Gas to liquids technologies for natural gas reserves valorization: The Eni experience

In recent years, most oil companies have shown a renewed interest for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, as a result of the current carbon scenario and the stringent regulations on sulphur level in fuels. As a matter of fact, an overview of the oil and gas reserves underlines the necessity of gas valorization to liquid fuel, especially referring to stranded gas reserves. Eni, in cooperation with IFP-Axens, has developed a new proprietary F-T process, and in this paper the catalyst design strategy and the process optimization will be discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.