Coal-to-liquids / Gas-to-liquids

Processes for the conversion of syngas from natural gas (GTL), biomass (BTL) or coal (CTL) to ultra-clean liquid fuels or chemicals have existed for a long time, but until recently, the economics of these processes have remained unfavorable. At current (and even lower) oil prices however, these technologies are economically attractive, particularly in regions where the hydrocarbon resource (coal, biomass or gas) has a low local value. The use of GTL, BTL and CTL processes reduces the dependency on oil (and oil producing countries) and moreover, enables the production of ultra-clean fuels.

BTL has the important additional advantage of being CO2 neutral. As a result, there has been a resurgence of interest in these technologies. The first world-scale GTL plants have just started up or are under construction and many BTL and CTL projects are being evaluated and pilot plants are being built. Today, Albemarle plays a very active role in the development of catalyst technologies for this "refining of the future."

Albemarle has developed Iron and Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts for slurry and fixed bed applications. Also Fischer-Tropsch Wax Upgrading catalysts (noble metal and base metal) have been developed for these applications. Together with our customers, Albemarle also co-develops or custom manufactures Fischer Tropsch and Fischer Tropsch Wax Upgrading catalysts. Based on our extensive knowledge of the development and scale up of catalysts and advanced materials and our focus on high quality, low cost manufacturing, we can help you develop and/or manufacture the GTL, BTL and CTL catalysts that are best suited to your needs.