Oil and gas production handbook An introduction to oil and gas production

Methyl-tert-butyl-ether (MTBE) is used in gasoline to boost the octane 
rating and to decrease toxic emissions in the exhaust. As an octane 
enhancer, MTBE delivers high octane numbers at relatively low cost. A direct 
effect of the use of MTBE is the reduction of both "regulated" emissions (CO, 
unburned hydrocarbons) and "unregulated" emissions. 
7.3  Synthesis gas (syngas) 
Synthesis gas (syngas) is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It 
can be created from coal or methane reacting with steam at high 
temperatures: 
 
From coal: 
 
C + H
2
O 
→ H
2
 + CO 
 
Or from methane: 
CH
4
 + 1/2O
2
 
→ CO + 2H
2
 Lean 
combustion 
CH
4
 + H
2
O 
→ CO + 3H
2  
Steam reforming 
 
Figure 30. Synthesis gas 

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98 
 
Syngas is used for production of methanol or ammonia. It is also used for 
production of synthetic fuels, both diesel (Fischer–Tropsch process) and 
gasoline (see Chapter 9.1.5). 
7.3.1 Methanol based products 
Methanol, a colorless alcohol, is a chemical used in the production of 
formaldehyde, acetic acid and methyl methacrylate (MMA), and is used as a 
solvent in many applications. It is also used to produce MTBE and other 
products, and can be used in fuels. 
 
Melamine resin or melamine formaldehyde (also, incorrectly, melamine) is a 
hard, thermosetting plastic material made from melamine and formaldehyde 
by polymerization. This plastic is often used in kitchen utensils or plates and 
is the main constituent in high pressure laminates and laminate flooring.