The Need
Stranded natural gas (SNG), a by-product of crude oil extraction, is often flared due to the high cost and logistical challenges of pipeline transport. Approximately 15 tons/day of SNG is flared from one oil well. This results in significant greenhouse gas emissions and wasted energy. With no cost-effective, scalable solutions to utilize SNG onsite, there is an urgent need for modular technologies that can convert this underutilized resource into valuable, transportable products.

The Technology
This novel, single-reactor modular system, developed by OSU researchers, converts SNG into liquid fuels via a multi-tubular packed bed reactor. It integrates three key sections: a mixed reforming section that uses CO₂ and steam to produce syngas, an internal heat exchange section for process efficiency, and a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis section that converts syngas into liquid hydrocarbons. Thermodynamic modeling and economic optimization confirm the system’s feasibility for onsite deployment at oil wells, enabling both CO₂ utilization and fuel generation.

Benefits/Advantages
• Eliminates gas flaring and reduces CO₂ emissions
• Modular, portable system requiring minimal infrastructure
• Generates high-value liquid fuels and electricity from low-value gas
• Optimized for economic feasibility using Bayesian modeling
• Operable under variable SNG compositions and flow conditions