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Abstract

This invention comprises a method for converting natural gas to a normally liquid carbon containing compound, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether and/or to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons and/or olefins. The method of this invention eliminates the need for steam reforming and/or adiabatic reforming with essentially pure oxygen of the natural gas to a synthesis gas. In accordance with the process of this invention, a synthesis gas may be produced at an operating pressure suitable for conversion thereof to methanol and/or dimethyl ether without the need for synthesis gas recompression. Further, the vent or bleed gas from the overheads after conversion to the crude product methanol/DME and/or its conversion to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons, generally has a BTU capacity required to serve as a fuel gas for supplying the energy needed for operation of a gas turbine which powers the gas compression equipment requirements by which the process of this invention may be practiced. Accordingly, the capital and operating cost associated with the production of methanol, DME and gasoline from natural gas is significantly reduced by the method of this invention and renders it economically feasible for natural gas recovery processing at remote locations.

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First Claim