How It Works Cont.
2. Gas to Liquid (GTL)
How It Works
-Water and carbon dioxide are added to adjust the ratio between carbon monoxide and hydrogen
-Hot gas is then passed over a catalyst
-Causes carbon monoxide and hydrogen to condense into long hydrocarbon chains and water
-Chains can be used to substitute for oil projects and the water can be recycled and used for steam for the beginning of the process
Occurs in two main stages:
1. Coal Gasification
-Air and steam added to raw coals and heated to 100 degrees Celcius
-Carbon in coal react with oxygen and water which produces many extras (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane)
-Carbon dioxide is a waste which is released into the atmosphere
-This process is to filter the coal
Advantages
-Coal is far more abundant than oil and gas
-An important step in decreasing our reliability on foreign oils
-Creates jobs in the coal industry
-We can produce diesel and gas to help contribute to our nations income
Disadvantages
-Generates large volumes of waste
-Low for practical use for synthetic liquid fuel production
-Lower quality
_Little possibility that this will have useable volumes of fuel
-Produces a known carcinogen
-Starting with coal, not even a renewable resource
-Produces twice as much CO2 as traditional coal industries
-Up to 8 tons of water are required for every ton of oil produced
Coal Liquefaction
Background Info
Coal Liquefaction: A process used to turn coal, a solid fuel,
into a substitute for liquid fuels such as diesel and gasoline
-First came about in the 19th century to provide gas for indoor lighting
-Used during WWII and Apartheid because they had alot of coal and no crude oil
-Can be economical if crude oil becomes scarce because coal will be available for centuries to come
-Can produce gasoline, diesel, and kerosene
-Very adaptable to coal powered machinery
-Mostly used places with unsecure supply of crude oil
-South Africa, Germany
Is it a smart idea?
Economic:
-Doesnt cost that much less
-Would reduce dependance on foreign oil
-Help out jobs and coal companies in U.S.
-Intertwines with social, economic issues
-Would take strain off of government about oil issues
-Would worry the government about oil depletion however
Environmental:
-Known carcinogens into the air
-Coal supply would deplete quickly if we used more than we are now
Political
-Would help out issues in Middle East regarding oil
-Better social ties could be made because we wouldnt need as much oil from other countries
Other Pros/Cons
Social
Other Pros/Cons Cont.