TIGAS™ (Topsoe Improved Gasoline Synthesis) makes it possible to produce high-quality, high-value gasoline from natural gas, shale gas, associated gas, coal, pet-coke or biomass.
After the 1973 oil crisis sparked a surge of interest in synthetic fuels, that interest soon waned as oil prices began to fall. However, today’s high energy prices and a volatile energy supply have rejuvenated interest in synthetic fuels. And, as gasoline specifications reach new levels of stringency, Topsoe has responded to the needs of the market with TIGAS™ – Topsoe Improved Gasoline Synthesis.
Synthetic gasoline is a competitive alternative to refinery gasoline and new energy carriers. Unlike DME, methanol and ethanol, synthetic gasoline meets existing gasoline standards so it can be used as a ‘drop-in’ fuel. This means that production can take place far from refineries, the existing infrastructure can be used for distribution and car engines can use it as fuel without modification.
Suitable for diluting highly viscous oil, or blending into the refinery gasoline pool, or simply as a ‘drop-in’ fuel, TIGAS™ is today’s technology for the fuel of tomorrow.
Two options for gasoline production
We offer you two processes for producing gasoline:
- MTG (Methanol to Gasoline) – an efficient route which uses methanol as an intermediate
- STG (Syngas to Gasoline) – the route from synthesis gas
MTG is the logical choice if you already have a methanol plant. For new plants, however, your choice will depend on the type of feedstock your plant uses, local energy costs and your investment philosophy. We will work closely with you, looking into your plant and processes in detail to arrive at a solution that will best help you achieve your business goals.
Gasoline from methanol (MTG)
Not only is the MTG process often the first choice for new plants, it also provides you with a way of adding value to your methanol production. With methanol as an intermediate product, the MTG process is ideal for a feedstock of natural gas using our steam reforming technologies, including our proprietary SynCOR™ technology to produce the synthesis gas.
Gasoline from synthesis gas (STG)
In the STG process, the synthesis of methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and gasoline are integrated into one synthesis loop by first passing synthesis gas to the oxygenate (methanol/DME) reactor and then converting the oxygenates into gasoline in the gasoline reactors. The STG process is particularly suitable for a feedstock like coal, pet-coke or biomass, all of which use a process based on gasification to prepare the synthesis gas (a mixture of H2, CO and CO2) with a H2:CO ratio close to one.
Two highly efficient processes
Preparing for gasoline synthesis
Having designed and delivered catalysts to more than 100 of our customers’ methanol plants worldwide, we have not only pushed the processes to the limits of efficiency, we have also gained deep insight into the needs of our customers, and how we can add value to their businesses. The final product is of essence, however the technology choices when converting the carbon source will determine the overall economics of the TIGAS™ plant, as the synthesis gas preparation step typically constitutes the most capital-intensive part of the plant. All of the reforming technologies are within the core of Topsoe technologies and part of the reason why we will always find the most efficient process lay-out to meet all your needs. In both the MTG and STG processes, gasoline production makes up more than 85 percent of the total product stream. In addition to gasoline, another valuable product is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which accounts for about 11–13 percent of the total product stream. This leaves only a fraction of fuel gas, ensuring that the carbon efficiency of your plant is very high.
Following synthesis gas preparation by gasification or steam reforming, the synthesis gas undergoes oxygenate synthesis based on either methanol synthesis (MTG) or the integrated methanol/DME synthesis (STG) according to the following reactions:
CO + 2H2 ↔ CH3OH (1)
CO + H2O ↔ CO2+ H2 (2)
2CH3OH ↔ CH3OCH3+ H2O (3)
Gasoline from methanol or DME
The product stream from methanol/DME synthesis is diluted with recycled gas and fed directly into the next step: gasoline synthesis. This step takes place in parallel adiabatic gasoline reactors which allow for intermittent catalyst regeneration. Methanol and DME are converted to gasoline according to the reactions:
n CH3OH ↔ n (CH2) + n H2O (4)
n CH3OCH3 ↔ n 2(CH2) + n H2O (5)
where (CH2) denotes the hydrocarbon product. The net reaction may be formulated as:
Oxygenates (MeOH/DME) → C 1-2 + C3-4 (LPG) + C5+ (Gasoline) + H20 + Heat (6)
The all-new Gasoline Upgrade Unit (GUU) comprises an additional catalytic step in which the heavy fraction gasoline is isomerized to produce a high-octane gasoline fraction. Blending this with the remaining gasoline results in high-value gasoline such as the Euro V gasoline.
Meeting national gasoline standards on a global scale
Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons (aromatics, olefins, naphthenes and paraffines), and for use in engines, it needs to meet particular requirements. Many countries have created their own standards to make sure these requirements are met. Even though there is some variation between, for example, the American Standard, Euro V, and GB 1730, TIGAS™ makes sure the gasoline produced will comply with the vast majority of national gasoline specifications.
Gasoline of even higher quality
The raw gasoline may be blended into the regular gasoline pool or treated to meet other specific product criteria. In the simplest case, removing dissolved gases stabilizes the liquid product.
Catalysts
Catalysts
The performance catalysts we supply for this application are listed below.
- Catalysts
GSK-10
Equipment
Equipment
The proprietary equipment we supply for this application are listed below.
- Equipment
Catalyst bed support structure
The catalyst bed support in the SynCOR™ unit serves both as structural support for the catalyst bed and as an outlet flow distributor guiding the syngas from the catalyst bed into the transfer line to the waste heat recovery system downstream the reformer. - Equipment
HTZR™ target tiles
Topsoe’s SynCOR™ unit incorporates a floor of zirconium-based ceramic target tiles, HTZR™, as an integral part of the reactor design. The purpose of the HTZR™ target tiles is to: Act as the partition between the combustion chamber and the catalyst bed Protect the catalyst from any direct impact... - Equipment
LADP burner™ for secondary reformers
The LADP burner™ is a new generation of secondary reformer burners and provide our customers in the ammonia industry optimized performance in their plants and improved business economics. This new burner gives a perfectly homogeneous admission of the process air and ensures a gas mixture which is... - Equipment
Reactor refractory lining
The SynCOR™ pressure shell is manufactured from low-alloy steel. It is protected against the extremely harsh operating conditions in the combustion chamber by an internal lining of a multi-layer refractory. The lining is exposed to extremely high temperature and radiation intensity from the... - Equipment
SynCOR™ - Autothermal Reformer (ATR)
Autothermal reforming at low steam-to-carbon ratio The majority of the world’s syngas-producing plants apply steam methane reforming, with the specific type of reforming technology depending on application and operating conditions. Topsoe offers several types of reforming technologies and has... - Equipment
SynCOR™ CTS™ burner
The CTS™ (Cool Tip Swirl) burner is a crucial piece of equipment, and its importance in reformer reliability and availability cannot be underestimated. Good burner performance is characterized by: Short and centralized flame Low metal temperatures on burner nozzles Soot-free operation Easy...
Project development
Project development
- Project development services
Facilitating Investments
Benefit from the extensive experience of our project finance teams. - Project development services
Project development
Holistic and integrated approach from idea to financial close.