Second group eyes gas-to-liquids membrane process

Sept. 15, 1997
A second group of companies has announced a project to develop a ceramic membrane technology for converting natural gas to synthesis gas, the first and most expensive step in gas-to-liquids processes. Norway's Den norske stats oljeselskap AS (Statoil) said the first meeting was held in mid-August between itself and partners Amoco Production Co., BP Chemicals Ltd., U.S. firm Praxair, and South Africa's Sasol Ltd.

A second group of companies has announced a project to develop a ceramic membrane technology for converting natural gas to synthesis gas, the first and most expensive step in gas-to-liquids processes.

Norway's Den norske stats oljeselskap AS (Statoil) said the first meeting was held in mid-August between itself and partners Amoco Production Co., BP Chemicals Ltd., U.S. firm Praxair, and South Africa's Sasol Ltd.

Statoil said the new membrane will enable oxygen separation from air to be carried out alongside partial oxidation in a single unit, cutting synthesis gas capital and production costs significantly. As the race to develop the best gas-to-liquids technologies gathers momentum, this announcement follows hot on the heels of a similar project started by Air Products Inc. (OGJ, July 28, 1997, p. 35).

Statoil and Sasol recently announced a plan to develop jointly a gas-to-liquids unit that can be mounted on a production ship or semisubmersible (OGJ, June 23, 1997, p. 16).

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