriched air, compress enriched air, and deliver enriched air to the autothermal reformer. 6. A method for for converting lighter hydrocarbons to heavier hydrocarbons wherein the method comprising the steps of air compressing in the first compressor, delivering the compressed air to the first separator and to the autothermal reformer, delivering lighter hydrocarbons to the autothermal reformer, delivering synthesis gas to the expansion turbine section for producing energy, delivering synthesis gas after the expansion turbine section to the synthesis Fischer-Tropsch reactor and converting the synthesis gas in the Fischer-Tropsch unit for producing heavier hydrocarbons. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein removing nitrogen from the compressed air in the first separator. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the residual gas in the Fischer-Tropsch unit is delivered to the autothermal reformer.