Life cycle analysis of gas to liquids (GTL) derived linear alkyl benzene

Journal of Cleaner Production, Available online 29 May 2014, In Press, Corrected Proof
Life cycle analysis of gas to liquids (GTL) derived linear alkyl benzene
Grant S. Forman (a), Allan B. Hauser (b), Stephanie M. Adda (c)
a Sasol Synfuels International, Sasol North America, 900 Threadneedle, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77079-2990, United States
b Sasol North America Inc., Lake Charles Chemical Plant 2201, Old Spanish Trail Westlake, LA 70669, United States
c Ecosquare Ltd, Summit House, 170 Finchley Road, London NW3-6BP, United Kingdom
Abstract
The environmental benefits of GTL derived Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) production relative to petroleum derived LAB production can be demonstrated by comparing the lifecycle impacts of both pathways. Using current industrial knowledge and consistent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodological choices, authors estimated life-cycle cradle-to-gate environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of LAB production from petroleum-derived crude oil and natural gas, respectively.
They also developed sensitivity cases to assess the robustness of the results due to the uncertainty or variability of key parameters in both pathways. Base case results reveal that the lifecycle cradle-to-gate GHG emissions of GTL LAB production are 20% lower than conventional LAB production. Compared to conventional LAB production, lifecycle GHG emissions of GTL LAB are consistently lower, regardless of which allocation method is applied.
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