Cold plasma conversion of natural gas to petrochemical products

The route from natural gas to chemical products generally involves large scale, high temperature processes and high capital costs. In lab setups microwave plasma processes have shown to generate products such as olefins and ammonia from natural gas under mild process conditions. This project will research the potential of a new non-equilibrium ('cold') plasma reactor for commercially viable synthesis of petrochemical products from lower hydrocarbons. For industrial applications, the Norwegian company GasP las AS' multi-nozzle cold plasma reactor is unique for its modular scalability. Linde Group and Bayerngas Norge have expressed interest in partnering to explore the commercial potential of cold plasma conversion of natural gas. Profitability may be achiev ed by operating cost reductions by process intensification as well as taking advantage of the low investment cost of cold plasma reactors for generating high value products at new sites that are underserved by conventional technologies. Special focus is p lanned given to ethylene, acetylene, methanol and ammonia.