Converting Gas into Liquid Fuels to Develop RCD Field, Central Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) technology is a technology to converts natural gas into synthetic liquid hydrocarbon. This technology can be used for marginal gas field, can reduce gas-transportation costs, and helps satisfy the demand for cleaner fuels. The process of this technology consists of two steps, synthesis gas ("syngas") formation from natural gas, and synthetic liquid fuel formation using Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Synthetic liquid fuels produced from natural gas have long been known as the cleanest fuels available. RCD field located in Jambi area, approximately 60km South West Jambi, Central Sumatera, Indonesia. Discovered at 1985, RCD field developed as an oil field although geologic evaluation and seismic interpretation discovered large oil and gas reserves. This gas reserves currently undeveloped due to a limitation of gas markets. To develop RCD gas reserves, 18.6 MMscfd natural gas for 20-year production time can be converted into 1860-bpd synthetic liquid fuels consists of naphtha, kerosene, and diesel. Economic analysis indicates that converting into liquid can be used to commercialize RCD gas reserves with 5.54-year of payout time and 20.69% internal rate of return. Transformed into liquids, RCD gas reserves would be developed and have an access to markets through conventional oil infrastructure. This development would not only impact oil and gas supply, but also help to meet environmental requirements.