2661.     PEW, J. E., AND DOTTERWEICH, F. H.  Maximum Hydrocarbon Utilization With Natural Gas as a Chemical Raw Material.  Petrol. Refiner, vol. 23, No. 4, 1944, pp. 130-134; Gas, vol. 20, No. 4, 1944, pp. 14-16, 19-20; Chem. Abs., vol. 38, 1944, p. 2475.

        Known natural-gas reserves are estimated to be sufficient for at least 30 yr. and large quantities of natural gas are still being wasted.  The liquid constituents of natural gas now serve as a source for chemicals, including aviation gasoline and solvents.  Expansion is possible in this respect.  Dry natural gas can be used for many purposes; it can readily be reformed to water gas, and about 50% of the emergency synthetic NH₃ is made with H₂ from this source.  The Fischer-Tropsch process can produce liquid hydrocarbons from this re-formed natural gas, but it is probable that this process will only be operated at remote points where pipelines are not available.  It is estimated that 4.2 gal. of liquid products are recoverable from 1,000 ft.³ of dry natural gas.