Utilization of synthesis gas produced by mixed conducting membranes

A method for the production and utilization of synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide which comprises:

• (a) providing a catalytic reforming reaction zone comprising at least one catalyst which promotes the steam reforming of hydrocarbons;
• (b) heating a reactant gas feed comprising steam and one or more hydrocarbon compounds having two or more carbon atoms, introducing the resulting heated reactant gas feed into the catalytic reforming reaction zone, and withdrawing therefrom a partially reformed intermediate gas comprising at least methane, hydrogen, and carbon oxides;
• (c) providing a mixed conducting membrane reaction zone having an oxidant side and a reactant side which are separated by a solid mixed conducting membrane;
• (d) heating an oxygen-containing oxidant gas feed and introducing the resulting heated oxidant gas feed into the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;
• (e) introducing the partially reformed intermediate gas into the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;
• (f) permeating oxygen from the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor through the mixed conducting membrane to the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor and reacting the oxygen with the partially reformed intermediate gas to form additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide;
• (g) withdrawing a raw synthesis gas product comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water from the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;
• (h) withdrawing an oxygen-depleted nonpermeate gas from the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;
• (i) treating the raw synthesis gas to remove at least a portion of a component other than hydrogen and carbon monoxide to yield a final synthesis gas product, and
• (j) providing a product synthesis and processing zone and converting at least a portion of the final synthesis gas product therein to yield a liquid product.