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    syngas process

    Syngas

    Syngas, or synthesis gas, is an essential building block in numerous key chemicals and fuels of today.

     
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    We deliver tailor-made solutions with high carbon efficiency and purity, while minimizing energy and resource consumption.

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    A wide portfolio of industry proven technologies to choose from

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    The combined catalyst and process knowledge and experience provide best in class performance

    Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production

    The pivotal role of syngas

    Syngas is an essential component of various fuels and chemicals that are crucial in our world today. It is a vital feedstock in the production of ammonia and methanol, which are essential for industries like agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. It is also a crucial building block in the production of hydrogen, a clean and versatile fuel. Syngas is also used in the production of synthetic fuels that can help decarbonize transportation, and, finally, it plays a role in electricity production.

    Syngas can be derived from both conventional fossil feedstocks and renewable alternatives, and can, therefore, support our transition away from coal and oil and natural gas towards biomass, waste, and renewable energy like solar, wind and hydro. This can contribute to the decarbonization of various sectors and support the transition to an energy system with lower carbon emissions. The capability of using existing infrastructure will minimize energy supply interruptions during this transition.

    With this key role in the energy transition, demand for syngas can be expected to go up in the coming years as the energy transition progresses.

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    We’re here to help you navigate the world of syngas production

    With our expertise firmly rooted in the realm of syngas, we are your trusted partners in realizing your syngas production goals, no matter the feedstock you choose. Our profound comprehension of syngas-based chemicals, coupled with a comprehensive portfolio of related solutions, enables us to provide you with unparalleled support, knowledge, and experience in identifying integration opportunities. 

    Our syngas production pathways

    Produce syngas with the feedstock and carbon intensity of your choice with our wide range of solutions. Our tailor-made syngas solutions are always optimized to provide the highest carbon efficiency and purity while using the least amount of energy and resources.

    Green syngas

    If you’re looking for a fully renewable energy system, green syngas should be on your radar. By leveraging our eREACT™ technology along with our SOEC™ electrolyzers, you can achieve a sustainable and efficient green syngas production process.

    Our groundbreaking eREACT technology allows for an electrification of the production of green syngas in a compact reactor using renewable energy, water, and CO2.

    Our eREACT technology can be combined with our SOEC electrolyzers for green hydrogen production. SOEC technology helps you convert renewable energy and water into green hydrogen.

    The resulting green syngas can be used in different ways. It can be sent through an ammonia loop for green ammonia production, or through our market-leading methanol loop for green methanol production. It can also be converted into e-fuels using our G2L solution.

    Low-carbon syngas

    Low-carbon syngas (or commonly referred to as blue syngas) can help you achieve a low-carbon energy system. We offer two technologies for low-carbon syngas production: Topsoe autothermal reformer, SynCOR™ technology, and the electrified steam methane reformer, eREACT™ technology. Both technologies can be combined with carbon capture technologies.  
    By combining feedstocks like natural gas, biomass or waste with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies offers significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) compared conventional production methods. The captured carbon can either be stored or utilized for industrial applications.

    The resulting low-carbon syngas can be utilized for the production of low-carbon hydrogen or low-carbon ammonia. It can also be converted into renewable gasoline through Topsoe’s gasoline synthesis technology, TIGAS™.

    Conventional syngas

    Fossil feedstocks, like natural gas and coal, can be converted into syngas through numerous Topsoe technologies. These include our autothermal reformer, SynCOR™ (without carbon capture technology), our heat exchange reformer, HTER™, our convection reformer, HTCR™ and SMR/SMR-B. 

    This leaves you with conventional syngas that can be converted into a wide variety of end products, including conventional hydrogen, conventional ammonia and conventional methanol

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    Syngas processing: 3 key areas to remember

    Feedstock purification

    A well-functioning purification of the feedstock to the syngas plant will have a great impact on the performance of downstream processes and their catalysts. It will also contribute to a high on-stream factor of the facility. We provide tailor-made solutions from our portfolio of feed purification catalysts and process layouts to meet the demand of each customer.

    CO2 recovery

    In a syngas plant, the recovered CO2 can be recycled to the reformer section. This can either help improve the carbon efficiency or be sold as a by-product. We have well-established collaborations with reputed suppliers of CO2 recovery technologies which means these units can be integrated into the syngas plant design in the most optimal way to ensure a reliable and cost-effective operation of the plant.

    Syngas purification: catalytic and non-catalytic


    Catalytic – In some cases purification of the synthesis gas may be required to remove some of impurities like nitrogen species prior to sending the synthesis gas to the downstream synthesis unit. This syngas purification step is using special developed and customized catalysts and processes and is ensuring optimal performance of the downstream unit. 

    Non catalytic – In order to meet the required syngas specification, purification technologies like PSA, membrane, cold box are required. We have well established collaboration with reputed suppliers and these units are integrated into the syngas plant design in the most optimal way to ensure a reliable and cost-effective operation of the plant.

    Related solutions

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    Hydrogen

    Our extensive experience guarantees the scalability and economic viability of your hydrogen project.

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    Ammonia

    With nearly a century of leadership in ammonia production, we have the knowledge, experience, and solutions it takes for you to succeed with your ammonia production.

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    Methanol

    Regardless of what pathway you choose our solutions are expertly engineered to help you achieve optimal methanol production.

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    RNG/e-NG

    Fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas, RNG/e-NG emerge as renewable alternatives and drop-in solutions ready to accelerate the energy transition.

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    Contact us

    Do you have a question about our products or solutions? Or do you want to know how our technologies can support your business? Contact our experts today.