The goal of this project is to make modular scale reforming for natural gas-to-liquids (GTL) commercially viable using a chemical looping reforming (CLR) redox catalyst for low temperature conversion of natural gas to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) ready syngas.
Catalytic and Redox Solutions, LLC, Cary, NC 27519
Methane from U.S. shale deposits has significantly increased the usable volume of this domestic energy resource. Meanwhile, recent flaring of natural gas exceeded 6 billion cubic meters (annually) in the United States leading to waste of a valuable energy resource. As such, small-footprint technologies that can effectively convert inexpensive, stranded natural gas into transportation fuels are of great value to U.S. shale-oil producers operating in geographically isolated fields. Unfortunately, the only demonstrated commercial technologies for converting GTL are indirect routes utilizing complex, high temperate methane reforming systems that are difficult to economically implement at small scale. This project aims to make modular scale reforming for GTL commercially viable using a chemical looping reforming (CLR) redox catalyst for low temperature conversion of natural gas to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) ready syngas.
This novel technology developed by Dr. Fanxing Li at NC State University, and licensed by Catalytic and Redox Solutions LLC, will enable distributed, modular scale GTL systems with significantly smaller footprint, increased efficiency, and reduced cost. Phase I will focus on testing and optimizing the system for high conversion/selectivity of methane to syngas. Fixed-bed experiments using an automated gas-switching and product analysis system will be used to monitor conversion and selectivity of the redox catalysts with focus on maximizing single-pass syngas yield. If successful, this will spur Phase II and follow up activities.
If successful, this project will demonstrate the viability of CLR in a pallet sized system. This will help commercialize a breakthrough technology that can effectively convert rejected C1/C2 to create significant value ($5 billion/year in liquid fuels) and to reduce emissions (compared to flaring).
CRS personnel have completed drawing flow and instrumentation diagrams of the proposed testbed reactor for development of vendor specifications. To generate significant industrial interest in the technology, it is necessary to demonstrate catalyst performance over 1,000 hr. This in an industrial standard for commercial catalyst evaluation. It is also anticipated that a testbed with sufficient scale to permit extrapolation of commercial scale operation will be necessary to attract industrial funding for stage two. Work was completed to plan construction and demonstration of a testbed capable of converting 1,000 CF/day natural gas. This project ended on 2/22/2023.
$1,299,997
$0
NETL — Anthony Zammerilli (anthony.zammerilli@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-4641)
North Carolina State University — Dr. Fanxing Li (fli5@ncsu.edu or 919-515-7328)