Methane conversion process

A process for converting a natural gas stream to an aromatic hydrocarbon and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or pipeline gas, the process comprising:

• (a) treating said natural gas stream to reduce the levels of sulfur, carbon dioxide and water therein and produce a gaseous hydrocarbon feed comprising methane, at least 200 ppm by volume of sulfur and greater than 50 ppm by volume of CO2 and having a dew point of at least 203° K;
• (b) supplying said gaseous hydrocarbon feed to a conversion zone comprising at least one dehydroaromatization catalyst;
• (c) contacting said gaseous hydrocarbon feed in said conversion zone with said at least one dehydroaromatization catalyst under conversion conditions to produce a gaseous effluent stream comprising at least one aromatic compound, unreacted methane and H2;
• (d) separating said gaseous effluent stream into a first product stream comprising said at least one aromatic compound and a second product stream comprising unreacted methane and H2;
• (e) separating said second product stream into a methane-rich stream and a hydrogen-rich stream;
• (f) treating said methane-rich stream to reduce H2S in said stream;
• and
• (g) passing at least part of said methane-rich stream to LNG and/or pipeline gas production.