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6199001 
Book/Book Chapter 
Chapter 4 - Synthesis gas production for FT synthesis 
Aasberg-Petersen, K; Christensen, TS; Coertzen, RM; Dybkjaer, I; Keyser, MJ; Sehested, J; Steynberg, AP; Østberg, M 
2004 
Studies in surface science and catalysis
ISSN: 0167-2991 
Elsevier 
Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis 
152 
258-405 
Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the technology used to prepare the synthesis gas used for fischer-tropsch (FT) synthesis can be separated into two main categories: gasification and reforming. Gasification is the term normally used to describe the processes for the conversion of solid or heavy liquid feedstock to synthesis gas, while reforming is used for the conversion of gaseous or light liquid feedstock to synthesis gas. Some technologies, particularly high temperature partial oxidation, can be used for a whole range of feeds and the literature may then refer to “gasification” to include methane reforming. The chapter explores that future FT synthesis units may include the co-production of electrical power, so an understanding of the issues relating to power generation is also relevant to the application of FT technology. The most common feeds used to prepare synthesis gas for FT synthesis are coal that is rich in carbon and natural gas that is rich in methane. It also discusses that gaseous hydrocarbons are already valuable products if they can be piped to nearby consumers. Only remotely located gas is considered for large-scale conversion to liquid fuels. However, smaller scale applications for the production of high value chemicals are common wherever natural gas is found. Coal conversion is more expensive than natural gas conversion, but may be worthwhile if the coal price is low enough and if both electricity and higher value hydrocarbon products are co-produced with liquid fuels on a large scale. 
Steynberg, André