Coal to natural gas

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Coal-to-natural gas involves gasifying coal to produce syngas, which is then subjected to methanation to create a substitute natural gas (SNG) with a calorific value of over 8000 kcal/m3. Experts in coal chemical industry believe that coal-to-natural gas has a clear competitive advantage over other coal-based energy products. Firstly, this is reflected in the simple process flow of coal-to-natural gas, as well as its mature and reliable technology ； Low consumption, low investment. Methane synthesis can be carried out at coal gasification pressures; compared to the production of methanol and dimethyl ether, it eliminates multiple steps, and compared to coal-based synthetic oils, it requires even fewer processing units. Secondly, it has a low investment cost per unit of heat value and the highest overall thermal efficiency. Third, coal-to-natural gas conversion features high conversion efficiency and selectivity, with the conversion rates of CO and H2 approaching 100%. Fourth, coal-to-natural gas has a high waste heat utilization rate; the superheated steam generated as a by-product of the natural gas synthesis process can be used in the turbine cycles and air compressors of this facility, thereby yielding good economic benefits. Furthermore, coal-to-natural gas is more environmentally friendly; its wastewater contains no harmful substances and is easy to use, allowing it to be used as boiler feed water or makeup water for circulating water without any treatment required. In contrast, coal-to-methanol and synthetic oils require advanced treatment of their wastewater. Experts also suggest that producing coal-to-natural gas along with methanol, dimethyl ether, ammonia, and other products yields better economic benefits and enhances resilience to risks. Coal-to-natural gas is the cleanest type of gas for domestic use and as a fuel in industrial processes; it is also an excellent alternative to gasoline for motor vehicles, offering advantages such as high calorific value, good environmental performance, and low cost. After conversion at the coal-rich pits, it can be transported by pipeline to consumer markets, **reducing transportation costs, easing traffic congestion, and thereby gaining a certain level of market competitiveness.