Gas-to-liquid technologies

Gas-to-liquid technologies (GTL) involve a two-step, indirect conversion of natural gas to higher hydrocarbons ranging from LPG to paraffin wax. The worldwide growing interest in GTL is determined by the possibility to obtain clean diesel, naphtha, lubes, olefins, and other organics form natural gas. A brief review of the state of the art in GTL is presented, including basics of syngas manufacturing and hydrocarbons synthesis. A comprehensive analysis of iron and cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts in terms of their activity, stability, and product selectivity is given. Manufacturing principal GTL products and their quality and market perspectives are also discussed.