Synthesis Gas

The conversion of synthesis gas offers the opportunity to take a wide range of organic fuel stock (e.g. natural gas, coal, heavy oil residue, biomass, etc.) and convert it into liquid fuels and/or valuable chemicals.

The production of synthesis gas typically proceeds through gasification/reforming process. The further conversion of synthesis gas can proceed via a number of processes, such as methanol synthesis and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Synthesis gas can be utilised as well in e.g. hydroformylation or “direct synthesis” of chemicals such as oxygenates or aromatic compounds.

The conversion of synthesis gas into methanol is a well–established process. Methanol can subsequently be converted into fuel and petrochemicals. This process has been proven on an industrial scale by Mobil and this route is being considered competitive to Fischer-Tropsch technology by some industrial players.

South Africa is currently world leader in the area of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the centre must ensure that South Africa continues to be the leader in this area. Factors leading to improved catalyst activity in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are reasonably well understood and will not be investigated in the programme. A major challenge in the area of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is selectivity. By definition, the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a poorly selective process, in which only partial optimisation can be achieved. The selectivity towards classes of products can be optimised, such as the formation of liquid products (typically defined as C₅₊-selectivity), olefins, oxygenated compounds (alcohols and aldehydes).

The syngas programme will deal with both routes of syngas conversion, “methanol” mediated and FT based, with emphasis on their potential for formation of different products. In addition the possibility of direct selective formation of valuable chemicals will be investigated.