Sustainable Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) Pathway: 200 kg/Day pilot plant for Synthetic Crude from Biogas using Catalytic Membrane Reactors (CMR) Technology

Project Title:
Sustainable GTL Pathway: 200 kg/day Pilot Plant for Synthetic Crude from Biogas Using Catalytic Membrane Reactors

Overview:
This project involves the design, construction, and operation of a pilot-scale Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) plant that converts biogas—comprising methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)—into synthetic crude oil using dual Catalytic Membrane Reactors (CMRs).

Key Features:

• Stage 1: Dry reforming of methane and CO₂ to produce syngas (H₂ + CO) using a Rhodium-based catalytic membrane reactor.

• Stage 2: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of syngas into synthetic crude using a second CMR with optimized catalyst efficiency.

• Eliminates the need for steam methane reforming (SMR), significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

• Demonstrates low catalyst usage (≤10% of conventional load) and high energy efficiency.

• Uses biogas as a renewable, waste-derived feedstock.

• Supports circular economy by transforming organic waste into clean fuel.

Capacity:

• Input: 50 tons/day organic waste converted to biogas

• Output: ~200 kg/day synthetic crude (pilot scale)

Location:
To be hosted at the Alberta Carbon Conversion Technology Centre (ACCTC), Calgary.