Dual catalyst system could produce lubricant basestocks

摘要

The rising cost and reduced supply of lubricant basestocks has become an increasing burden to our industry. Lubricant formulators are facing reduced options for sourcing basestocks that provide good cost performance for both automotive and industrial applications. One option that is being evaluated at this time is basestocks derived from gas to liquids (GTL) technology utilizing the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. In this procedure, syngas (obtained from treating methane with steam) is transformed by a catalyst into long chain waxy paraffins that can be further hydrocracked into a number of petroleum derivatives such as diesel fuel, naphtha and basestocks. A number of GTL pilot facilities are in operation with plans to build commercial scale plants by 2008.