What is GTL? Introduction to the Gas-to-Liquid process

chemical_plant_AdobeStock_573871407_copyright_Quality_Stock_Arts_1100x620px

How can a liquid raw material be obtained from gas? The answer lies in the GTL (Gas-to-Liquid) process. By converting natural gas into liquid hydrocarbons, the GTL process is becoming an increasingly important technology across diverse industrial sectors. The process opens new perspectives for clean fuels, synthetic oil and versatile raw materials with high purity. GTL is considered a bridging technology: it connects traditional fossil products with sustainable alternatives.

GTL – simply explained: from natural gas to synthetic raw materials

The Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) process converts natural gas into synthetic liquid hydrocarbons through the Fischer-Tropsch method, transforming gaseous feedstock into high-quality fluids that serve as cleaner, more consistent alternatives to mineral oil-based products.

Advantages of GTL products:

High purity: Near zero aromatic content, free of sulphur, and other undesirable components
Consistent quality: Synthetic production ensures uniform product properties, independent of raw material origin or variability
Improved environmental performance: GTL products offer better biodegradability, lower toxicity and reduced VOC emissions than mineral oil equivalents.
Versatility: Usable in the chemical, cosmetics and high-tech industries

These properties make GTL an alternative to mineral oil and an important bridging technology on the path to sustainable energy and raw material systems.

Good to know!

GTL technology transforms natural gas into high-value synthetic oils and liquid hydrocarbons, unlocking new capabilities beyond its traditional use.
GTL-derived materials are ideal for applications where conventional mineral oils fall short. They deliver exceptional, consistent quality, purity and performance under demanding conditions.
The GTL process is highly controlled. It produces exceptionally pure and consistent products thereby offering a great advantage over conventional petroleum refining.

The technical backbone of GTL: the Fischer-Tropsch process

GTL is based on a proven technology: the Fischer-Tropsch process, which was developed back in the 1920s.

The GTL process steps:

1. Gas treatment:
Natural gas is purified and converted into synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

2. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis:
Using catalysts, syngas is converted into liquid hydrocarbons.

3. Further processing:
The resulting liquids are refined and separated into various high-value fractions – such as synthetic base oils, clean fuels and specialty products.

What makes GTL special? The GTL process is highly controlled. It produces exceptionally pure and consistent products thereby offering a great advantage over conventional petroleum refining.

Where are GTL-based products used?

Thanks to their versatility, GTL-derived materials are used across a wide range of industries, especially where high purity, reliable quality and advanced technical performance are essential.

Typical areas of application for GTL raw materials are:

Energy & Mobility: Clean fuels (diesel, kerosene, marine fuel) with lower emissions
Chemical Industry: High-purity solvents and speciality chemicals
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Skin-friendly oils and emollients that are odourless, colourless and non-greasy
High-tech & Industry: Metalworking fluids, lubricants and speciality oils in electronics or precision machinery that require purity and stability.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about GTL

1. How does the Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) process work?

The Fischer-Tropsch process converts natural gas into liquid hydrocarbons – a precisely controllable process.

2. What advantages does GTL offer over mineral oil products?

GTL raw materials are exceptionally pure, are readily biodegradable and deliver consistent quality.

3. In which industries are GTL products used?

From energy & mobility to the chemical industry to cosmetics and high-tech applications.

We support our customers and partners on their path to greater sustainability:

Consulting on sustainability criteria

Conclusion: GTL technology offers high-performance feedstock for demanding applications

The Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) process transforms natural gas into premium liquid hydrocarbons, combining advanced chemical engineering with broad industrial relevance. As a transitional technology, GTL plays a key role in moving from conventional mineral oils, derived from fossil resources, toward cleaner, more sustainable solutions.

Thanks to their exceptional purity, consistent quality and low-odour characteristics, GTL products are ideally suited for sensitive and high-performance applications: from sustainable fuels and chemical feedstocks to specialised uses in cosmetics and advanced manufacturing.