BP, Davy move FT process toward market

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 4 -- BP PLC and Davy Process Technology, London, have taken a step toward moving their technology for converting synthesis gas into a range of liquid products to the commercial market.

The companies have signed agreements to work individually with three engineering firms to promote commercialization of the BP/Davy Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process.

The agreements are with CB&I Lummus UK Ltd., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., and Shaw Group.

BP and Davy have demonstrated their fixed-bed technology at a 300-b/d plant at Nikiski, Alas., which went on stream in 2002, and have made the process available for license.

Collaboration with the engineering firms, said Mark Howard, BP vice-president for conversion technology, “will help with the early identification and evaluation of opportunities and ensure the availability of first-class engineering resources familiar with our process to support potential licensees.”

The BP/Davy process uses FT conversion of syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, to produce diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha. Syngas can be produced from natural gas, biomass, or coal.