A process (10) for the preparation and conversion of synthesis gas
includes reforming a feed gas (34) comprising methane in a reforming
stage (18) to produce synthesis gas (46) which includes hydrogen and
carbon monoxide. Some of the hydrogen and carbon monoxide is converted to
a Fischer-Tropsch product (48) in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis
stage (24). A tail gas (52), including unreacted hydrogen and carbon
monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide, is separated from the
Fischer-Tropsch product (48). In a tail gas treatment stage (28,30), the
tail gas (52) is treated by reforming the methane in the tail gas (52)
with steam (66) and removing carbon dioxide to produce a hydrogen rich
gas (56). The tail gas treatment stage (28,30) may be either a combined
tail gas treatment stage (28,30) or a composite tail gas treatment stage.
The carbon dioxide from the tail gas treatment stage (28,30) is fed to
the reforming stage (18).