System and method for processing natural gas

Abstract

A system and method for converting the natural gas into liquid hydrocarbons. A plurality of reaction cells are provided. Each reaction cell contains two concentric tubes. The concentric tubes are close in diameter and therefore create a very narrow uniform gap space in between the concentric tubes. The outer most of the tubes is heated. Natural gas and steam are passed into the gap space of at least some of the reaction cells. Due to the confinement of the gases and the heat, the mixture undergoes a water gas shift reaction to produce syngas. The syngas can then be reintroduced into other reaction cells to induce the Fischer-Tropsch process. Accordingly, the syngas is converted into complex hydrocarbons and water. The hydrocarbons and water are separated and cooled into liquid. The water is recycled and the liquid hydrocarbons are stored and transported.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.