Utilization of Waste Hydrocarbon Gases

Abstract

A variety of natural and anthropogenic sources of hydrocarbon gases make a significant contribution to the global emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing the anthropogenic emission of industrial hydrocarbon gases is impossible without new technologies that would allow their cost-effective utilization. The paper describes a number of new promising technologies based on autothermal gas-phase processes of partial oxidation and oxidative cracking of various hydrocarbons, such as associated petroleum gases, coalbed methane, refinery gases, and biogas, which open up prospects for a significant reduction in their flaring or emission into the atmosphere. Among the technologies under consideration are those involving their processing for subsequent use in the energy sector and low-tonnage production of various demanded chemicals.