Production of Synthetic Gasoline and Diesel Fuel from Dry Reforming of Methane

Abstract

The dry reforming of methane produces synthesis gas from carbon dioxide and methane (CH4). Although this concept has many environmental and economic incentives, today it is not implemented in large plants. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the potential of dry reforming of methane for industrial applications by producing synthetic fuel from the combination of dry and steam reforming of methane. The proposed process includes four main units: production of synthesis gas from the dry and the steam reforming of methane, Fischer Tropsch synthesis, waxes hydro-cracking Fischer Tropsch waxes, product upgrading and hydrogen recovery. Simulation model of this process is carried out with Aspen Plus® software (Advanced System for Process Engineering) which allows us to define and analyze the optimum conditions and equipment specifications for each unit. Energy consumption and CO2 balance of this process are also calculated. The main interest of our proposed process is its very favorable carbon balance.