Production of hydrocarbons from natural gas

A process for producing hydrocarbons from natural gas, the process including

• in a cryogenic separation stage, cryogenically separating the natural gas to produce at least a methane stream and natural gas liquids;
• in a reforming stage, reforming the methane stream to produce a synthesis gas which includes at least CO and H2;
• in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage, converting at least some of the CO and H2 into a Fischer-Tropsch product which includes hydrocarbons;
• in a Fischer-Tropsch product separation stage, separating a Fischer-Tropsch tail gas which includes at least CO and H2, methane and heavier than methane hydrocarbons from the Fischer-Tropsch product;
• and
• recycling at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas to the cryogenic separation stage, where the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is cryogenically separated into two or more streams, the cryogenic separation stage including a methane wash unit or column, with cooled natural gas serving as a reflux in the methane wash unit or column, and with methane recovered from the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas being recycled to the reforming stage for the production of synthesis gas.