Method for producing synthesis gas

Abstract

The present invention is an improved method for producing synthesis gas from gaseous raw hydrocarbons. The method includes combustion of a mixture of raw hydrocarbons and air at ∝=0.5-0.8. The hydrocarbons are oxidized during the compression stroke of a piston in the cylinder of a modified internal combustion engine. The resulting products are expanded and cooled during the movement of the piston toward the bottom dead center. The products containing the synthesis gas are then expelled from the reaction volume when the piston moves toward the top dead center. A new portion of the working mixture is supplied when the piston moves back to the bottom dead center. The mixture of raw hydrocarbons with air is preheated to 200-450° C. before being fed into the cylinders of the modified internal combustion engine. The mixture is compressed until self-ignition takes place. A temperature of 1300-2300° C. is maintained over a time period of 10−2-10−3 s. The cycle is repeated with a frequency exceeding 350 min−1. The method may use as raw material methane, ethane, or other gaseous hydrocarbons mainly produced during the separation of the large fraction of light hydrocarbons from petroleum gas. The specific productivity of the method is about 2.5 times higher than known methods, making it possible to improve the ecological situation in regions of oil production and processing.