Low-Olefin Production Process Based on Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Process Synthesis, Optimization, and Techno-Economic Analysis

A low-olefin production process was developed with natural gas as the feedstock. The proposed process directly generates low olefins based on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction. Techno-economic assessments were conducted to evaluate the economic aspects of the developed process, whereby data were compared to that of the counterpart gas-to-liquid process. Results showed that the Fischer-Tropsch to olefins process has good economic prospects. This work provides a feasible approach for a low-olefin production process through process synthesis and optimization. Input chilling utilities could be reduced by 45% compared to that before the exergy recuperation and heat integration, while the heating utilities could be reduced to 0 MMBtu/h. Effects of catalyst's selectivity to low olefins on the economic performance of the proposed process were also analyzed.