(323a) Natural Gas Upgrading Towards Value-Added Chemicals (keynote)

In the United States and around the world, there are abundant gas resources which are either physically or economically stranded. These gases include flaring gas in shale oil field, refinery off-gas, coal-bed methane, shale gas in disadvantaged locations, etc. Upgrading of these gases to value-added liquid products could reduce the demand on crude oil by about 20% in the United States. Indirect conversion of natural gas to liquid products (GTL) via syngas has been commercialized but it requires huge capital investment, varying from $15 to 20 billion for a 100-140 bbl/d plant. Direct conversion of natural gas without going through syngas route has been under investigation in the past 5 decades, but no commercial processes are practiced to date. A large number of studies have been published on the subject over the past 50 years. This presentation illustrates experimental research on direct non-oxidative conversion of natural gas. The challenge in advance the fundamental science aspects presented in direct methane conversion is discussed. By comparing with propane dehydrogenation technology (Catofin), the industrial perspective on direct methane conversion is illustrated. Specifically, the strategies on the selection of reactor configuration, heat management and catalyst regeneration are highlighted. These commercialization strategies along with technoeconomic analysis are critical for direct natural gas conversion to value-added chemicals.