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.