Production of Fuels from CO2-rich Natural Gas using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Coupled to Tri-reforming Process

This work analyses an integrated process for production of liquid transportation fuels (LIE) from CO2-rich natural gas (NG) found in the new offshore fields of the Brazilian coast, using the tri-reforming and Fischer-Tropsch technologies. The simulation was carried out in the Aspen Plus process simulator, in which standard models are used to represent most of the operation units. The Fischer-Tropsch and hydrocracking reactors were modelled in Aspen Custom Modeler, and then, exported to Aspen Plus. A detailed economic analysis was performed and showed to he possible to produce LTF in a plant with payback period of 7.83 years. Moreover, it is possible to implement a Rankine cycle to recover part of the thermal energy produced by the Fischer-Tropsch reactor, producing about 153% of the plant electric demand.