Hydrogen use in a GTL plant

A process for synthesizing hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of:

• (a) making a synthesis gas stream in a syngas generator, wherein the synthesis gas stream comprises primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide;
• (b) catalytically converting the synthesis gas stream in a synthesis reaction zone to produce hydrocarbons and water;
• (c) making a hydrogen-rich stream in a hydrogen generator, wherein the hydrogen generator is separate from the syngas generator of step (a) and comprises at least one of the following:
• (1) a process for converting hydrocarbons to aromatics;
• (2) a process for catalytically cracking hydrocarbons;
• and
• (d) consuming hydrogen from the hydrogen-rich stream produced in step (c) in one or more processes that enhance the value of the hydrocarbons produced in step (b) or in a water stripping unit that strips water from the synthesis reaction zone in step (b).

A process for synthesizing hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of:

• (a) making a synthesis gas stream in a catalytic partial oxidation reaction, wherein the synthesis gas stream comprises primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide;
• (b) catalytically converting the synthesis gas stream in a synthesis reaction zone to produce hydrocarbons and water;
• (c) making a hydrogen-rich stream in a hydrogen generator, wherein the hydrogen generator is separate from the syngas generator of step (a) and comprises at least one of the following:
• (1) a process for converting hydrocarbons to synthesis gas, said process comprising an autothermal reformer or a steam reformer;
• (2) a process for converting hydrocarbons to olefins;
• (3) a process for catalytically dehydrogenating hydrocarbons;
• (4) a process for refining petroleum;
• or
• (5) a process for converting hydrocarbons to carbon filaments;
• and
• (d) consuming hydrogen from the hydrogen-rich stream produced in step (C) in one or more processes that enhance the value of the hydrocarbons or the productivity of the conversion to hydrocarbons in step (b).