(137d) Conceptual Design and Integration of XTL Plants

ABSTRACT

Liquid transportation fuels may be produced through gas-to-liquid (GTL), coal-to-liquid (CTL), and biomass-to-liquid “BTL” technologies which are collectively referred to as XTL. This work looks at the conceptual design and integration of XTL with focus on thermal conversion technologies. The aim of this work is to establish benchmarks for the process and innovative ways in which the various technologies can be integrated. The performance benchmarks (targets) are identified ahead of detailed design.  They also allow current process performance to be gauged against the established targets and determine how far from the targets the process is operating. A base case is used to develop insights into factors which reduce the production rate of liquid fuels and overall product yield of XTL processes. Overall this work helps to identify areas for improvement and innovation including improved mass integration (e.g., feedstock utilization, reduced CO₂ emissions, reduced hydrogen input) and better energy integration. A case study is used to illustrate the developed concepts.