Plasma reforming/Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract

Fischer-Tropsch (FT) products are formed in a plant utilizing a combination of a plasma reformer reactor ( 9 ) and an FT reactor ( 19 ). Feedstocks ranging from gases such as methane and natural gas to solids such as petroleum coke and coal are plasma reformed with water and/or CO2 to produce one or more of hydrogen, oils, liquid alkanes and oxygenated alkanes, oil and waxes. The specific ancillary equipment, e.g., boilers ( 16 ), preheaters, condensers ( 22 ) ( 24 ), gas liquid separators ( 19 ) ( 25 ), compressors ( 18 ) ( 18 a ), etc. will be combined or omitted as needed for treatment of desired raw materials as shown by the Figures.

We claim:  
     
         1 . In a plant for the conversion of a low value feedstock to at least one higher value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) product having at least one reformer and at least one FT reactor, the improvement wherein the at least one reformer includes an electric powered, plasma reforming reactor.  
     
     
         2 . The plant of  claim 1  wherein the reformer includes an inductively coupled plasma generator.  
     
     
         3 . The plant of  claim 1  wherein the plasma generator operates at frequencies within the range of 0.37-0.44 mHz.  
     
     
         4 . The plant of  claim 1  wherein the plasma generator is inductively coupled and operates at frequencies within the range of 0.37-0.44 mHz.  
     
     
         5 . The plant of  claim 4  further including equipment for injection and treatment of a gaseous substantially hydrocarbon feedstock.  
     
     
         6 . The plant of  claim 4  further including equipment for injection and treatment of a liquid carbon-based feedstock.  
     
     
         7 . The plant of  claim 4  further including equipment for injection and treatment of a substantially solid carbon-based feedstock.  
     
     
         8 . The plant of  claim 1  attached to one of a barge and/or a ship.  
     
     
         9 . The plant of  claim 1  attached to one of a barge and/or a ship and including an inductively coupled plasma generator which operates in the range of 0.37-0.44 mHz.  
     
     
         10 . The plant of  claim 1  in a “kit” form for assembly including at least a prepackaged, electric plasma powered reformer and a prepackaged FT reactor, the reformer and the FT reactor being predesigned for forming FT products from at least one of a substantially hydrocarbon gas, liquid or solid.  
     
     
         11 . The plant of  claim 10  wherein the plasma powered reformer includes an inductively coupled generator which operates at 0.37-0.44 mHz.  
     
     
         12 . Cancelled  
     
     
         13 . Cancelled  
     
     
         14 . Cancelled  
     
     
         15 . Cancelled  
     
     
         16 . Cancelled  
     
     
         17 . Cancelled  
     
     
         18 . Cancelled  
     
     
         19 . Cancelled