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Abstract

A process for the production of C2⁻ alcohols from a methane-containing feedstock which process comprises a) optionally reacting in a pre-reformer the methane-containing feedstock in the presence of steam, where the steam plus C0₂ to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1; b) reforming at least a portion of the methane-containing feedstock in a first reformer optionally in the presence of steam, where the steam plus C0₂ to methane molar ratio is less than 5:1 to produce a first product stream comprising CO, H₂ and C0₂; c) optionally subjecting at least a portion of the first product stream and/or a portion of the methane containing feedstock to a reforming process in a second reformer in the presence of steam and oxygen to produce a second product stream comprising CO, H₂ and C0₂ d) subjecting the product streams to a bacterial fermentation process in a fermenter to produce a third product stream comprising an aqueous solution of at least one C2⁻ alcohol, nutrients and reaction intermediates and a fourth product stream comprising CO, H₂ and C0₂ at least 60% of the CO being converted; e) recycling at least a portion of the fourth product stream to the methane-containing feedstock; f) recovering at least a part of the at least one C2⁻ alcohols from the third product stream to leave a fifth product stream; and g) recycling at least a part of the fifth product stream to the fermenter.

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First Claim