Development of petrochemicals from natural gas (methane)

Abstract

Natural gas (methane) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases along with some impurities that are the result of decomposed organic matter. Due to the variety of its constituents, it finds wide application either as an energy source or as feedstock to chemical and petrochemical industries. Methane is the major constituent of natural gas (95 to 98 %). As a feedstock it is first of all converted to synthesis gas (CO + H₂) and then used to manufacture a gamut of intermediate chemicals and finished products such as ammonia, oxoalcohols, chloromethane, methanol, fertilizers, etc. However, ethane is the most desirable feedstock for ethylene production when minimum amount of by-product is desired. Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural gas resources. The country’s reserves of natural gas are estimated at 170 trillion cubic feet (TCF). Abundant natural resources are required for economic development, which is a prospect. This paper discusses feasible gas based industries that can emanate from the petroleum industries or oil fields that enhance utilization of natural gas as raw material for the industrial development of the country. This paper also encourages the government to set up industries that could produce intermediate and finished products rather than exporting more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the developed nations.