PNNL-13501 - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Study Control Number: PN00024/1431
Conversion of Natural Gas/Methane to High Octane Liquid Fuel
Alex Mitroshkov, Khris B. Olsen, John C. Evans, Ed G. Baker, Don J. Stevens
Alternate sources of liquid fuel will be needed for the United States to obtain energy independence or be cushioned from
a potential impending oil crisis. We may have located a breakthrough process that converts natural gas/methane into a
liquid fuel in a single-step process.
Project Description
The purpose of this project was to perform proof-ofconcept
testing of a unique process to convert natural gas,
using methanol as a reaction initiator, to a high-octane
liquid fuel. To assess this process, we conducted several
different kinds of experiments with a variety of flow rates
and volumes of catalyst. We collected products of
synthesis and found that for one catalyst, which was
available, conversion of methane was 1 to 25% depending
on the condition of the experiments.
Introduction
For the past 80 years, petroleum has been the primary
energy source for the U.S. transportation system. In
addition, many consumer products are based on
petrochemical-based plastics. Petroleum reserves are
projected to decrease below world demands, resulting in
significantly higher energy costs, and inevitably, a
worsening energy crisis. For the U.S. to obtain energy
independence and be cushioned from this impending
energy crisis, alternate sources of energy will be needed.
Natural gas, which is readily available with large amounts
of future reserves, has been considered as an alternative
either in liquefied form or as a feedstock for production of
liquid fuels. However, because of the high methane
content of natural gas, high pressures and low
temperatures are needed to liquefy natural gas. This
makes it an unlikely candidate for a convenient
replacement for motoring fuel in the 21 st century.
Numerous attempts have been made to produce liquid fuel
from natural gas, but the high methane content of natural
gas complicates this conversion. Methane is difficult to
reform into a liquid product. Presently, no energyefficient,
cost-effective commercial scale process is
available to convert methane to a high-octane liquid fuel.
We may have identified a breakthrough process that
converts natural gas/methane into a liquid fuel in a single
step. This technology has direct applications toward
conversion of natural gas at orphan gas sites (such as the
North Slope of Alaska and offshore drilling platforms) or
landfills where methane is normally flared or simply
released. In addition, another application associated with
the agricultural use may be available. If animal waste can
be converted via bio-mass conversion into methane and
the methane converted to a liquid fuel product, a major
source of non-point pollution to our rivers and streams
would be eliminated.
Approach
Proof-of-concept tests were conducted using two
methods:
1. Prepared mixtures of methanol/methane were passed
through a heated glass tube containing the catalyst
heated to 350° to 400°C (see Figure 1).
2. Methanol was injected via syringe pump onto the
front surface of the catalyst. The flow rate of the
methanol was regulated independently from the flow
rate of methane or helium (see Figure 2).
Figure 1. Setup for the first experiment
Results and Accomplishments
The yield of the hydrocarbons was slightly higher at
350°C than at 400°C. Synthesis of CH3OH+CH4
produced mixtures of hydrocarbons with total
concentration of 3.0 to 3.8 µg/mL. Synthesis using only
Energy Technology and Management 267