Conversion of CO2-Rich Natural Gas to Liquid Transportation Fuels via Trireforming and Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Model-Based Assessment

Autor(es)

Graciano, Jose E. A. ; Chachuat, Benoit ; Alves, Rita M. B.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research; v. 57, n. 30, p. 13-pg., 2018-08-01.

Resumo

This paper presents a model-based analysis of a process coupling trireforming and Fischer-Tropsch technologies for the production of liquid fuels from CO2-rich natural gas. The process also includes an upgrading section based on hydrocracking, a separation section, a water gas shift unit, and a Rankine cycle unit for recovering the excess thermal energy produced by the Fischer-Tropsch reactor. Simulations are carried out in the process simulator Aspen Plus using standard unit operation models where applicable, while modeling the nonconventional units, such as the Fischer-Tropsch and hydrocracking reactors, using Aspen Custom Modeler. The proposed process could achieve a carbon conversion efficiency upward of 50% in the analyzed scenario, despite a natural gas feedstock with 30 mol % CO2. The analysis also reveals that the plant-wide electricity consumption could be covered nearly entirely by the Rankine cycle unit, enabling significant cost savings alongside a reduction of the overall global warming potential by about 10% in this specific case study. Finally, the results of a detailed economic assessment indicate that cheap natural gas is a prerequisite to the economic viability of the process, which would remain attractive in the current US scenario, yet presents a major impediment for its deployment in Brazil. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 14/50279-4 - Brasil Research Centre for Gas Innovation
• Beneficiário: Julio Romano Meneghini
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa Centros de Pesquisa em Engenharia