Gas-to-Liquids solvents

What are Gas-to-Liquids solvents?

Shell Chemicals is preparing to launch a series of solvents based on Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Technology. GTL solvents are a new range of high purity paraffin mixtures. They are manufactured by Shell in Qatar at the Pearl GTL facility, the largest GTL plant in the world.

What are the characteristics of GTL solvents?

By drawing on Shell’s extensive technology and product expertise, the range is being developed to deliver the following performance characteristics:

• Environmentally friendly: low aromatic and naphthenic content results in better biodegradability, lower ecotoxicity and lower photochemical reactivity.
• High purity: being synthesised from methane gas, GTL solvents comprise only iso- and normal paraffins. They are virtually free of impurities such as sulphur, olefins and polycyclic aromatics.
• Low odour: GTL solvents are almost odourless, due to their low aromatic and naphthenic content.
• Synthetic: GTL technology and gas feedstock delivers a more stable, synthetic product with consistent composition.

How can GTL solvents be used?

Industries that can benefit from the attractive properties of GTL solvents include:

• Oil & Gas exploration and production
• Construction
• Food and related industries
• Paper, textile and leather
• Synthetic functional fluids
• Various household and consumer products
• Mining

Which products are available?

Three grades of GTL solvents are already available. A wider range of products, including blends, will be introduced in the future.

The scale of the Pearl GTL plant helps to ensure strong security of supply, while a global logistics network supports the fulfilment of orders in local markets.

How do I find out more?

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