GTL basestocks set to play spoiler role.(Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquids process)(Column)

Will synthetic lubricants produced via the Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquids (GTL) process eventually push conventional finished lubricants out of the market? Growing evidence indicates that's a distinct Possibility.

In recent years, interest and investment in GTL processes for producing a wide range of high-quality products--including zero-sulfur diesel, naphtha, liquefied petroleum gas, wax, and lubricants--has grown.

Immense GTL projects under consideration or construction in Qatar alone represent 70 million tpy of liquids from gas by 2012. If all projects foreseen today come to fruition, then Qatar will have a 700,000-bpd GTL industry by 2015.

Although the lion's share of that production is for diesel fuel, GTL plants also seem likely to displace lube blend-stock of greater-than-Group-II quality, as well as displace crude-based n-paraffins (for linear alkyl benzene detergents), according to Gaffney-Cline Associates consultant Richard Pike, speaking at the recent 4th Annual GTL-tec conference in Doha, Qatar.

ExxonMobil, SasolChevron, Shell, ConocoPhillips, and Marathon (through GTL licensor Syntroleum) are all hotly pursuing GTL as a strategy for monetizing stranded gas, not only in Qatar, but in Nigeria as well. ExxonMobil is likely to target lube production from its planned facility, Pike said.

Quality Drives Rapid Movement

Lubricants from GTL offer an extra-high viscosity index (EHVI) number (155); making them highly attractive options for manufacturers seeking to meet changing American Petroleum Institute standards.