TRANSPORTABLE LIQUID PRODUCED FROM NATURAL GAS

Abstract

A system and a method for converting Natural Gas (NG) to high energy transportable liquid (such as gasoline) are disclosed. A semiconductor UV-source is used for initiate a photo lytic reaction between methane molecules and photons having energy equal or bigger than the energy of dissociation of the C—H bond in methane. The formed radicles are further react to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, while hydrogen gas is separates from the reaction mixture in order to avoid reverse reactions.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A method for the conversion of methane into high-energy room temperature liquids, comprising the steps of: introducing methane into a closed volume; irradiating said methane with at least one semiconductor UV radiation source, selected from the group comprising an LED and a LASER, in order to produce photochemical, radical and molecular collision chemical reactions, so as to obtain mixtures of chemical liquid products and chemical gaseous products that include hydrogen, ethane, propane, butane isomers, pentane isomers, hexane isomers, heptane isomers, octane isomers, nonane isomers, and decane isomers; collecting said hydrogen, that is separated from said mixture by one selected from a group comprising buoyancy, a hydrogen selective membrane, and a centrifugal gas separator, within an upper portion of said closed volume and extracting said collected hydrogen from said closed volume through an outlet dedicated to the extraction of hydrogen; using said separated hydrogen to produce electricity that activates at least one electricity consuming load that is to be used by the method's procedure; collecting said liquid products, that condense at room temperature, at the bottom of said closed volume; extracting said collected liquids from said closed volume through an outlet dedicated to the extraction of liquid products; repeating said previous steps upon the remaining gaseous mixture in said closed volume; and adding methane so as to maintain constant pressure within said closed volume.

20. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said UV radiation source is a semiconductor selected from the group comprising an LED and a LASER and said radiation contains photons with a wavelength of 272.5 nm; and these radiation sources can be produced from combinations of compounds selected from the group comprising AlGaN, AlInGaN, AlInN and AlN.

21. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: methane is introduced into said closed volume as one selected from the group comprising commercial methane gas, as room temperature natural gas, as compressed natural gas, as liquefied natural gas, and as methane included in any mixture of other gases.

22. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said isolated volume is an inclined volume with an axis inclination relative to the horizon of an angle which is preferably bigger than 0.5 degrees and preferably smaller than 89.5 degrees.

23. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said methane is photo-dissociated by irradiation with a UV radiation source, selected from the group comprising a semiconductor LED and a semiconductor LASER, wherein the dissociation products of the photo-dissociation will be methyl and hydrogen radicals, and wherein said radicals will react with other methane molecules and eventually form large alkane molecules and hydrogen molecules.

24. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said hydrogen, created in parallel with the formation of said other products, is separated from said closed volume by one selected from the group comprising buoyancy, by a hydrogen selective membrane, and by a centrifugal gas separator.

25. The method as described in claim 19, wherein: the possible obscuration of said UV sources, by the formation of thin polymer films, is avoided by heating the UV sources, for example, with a controllable heating resistance.

26. The method as described in claim 19, wherein: the formation of waxes is reduced by the continuous extraction of said condensed mixture of liquid products from said closed volume and by maintaining the temperature in said closed volume within a range of temperatures that reduces the formation of waxes, that is, the boiling point of heptane isomers.

27. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein: the possible obscuration of said UV sources, by the formation of thin polymer films, is avoided by heating the UV sources, for example, with a controllable heating resistance, wherein said controllable heating resistance maintains the emitter surface temperature higher the condensation temperature of said heptanes.

28. A system that uses UV illuminated methane to synthesize high-energy room temperature liquids, similar to gasoline extracted from petroleum and transportable by the same transportation means used to transport petroleum, comprising: at least one isolated volume that is charged with methane using at least one inlet dedicated to the charging of the methane; at least one heated semiconductor ultra-violet radiation source, selected from the group comprising an LED and a LASER, said radiation having a wavelength at 272.5 nm, said radiation being emitted into said volume charged with methane so as to produce photochemical, radical and collision reactions of the CH.sub.4 molecules, and the surface of said semiconductor source is maintained at a temperature higher than the condensation temperature of the heptanes and wherein products of said reactions are hydrogen and alkane molecules, and part of the alkane molecules condense as an alkane liquid mixture at room temperature at the bottom of said closed volume; at least one outlet at the bottom of said isolated volume that enables the extraction of said alkane liquid mixture condensed at room temperature from said isolated volume; and at least one outlet at the top of said isolated volume that enables the extraction of hydrogen that is created in parallel with the formation of said alkanes in said isolated volume.

29. The system as set forth in claim 28, further comprising: at least one electricity consuming component and which is obtained from the oxidation of said separated hydrogen and which is used to produce electricity that activates at least one electricity consuming load of the system.

Description

2—BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In conjunction with the appropriate figures, four non-limited embodiments will be described. The exemplary embodiments concentrate on the production of “not-from-petroleum gasoline”, NGG, and Methanoleum, using NG as raw material and Ultra-Violet radiation to produce photolytic reactions. Both products, NGG and Methanoleum, will be named “Products” in the following descriptions. Similar embodiments may be used in the synthesis of other materials by irradiation of NG with UV radiation.

[0054] The figures are not shown to scale and any sizes are only meant to be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. Corresponding or like elements are designated by numerals and names. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject matter. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. For example, in the exemplary embodiments, only two methods are used for the physical separation of alkanes from the reaction mixture: (A) the Boiling Points, b.p. of the alkanes, and (B) the Buoyancy. But other separation methods, like Centrifugal Forces or Selective Membranes may be used.

[0055] In the drawings, solid arrows, .fwdarw. indicate the direction of the fluid. The components and sub-components are linked to their corresponding numbers by dashed arrows, .

[0056] In the First Exemplary Embodiment the Products are obtained at temperatures higher than Standard Temperature and Pressure, >STP, conditions.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic description of the components of the First Exemplary Embodiment.

[0058] In the Second Exemplary Embodiment the Products are obtained after compression of the NG.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic description of the components of the Second Exemplary Embodiment.

[0060] In the Third Exemplary Embodiment the Products are obtained from Liquid Natural Gas, LNG that serves as raw material and as cooling fluid.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the Third Exemplary Embodiment.

[0062] In the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment the Products are obtained from Natural Gas at temperatures higher than Standard Temperature and Pressure, >STP, conditions. But in this case the photoreactor is slanted.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic description of the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a schematic description of influence of the Angle of Inclination of the slanted photoreactor to the reactions in the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment.

3—FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

3.1—Description of the First Exemplary Embodiment

[0065] In the First Exemplary Embodiment the Products are obtained at temperatures higher than Standard Temperature and Pressure, >STP, conditions. FIG. 1 is a schematic description of the First Exemplary Embodiment. The components of this embodiment, relevant to explanation of the patent, are given in table 4.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Components of the First Exemplary Embodiment # Name Task/Description 1 Photo- A volume where photoreactions, radical reactions and condensation of alkanes reactor take place. The volume is included in a tall cylinder, with a high from 1 to 150 meters. 2 NG-Inlet Introduces the NG into the Photoreactor (1). The NG is introduced at the upper part of the Photoreactor (1), at a small distance bellow the Tubular Hydrogen Filter (4). 3 UV-Sources To provide UV photons that break the C—H bonds of the Methane and of the other alkanes formed. There are one or more sources, installed in the Photoreactor (1). Each source can be operated independently of the others. 4 Tubular To remove the H.sub.2 formed in the Photoreactor (1) and to transport the extracted Hydrogen H.sub.2 to the Electricity Generator (5) Membrane Filter 5 Electricity Production of electricity by the oxidation of the H.sub.2 with Oxygen from the Generator, EG ambient. As an exemplary possibility, the Electricity Generator may be a Fuel Cell, but other electricity generators or sources may be used. 6 Water Exhaust To expel the water formed in the EG (5) during the electricity production. 7 Electric Wires To conduct the electricity from the EG (5) to the UV Sources (3) and other electricity consuming parts of the embodiment. 8 Funnel Shaped Located in the lower part of the Photoreactor (1). It is designed to collect the Floor, FSF alkanes that condense at a determinate temperature, T.sub.PhR. The component behaves like a cooled funnel with an orifice at his bottom. The FSF component can be maintained at RT by: Contact with the ambient air, or By the stream of NG, before it is injected into the Photoreactor (1) The condensate is the NGG or the Methaneoleum, depending on T.sub.PhR. 9 Product Conduit To translate the condensed Products at the Funnel Shaped Floor (8) to the Products Reservoir (10). Gives to the Products thermal isolation from the temperature in the Photoreactor (1). 10 Product Storage of the Products Reservoir 11 Product Outlet Outlet to the market or storage. 12 Ambient- To supply Oxygen to the Electricity Generator (5) for the oxidation of the Oxygen-Inlet Hydrogen extracted from the Photoreactor (1).

3.2—Principle of Operation of the First Exemplar Embodiment

3.2.1—General

[0066] The selected Product, NGG or Methanoleum, is formed in the system depicted in FIG. 1 in the following way:

[0067] Throw the “NG-Inlet” (2) NG is introduced into the Photoreactor (1). The UV-Sources (3) emit UV photons that break the C—H bonds of the Methane into two radicals: Methyl (CH.sub.3.) and Hydrogen (H.). This initiation reaction is the beginning of a series of radical reactions described in paragraph 1.6. The system is designed in a way that, at least, the two kinds of mixtures of alkenes, defined before as “Products”, can be formed:

[0068] The reactions produce, beside the Products, molecular Hydrogen, H.sub.2. At the top of the Photoreactor (1) a Tubular Hydrogen Membrane Filter (4) is installed. It is a tube, made of a selective membrane with high permeability for H.sub.2 while highly impermeable towards alkanes. Thus, it extracts out the H.sub.2 formed in the Photoreactor (1), and transfers the extracted H.sub.2 to the Electricity Generator, EG (5).

[0069] In the EG (5) the H.sub.2 is oxidized with air Oxygen, incoming from the surrounding air through the Ambient-Oxygen-Inlet (12) to produce electricity and water. The Water Exhaust (6) will expel out the water from the EG, while the electricity will be conducted by the Electrical Wires (7) to activate the UV-sources (3) or other electricity consuming parts of the system.

[0070] The lower part of the Photoreactor (1) is a Funnel Shaped Floor, FSF (8). This component has two tasks: [0071] To collect the alkanes, produced by the radical reactions, which condense at temperatures T.sub.PhR. [0072] To avoid the over-radiation of the condensed alkanes. Over-radiation creates waxes that are undesired in the synthesis of NGG or Methanoleum.

[0073] The mixture of condensed alkanes falls through the orifice of the FSF (8) to the Product-Conduit (9). This Conduit translates the condensed Product at the FSF (8) to the Product Reservoir (10) while thermally isolating the Product from the temperature in the Photoreactor (1). The Product is stored in the Product Reservoir (10) for delivery to the customers through the Product Outlet (11).

[0074] During the process, NG is injected to the Photoreactor (1) through the NG Inlet (2), because the pressure tends to decrease since: [0075] Hydrogen is extracted from the Photoreactor (1). [0076] The alkanes formed have Van der Walls Attraction Forces stronger than those of the initial Methane. [0077] The condensed Products are taken out from the gaseous mixture.

[0078] If the decrease in pressure is not compensated: [0079] Hydrogen will not pass through the membrane of the Tubular Hydrogen Membrane Filter (4), and; [0080] The lower concentration of gas molecules will reduce the absorption of UV photons. In consequence of the absorption reduction, the rate of initiation reactions will decrease and the formation of the products will slow down.

3.2.2—NGG and Methanoleum Condensation

[0081] Heat is induced to gaseous phase of the Photoreactor (1) to maintain T.sub.PhR, in four ways: [0082] The UV source converts electrical energy to UV radiation with an efficiency ε.sub.UV smaller than unity. ε.sub.UV is given by:

ε.sub.UV=1−ε.sub.IH−ε.sub.EH  [Eq. 5]  where: [0083] ε.sub.IH—(Inner Heating Efficiency) is the “Joule Heating” energy given by the UV Source (3) directly to the gas mixture by Conduction, Convection and Radiation. This energy is one of the 4 sources that heat the gas mixture; and [0084] ε.sub.EH—(External Heating) is energy lost by the electrical circuit that activates the source, outside from the Photoreactor (1). [0085] Energy is released to the gaseous phase during the termination reactions. [0086] Condensation of the NGG and Methanoleum molecules is an exothermic phenomenon. [0087] Residual heat from the Electrical Generator (5) may be transported to the Photoreactor (1).

[0088] Cooling also occurs in the Photoreactor (1) by the following ways: [0089] The extraction of H.sub.2, using the Tubular Hydrogen Filter (4) [0090] The usual heat losses (Conduction, Convection and Radiation) of the external walls of the Photoreactor (1)

[0091] The simultaneous processes of cooling and heating bring the gaseous mixture in the Photoreactor (1) to an equilibrium temperature, T.sub.PhR. When producing NGG, the system is planned in such a way that T.sub.PhR will be high enough to maintain alkanes with a certain n, n.sub.c, like n.sub.c=5, 6 and 7, to stay in the gaseous phase. This will enable reactions of the alkanes with n.sub.c to form alkanes with n>n.sub.c. For example if T.sub.eq=40° C., all isomers of pentane will stay in the gaseous phase where they can be converted into heavier alkane molecules.

[0092] When the desired product is NGG, T.sub.PhR should not be too high, since this will maintain in the gaseous phase alkanes with n>n.sub.c that may be enlarged to form large chain alkanes that solidify at room temperature. These large chain alkanes are known as “waxes”, and are not part of the NGG mixture or the Methanoleum mixtures. Of course, if the goal is to manufacture such waxes, higher temperatures will be used in the process. Table 5 includes the boiling points, b.p., of the alkane isomers relevant to the discussion.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Boiling Points of some alkane isomers involved in the invention Alkane Formula Isomer bp [° C.] Pentane C.sub.5H.sub.12 2,2-methylpropane 9.5 2-ethylbutane 27.7 Linear 36.0 Hexane C.sub.6H.sub.14 2,2-dimethylbutane 49.7 2,3-dimethylbutane 58.0 2-methylpentane 60.3 3-methylpentane 63.3 Linear 68.7 Heptane C.sub.7H.sub.16 2,2-dimethylpentane 79.2 2,4-dimethylpentane 80.4 2,2,3-trumethyl pentane 80.8 3,3-dimethylpentane 86.0 2,3-dimethylpentane 89.7 2-methylhexane 90.0 3-methylhexane 92.0 3-ethylpentane 93.5 Linear 98.5 Octane C.sub.8H.sub.18 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane) 99 2,2-dimethylhexane 107 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane 107 2,5-dimethylhexane 109 2,4-dimethylhexane 110 2,2,3-trimethylpentane 110 3,3-dimethylhexane 112 2,3,4-trimethylpentane 113 2,3,3-trimethylpentane 115 2,3-dimethylhexane 116 3-ethyl-2-methylpentane 116 2-methylheptane 118 4-methylheptane 118 3,4-dimethylhexane 118 3-ethyl-3-methylpentane 118 3-methylheptane 119 3-ethylhexane 119 Linear 126

3.2.3—Effect of Buoyancy

[0093] At the beginning of the process, we presume that the Photoreactor (1) is a column full with a single fluid: gas Methane. During the reactions other gases, different than Methane, are formed. The gases formed will be affected by Buoyancy that will induce a small separation with height of the different molecules in the gas mixture due to their different density. Table 6 includes the density of the different gases and liquids present in the Photoreactor (1).

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Densities of the participating molecules Density @ 20 C. MM [g/L] Alkane Formula [amu] Gas Liquid Hydrogen H.sub.2 2 0.09 Methane CH.sub.4 16 0.668 Ethane C.sub.2H.sub.6 30 1.265 Propane C.sub.3H.sub.8 44 1.867 Butane C.sub.4H.sub.10 58 2.493 Pentane C.sub.5H.sub.12 72 626 Hexane C.sub.6H.sub.14 86 659 Heptane C.sub.7H.sub.16 100 684 Octane C.sub.8H.sub.18 114 703 Nonane C.sub.9H.sub.20 128 718 Decane C.sub.10H.sub.22 142 730

[0094] In the gas mixture, the movement and relative position of the molecules is affected not only by the Buoyancy, but also by Gravity, Thermal Energy and the Viscosity. But Buoyancy will add a force vector that produces a slight separation between the components of the gas mixture.

[0095] Hydrogen molecules will tend to be in a higher concentration at the higher part of the Photoreactor (1) column, relative to the other parts of the column. Going down the column will be a volume richer in Methane, relative to the rest of the column. Below the relative Methane-rich volume, there is a volume where Ethane will have a higher concentration, relative to the rest of the Photoreactor (1). The lower part of the Photoreactor (1) will contain a gas mixture relatively richer in the higher alkanes, butane and pentane. In the volume of the Funnel Shaped Floor (8) will be occupied by the alkanes that condense at T.sub.PhR=40 C, for example.

[0096] Another way to explain Buoyancy in the Photoreactor (1) is to think of the fluid gas Methane as it would be water. Objects with specific mass lower than water will float on the water's surface. In the case of the Photoreactor (1), the Hydrogen will “float” over the Methane. Molecules with specific mass higher than Methane will “sink” down from the Methane.

3.2.4—Effect of Miscibility and Vapor Pressure

[0097] Ideally, since the gas mixture in the Photoreactor (1) is maintained at T.sub.PhR, alkanes formed in the reactions having b.p.>T.sub.PhR will stay in the gaseous phase while those with b.p.<T.sub.PhR will condensate. For example if T.sub.PhR=40° C., based on data given in table 5, all the isomers of Pentane will stay in the gaseous phase. This will enable further chain elongation of the Pentane molecules via the reactions 14 and 15.

[0098] Also ideally, at T.sub.PhR=40° C. alkanes with n≧6 to n=10 will condense. But in real conditions, the condensable alkanes will first form droplets. These droplets will be affected by two processes: [0099] Adhesion between small droplets [0100] Adsorption of small alkanes (Methane, Ethane, Propane and Butane). Since these small alkanes are soluble in higher alkanes, they will dissolve into the droplets.

[0101] The adhesion of the droplets and the dissolution of alkanes with n≦4, will increase in the size and mass of the droplets. The heavier droplets will sink into the funnel shaped floor containing the alkanes with n≦4 as impurities. The alkanes, with n≦4, do not belong to the NGG mixture and can be extracted by a mild distillation or by selective membranes.

[0102] Another concern that should be taken into account, in real conditions, is the high vapor pressure of the components of the NGG and the Metanoleum. For this reason the gaseous phase of the system will contain also vapor molecules of alkanes with n>6 that ideally condense at T.sub.PhR.

[0103] Alkane molecules with n>6 that remain in the gaseous phase can be converted into alkanes with n higher than 6. This possibility is in favor of the formation of NGG as long as n≦10. Alkanes with n>10 are solid waxes that do not belong to the NGG mixture.

4—Second Exemplary Embodiment

4.1—Schematic Description of the Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0104] FIG. 2 is a schematic description of the Major components and Sub-components of this embodiment. The 6 Mayor components of this embodiment and their sub-components are listed in table 7.

[0105] All the Major components have an Inlet. The 3 Photoreactors have, beside the inlet, other corresponding components: [0106] UV Radiation Sources (UV) [0107] Hydrogen Selective Membranes (SM), and [0108] Hydrogen Outlets (HO)

[0109] The letters M, E, and B indicate Methane, Ethane and Butane respectively.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Major Components and sub components of the Second Exemplary Embodiment Component Mayor Sub-Components Number Component Initials Task Name Number 20 Natural Gas NGC Compression of the NGC-Inlet 21 Compressor NG 30 Joule-Thompson JT Cooling of the NG JT-Inlet 31 Cooler 40 Methane MPR Photolysis of a C—H M-Inlet 41 Photoreactor bond of Methane and UV-M 42 formation of Ethane SM-M 43 50 Ethane EPR Photolysis of a C—H E-Inlet 51 Photoreactor bond of Ethane and UV-E 52 formation of Butane SM-E 53 60 Butane BPR Photolysis of a C—H B-Inlet 61 Photoreactor bond of Butane and UV-B 62 formation of Octane SM-B 63 NGG-Outlet 64 5 Electricity EG Production of H.sub.2-Inlet- 71 Generator electricity by the Manifold 12 oxidation of Ambient-O.sub.2-Inlet 6 Hydrogen Water Exhaust

4.2—Principle of operation of the Second Exemplary Embodiment

4.2.1—Operation of the NGC (20) and the Joule Thompson Cooler (30)

[0110] As shown in FIG. 2, NG, mostly Methane, is introduced to the NGC, Natural Gas Compressor (20) trough the NGC-Inlet (21). At the NGC (20) the gas Methane is compressed to a high pressure P.sub.NGC.

[0111] The compressed NG in the NGC (20) flows through the “JT-Inlet” (31) to the Joule Thompson Cooler (30), JT. At the JT Cooler (30) the NG expands to a pressure P1<P.sub.NGC while cooling to the temperature T1.

[0112] The cooled gas NG from the JT (30) is introduced to the Methane Photoreactor MPR, (40), by the “M-Inlet”. The MPR is maintained at the temperature T1.

[0113] 4.2.2—Operation of the MPR (40)

[0114] In the MPR (40) the NG is irradiated with the corresponding Ultra-Violet source UV-M (42). The initiation photoreaction [1] and the subsequent radical reactions take place. As a consequence of these reactions, Ethane and Hydrogen are formed following the overall reaction:

2CH.sub.4+hv.fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.6+H.sub.2  [17]

[0115] The temperature T1 is selected in such a way that Methane stays in the gaseous phase while Ethane condenses into the liquid phase. This means that T1 is between the temperature interval from the b.p. of the Methane and the b.p of the Ethane. For example, if: [0116] The pressure in the MPR is 1 atm., and [0117] We neglect the solubility of Methane in liquid Ethane at T1,
the temperature interval of T1 will be given by the values quoted in table 8. The table contains also an exemplary temperature value selected.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Exemplary Selection of T1 Boiling Point at 1 atm. T1 selected Alkane [° C.] as an example Methane −162 −95° C. Ethane −89

[0118] The molecular Hydrogen formed in MPR (40) is filtered out from Photoreactor (20) through the Selective Membrane of the MPR, SM-M (43). The filtered-out Hydrogen is brought to the “H.sub.2-Inlet-Manifold”, (71) that feeds the Electricity Generator (5), EG.

[0119] The Ethane produced, that is liquid at T1, condenses and sinks to the bottom of the MPR (40). At this point it is translated to the Ethane Photoreactor, EPR (50), via the “E-Inlet” (51).

4.2.3—Operation of the EPR (50)

[0120] The liquid Ethane transferred to the EPR (50) is heated to the temperature T2, where it becomes gaseous. In the EPR (50) the gaseous Ethane is irradiated with the Ultra-Violet source (52), UV-E. An initiation photoreaction where a C—H bond of the Ethane is broken into atomic Hydrogen and Ethyl radical occurs, as described before by the reaction [8].

C.sub.2H.sub.6+hv′.fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.5.+H.  [8]

[0121] The use of v′ is done to note that the C—H bond in Ethane (and other alkanes higher than Methane) has an BDE of 101 Kcal/mol (4.38 eV/molecule, 283.1 nm). This value is smaller than the BDE of Methane, 105 Kcal/mol (4.55 eV/molecule, 272.5 nm).

[0122] In a Ethane saturated atmosphere, as the one that exists in the EPR (50), the most probable reaction for the Hydrogen radical will be the formation of a Hydrogen molecule, while reacting with Ethane:

H.+C.sub.2H.sub.6.fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.5.+H.sub.2  [18]

[0123] To avoid the reverse reaction:

C.sub.2H.sub.5.+H.sub.2.fwdarw.H.+C.sub.2H.sub.6  [18].sub.R

the H.sub.2 molecules are filtered out from the EPR through the EPR's Selective Membrane Hydrogen Filter, SM-E (53). The overall effect of reactions [8] and [18] is the formation of two Ethyl radicals and one Hydrogen molecule, H.sub.2, each time that a photon breaks a C—H bond in an Ethane molecule.

[0124] In an Ethane saturated atmosphere, like the one that exists in the EPR, there is “dummy” reaction:

C.sub.2H.sub.6+C.sub.2H.sub.5..fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.5.+C.sub.2H.sub.6  [19]

[0125] In the absence of isotopic marking it is impossible to follow existence of reaction [19]. But, reaction [19] enables, in rich Ethane environments, a very long “life time” to the Ethyl radical and the increase of Ethyl radical concentration in the EPR (50).

[0126] The concentration of Ethyl radicals in the EPR (50) will increase constantly since: [0127] The UV Source is active continuously and reaction [8] is taking place all the time. [0128] All the Hydrogen radicals are converted into Ethyl radicals in the propagation reaction [18]. [0129] Hydrogen molecules are extracted from the EPR, so the possibility of the reverse reaction [18].sub.R is avoided continuously.

[0130] After an irradiation period, the concentration of the Ethyl radical will increase at such a point that the formation of Butane by the termination reaction [20] will become significant:

2C.sub.2H.sub.5.fwdarw.C.sub.4H.sub.10  [20]

[0131] The temperature T2 is selected in such a way that Ethane stays in the gaseous phase while Butane condenses into a liquid phase. This means that T2 is between the temperature interval from the b.p. of the Ethane and the b.p of the Butane. For example, if: [0132] The pressure in the EPR (50) is 1 atm., and [0133] We neglect the solubility of Ethane in liquid Butane at T2,
the temperature interval of T2 will be given by the values quoted in table 9. The table contains also an exemplary temperature selected value.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Exemplary Selection of T2 Boiling Point at 1 atm. T2 selected Alkane [° C.] as an example Ethane −89 −5° C. Butane 0

[0134] The Butane produced in the EPR (50) that is liquid at T2, condenses and sinks to the bottom of the EPR (50). At this point it is translated to the Butane Photoreactor, BPR (60), via the B-Inlet (61).

4.2.4—Operation of the BPR (60)

[0135] The liquid Butane transferred to the BPR (60) is heated to a temperature T3, where it becomes gaseous. In the BPR (60) the gaseous Butane is irradiated with the BPR's Ultra-Violet source, UV-B (62). An initiation photoreaction, where a C—H bond in the Butane is broken into atomic Hydrogen and Butyl radical, takes place:

C.sub.4H.sub.10+hv′.fwdarw.C.sub.4H.sub.9.+H.  [21]

[0136] In a Butane saturated atmosphere, as the one that exists in the BPR (60), the most probable reaction for the Hydrogen radical will be the formation of a Hydrogen molecule, while reacting with Butane:

H.+C.sub.4H.sub.10.fwdarw.C.sub.4+H.sub.2  [22]

[0137] To avoid the reverse reaction:

C.sub.4H.sub.9.+H.sub.2.fwdarw.H.+C.sub.4H.sub.10  [22].sub.R

the H.sub.2 molecules are filtered out by the BPR's Selective Membrane Hydrogen Filter SM-B (63). The overall effect of reactions pi and [22] is the formation of two Butyl radicals and one Hydrogen molecule, H.sub.2, each time that a photon breaks a C—H bond in a Butane molecule.

[0138] In a Butane saturated atmosphere, like the one that exists in the BPR, there is “dummy” reaction:

C.sub.4H.sub.9.+C.sub.4H.sub.10.fwdarw.C.sub.4H.sub.10+C.sub.4H.sub.9.  [23]

[0139] In the absence of isotopic marking it is impossible to follow existence of reaction [23]. But, reaction [23] enables, in rich Butane environments, a very long “life time” to the Butyl radical and the increase of Butyl radical concentration in the BPR (60).

[0140] The concentration of Butyl radicals in the BPR will increase constantly since: [0141] The UV Source is active continuously and reaction [21] is taking place all the time. [0142] All the Hydrogen radicals are converted into Butyl radicals in the propagation reaction [22] [0143] Reaction [22].sub.R is avoided continually

[0144] After an irradiation period, the concentration of the Butyl radical will increase at such a point that formation of Octane by the termination reaction [24] will become significant:

2C.sub.4H.sub.9..fwdarw.C.sub.8H.sub.18  [24]

[0145] The temperature T3 is selected in such a way that Butane stays in the gaseous phase while Octane condenses into the liquid phase. This means that T3 is between the temperature interval from the b.p. of the Butane and the b.p of the Octane. For example, if: [0146] The pressure in the BPR is 1 atm., and [0147] We neglect the solubility of Butane in liquid Octane at T3,
the temperature interval of T3 will be given by the values quoted in table 10. The table contains also an exemplary temperature value selected

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Exemplary Selection of T3 Boiling Point at 1 atm. Temperature selected Alkane [° C.] as an example Butane 0 +25 Octane 126

[0148] The filtered-out Hydrogen is brought to the “H.sub.2-Inlet-Manifold”, (71) that feeds the Electricity Generator (5), EG.

[0149] The liquid Octane produced at T3 condenses and sinks to the bottom of the BPR (60). This liquid is considered as NGG. At this point it is translated by the NGG Outlet (64) for distribution or storage.

4.3—Effect of Miscibility in the Second Exemplary Embodiment

[0150] The above description of the principle of operation of the Second Exemplary Embodiment, may give the impression that the liquid alkanes transferred from one photoreactor to the next one, are liquids with high purity composition. This impression has been taken for explanation purposes. In reality, as explained in paragraph 3.2.4, the liquid alkanes at the bottom of the photoreactors contain dissolved molecules of the gaseous phase.

[0151] Liquid Ethane formed in the MPR (40) contains dissolved Methane. The solution is translated to the EPR (50) where it is heated and gasified. So, the atmosphere of the EPR (50) contains mostly Ethane and small amounts of Methane. The gaseous molecules of Methane can be converted into Methyl radicals by the photolytic reaction [1], or by the reverse reaction of [3].sub.R. The Methyl radicals can form Propane by reactions [10] and [11]:

Termination: C.sub.2H.sub.5.+CH.sub.3..fwdarw.C.sub.3H.sub.8  [10]

Propagation: C.sub.2H.sub.6+CH.sub.3..fwdarw.C.sub.3H.sub.8+H.  [11]

[0152] Liquid Butane introduced into the BPR (60) contains, beside Propane, dissolved Ethane and even Methane from the EPR's atmosphere. This solution is translated to the BPR (60) were it is heated and gasified. So, the atmosphere of the BPR contains mostly Butane and small amounts of Propane, Ethane and Methane. The gaseous molecules of Propane, Ethane and Methane can be converted into radicals by: 1) the photolytic general initiation reaction [12], or the propagation reactions with the Butyl radical (relatively abundant in the BPR gaseous phase):

CH.sub.4+C.sub.4H.sub.9..fwdarw.CH.sub.3.+C.sub.4H.sub.10  [25]

C.sub.2H.sub.6+C.sub.4H.sub.9..fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.5.+C.sub.4H.sub.10  [26]

C.sub.3H.sub.8+C.sub.4H.sub.9..fwdarw.C.sub.3H.sub.8.+C.sub.4H.sub.10  [27]

[0153] The Methyl, Ethyl and Propyl radicals formed in reactions [25], [26] and [27] can react with the relatively abundant Butyl radical to form Pentane, Hexane and Heptane (alkanes are part of the NGG mixture):

C.sub.4H.sub.9.+CH.sub.3..fwdarw.C.sub.5H.sub.12  [28]

C.sub.4H.sub.9.+C.sub.2H.sub.5..fwdarw.C.sub.6H.sub.14  [29]

C.sub.4H.sub.9.+C.sub.3H.sub.8..fwdarw.C.sub.7H.sub.16  [30]

5—Third Exemplary Embodiment

5.1—Description

[0154] Another exemplary embodiment is used to process Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG. In this case a modified version of the Second Exemplary Embodiment can be used. Since the NG is liquid when reaching the processing plant, there is no need to compress and cool down the NG. This means that in this embodiment there is no need for two first Major components that are part of the Second Exemplary Embodiment: the Natural Gas Compressor, NGC, and the Joule Thomson Cooler, JT. Instead of the two unnecessary Major components of the Second Exemplary Embodiment, the Photoreactors MPR (40) and EPR (50) include Heat Exchangers that use the low temperature LNG to obtain T1 at the MPR (40) and T2 at the EPR (50).

[0155] The cooling fluid from the EPR's Heat Exchanger (54) is NG at T2 that is transferred to the MPR (40) as raw material for the photolytic initiated process of reaction (1).

[0156] FIG. 3 is a schematic description of the Third Exemplary Embodiment. The names and numbers identifying the Major Components and the Subcomponents are the same as in the Second Embodiment. Table 11 lists the Sub-Components of each Major Component of the Third Embodiment.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Major Components and Sub-components of the Third Exemplary Embodiment Component Mayor Sub-Components Number Component Symbol Name/Initiaks Number 40 Methane MPR M-Inlet 41 Photo- (from EPR's reactor Heat Exchanger (54)) UV-M 42 SM-M 43 MPR's Heat 44 Exchanger LNG Inlet 45 (to MPR's Heat Exchanger) 50 Ethane EPR E-Inlet 51 Photo- UV-E 52 reactor SM-E 53 EPR's Heat 54 Exchanger NG at T1-Inlet 55 (to EPR's Heat Exchanger) 60 Butane BPR B-Inlet 61 Photo- UV-B 62 reactor SM-B 63 NGG-Outlet 64 5 Electricity EG H.sub.2-Inlet-Manifold 71 Generator Ambient-O.sub.2-Inlet 12 Water-Exhaust 6

5.2—Principle of Operation of the Third Embodiment

[0157] The principle of operation of the Third Exemplary Embodiment is similar to principle of operation of the Second Exemplary Embodiment. The operation of the MPR is given in paragraph 4.2.3. The operation of the EPR is given in paragraph 4.2.4. The operation of the BPR is given in paragraph 4.2.5.

[0158] In the Second Embodiment NG at RT is used as raw material. In the Third Embodiment NG enters the system as LNG and it also used as a cooling fluid to maintain T1 and T2 before it is introduced to the MPR (40).

6.—Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

6.1—Description

[0159] The description of another exemplary embodiment is given schematically in FIG. 4. Table 12 includes details of the components of this embodiment.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Components of the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment # Name Task/Description 90 Slanted A volume where photoreactions, radical reactions and condensation of Photoreactor alkanes take place. The volume may be a cylinder. The Slanted Photoreactor has an Inclination Angle, α, between any horizontal line that intersects the axis of the Photoreactor and the Axis itself. The values of α may be between 0.5 degrees to 89.5 degrees relative the horizon 91 NG-Inlet Introduces the NG into the Photoreactor (90). The NG is introduced at the upper part of the Photoreactor (90) at a small distance bellow the Hydrogen Conduit (93). 92 UV-Sources To provide UV photons that break the C—H bonds of the Methane (and the other alkanes formed). There are one or more sources, installed in the Photoreactor (90). 93 Hydrogen To extract out the H.sub.2 formed in the Photoreactor (90) and to transport the Conduit extracted H.sub.2 to the Electricity Generator (5). 94 Product Conduit To translate the condensed Products at Photoreactor (90) to the Products Reservoir (95). Gives to the NGG thermal isolation from the temperature in the Photoreactor (90) 95 Product Reservoir Storage of the Products 96 Product Outlet Outlet to storage or delivery to the market. 5 Electricity As explained in table 4 Generator, EG 6 Water Exhaust As explained in table 4 12 Ambient-O.sub.2-Inlet As explained in table 4

7.2—Principle of Operation of the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

7.2.1—Comparison with the First Exemplary Embodiment

[0160] The Principle of Operation of the First and Fourth Exemplary Embodiments are similar. The main difference is the use of Buoyancy to separate Hydrogen from the reaction mixture in the Photoreactor in the Fourth Embodiment, compared to the use of a Hydrogen Selective Membrane used in the First Embodiment.

7.2.2—Buoyancy Separation Enhancement by the Slanted Photoreactor

[0161] In paragraph 3.2.3 there is a discussion on gas separation by Buoyancy in a Photoreactor (1) perpendicular to the horizon (α=90°). In the Fourth Exemplary Embodiment, the Photoreactor (90) is inclined by an angle α, relative to the horizon. This is done in order to increase the separation velocity of the fluids in the photoreactor (90).

[0162] In similarity with the Photoreactor (1) of the First Embodiment, at the beginning of the process, the Photoreactor (90) is a column full with a single fluid, gas Methane. During the reactions, when the system reaches a dynamic equilibrium, other alkanes and Hydrogen are formed. Due to the Kinetic (Thermal) Energy, ideally, the gas mixture should be homogenous. But the gases formed in the Slanted Photoreactor (90), will be affected by Buoyancy that will induce a small separation with height of the different molecules in the gas mixture due to their different density. In the gas mixture, the movement and relative position of the molecules is affected not only by Buoyancy, but also by the Thermal Energy and the Viscosity. But Buoyancy will add a force vector that produces a slight separation between the components of the gas mixture.

[0163] The inclination of the Slanted Photoreactor (90) will enhance the separation of the fluids in the Photoreactor (90). FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of events induced by the inclination angle α in the Photoreactor (90). FIG. 5 is a side view of a cut of a section the Photoreactor that includes the axis. The thick lines represent part of two the walls, marked as “Upper Wall” and “Lower Wall”. Four vertical dashed lines divide the section into three volumes.

[0164] In volume (A) we see, schematically, that the radical products of reaction [1] (CH.sub.4+hv.fwdarw.CH.sub.3.+H.) are separated. The Methyl radical has a mass, m.sub.CH3=15 dalton, while the Hydrogen's mass, m.sub.H=1 dalton. Gravitation will push down the Methyl radical, increasing its concentration near the Lower Wall. Buoyancy will push up the Hydrogen radical, increasing its concentration near the Upper Wall.

[0165] In volume (B) we see, schematically, that the possibility of reaction [3] (H.+CH.sub.4.fwdarw.CH.sub.3.+H.sub.2) will occur mostly near the Upper Wall, since his region is rich in H. radicals. Again, the lower mass of the H.sub.2 molecule, m.sub.H2=2 dalton, will produce a lift towards the Upper Wall by Buoyancy, while Gravity will push down the Methyl radical towards the Lower Wall. Since the region near the Lower Wall is rich in Methyl radicals, there is an increase in the probability for the radical termination reaction [7] (2CH.sub.3..fwdarw.C.sub.2H.sub.6) that produces Ethane.

[0166] In volume (C) we see schematically that the low mass H.sub.2 molecule will raise up to the top of the photoreactor, by Buoyancy, passing through a region rich in Hydrogen, near the Upper Wall, thus avoiding collisions with heavier molecules and allowing a faster rise of Hydrogen to the Hydrogen Conduit. Also, the heavier molecules, most probably formed near the Lower Wall, will slide down towards the lower part of the Photoreactor (90), by Gravity, in the region near the “Lower Wall”, where collisions with lighter molecules are avoided.

[0167] It is evident that photolytic reactions with higher alkanes will have a similar behavior than the Methane radicals formed by reaction [1] described in (A). Thus, the alkyl radical will preferentially move down, while the Hydrogen radical will move up. Also it is clear that the concentration of the alkyl radicals will be higher near the Lower Wall, so that there is an increase in the probability of radical termination reactions.

[0168] The overall contributions of Slanted Photoreactor (90) are: [0169] To create areas with local higher concentrations of reactants. This will bring to the acceleration of the reaction kinetics. [0170] To create a regions where H.sub.2 molecules can be evacuated faster from the system. [0171] To create a region where the Products move faster downstream towards the Products Conduit.

7.2.3—Electricity Production

[0172] At the top of the Photoreactor (90) a Hydrogen conduit (93) is installed. It is a tube that extracts out the H.sub.2 formed in the Photoreactor (90), and transfers the extracted H.sub.2 to the Electricity Generator, EG, (5). Oxygen is also introduced by the Ambient-O.sub.2-Inlet (12) to the EG (5)

[0173] In the EG (5), the H.sub.2 is oxidized with Oxygen to produce electricity and water. The Water Exhaust (6) will expel out the water from the EG, while the electricity will be used to activate the UV sources (92) and other consumers of electrical energy in the system.

7.2.4—Product Extraction

[0174] The mixture of condensed alkanes falls through the orifice at the bottom of the Slanted Photoreactor (90) to the Product Conduit (94). This Conduit translates the condensed Product to the Product Reservoir (95). The product is delivered to the marked or stored trough the Product Outlet (96).