Upgrading of C1 and C2 hydrocarbons

Large scale natural gas reserves are often located far away from the area of utilization. This poses the problem of methane transformation into easily transportable products. After a brief overview of the reserves available, the direct conversion of methane to chloromethanes, hydrogen cyanide, carbon disulphide and acetylene with the present available technology is briefly described. The indirect transformation of methane via syngas manufacture to chemicals and fuels, such as ammonia, methanol and its derivatives, Fischer Tropsch products, "oxo-derivation" products, is outlined. The production of ethylene by steam cracking from different feedstocks, and its main applications in the production of polyethylenes, ethylene oxide, ethylene dichloride and ethylbenzene are summarized. Recent production data for some of the products are also given. Areas of research for the development of future technologies are discussed.