Comparative Study of Gas to Liquids (GTL) Technology for Monetising Marginal Reserves and Wasted Flared Gas

This paper provides a comparative study between gas to liquids (GTL) technologies that are targeted at capturing stranded and associated gas. As a result, it should act as a preliminary guide to oil and gas operators who intend to gain an overview of available miniaturised technologies. Subsequently, this would assist operators with decision making regarding potential monetization of stranded and associated gas available in their oilfields. The miniaturised GTL technologies will be compared by collating data published from the companies' website, online publications and journals as well as correspondence between the author and company representatives. The paper examines intrinsic differences between the fundamental chemistry between technologies used to produce synthesis gas in terms of steam methane reforming, autothermal reforming and partial oxidation. Figures shall be used to compare the maturity and commercial readiness of technologies provided by GTL companies. Maturity and commercial readiness will be based on the availability of a pilot plant showcase and activity of the companies in presenting their technology at oil and gas conferences. In addition, the status of the respective companies and their current affiliates will be described. In summary, this paper provides a list of players in the GTL atmosphere who are actively seeking to innovate the GTL process to make it feasible to handle stranded and associated gas; i.e. monetizing small volumes of gas that would otherwise be overlooked or flared.