Abstract Due to the availability of natural gas, shale gas, and flared gas, there is increased interest in converting methane in these gases into commodity chemicals via cost-effective and sustainable processes. Recently, we have demonstrated an efficient process concept converting methane to lactic acid (LA) by methanotrophic bacteria with high carbon flux, pivoting potentials for commercialization. Herein, we present a first-of-kind conceptual design and a techno-economic analysis (TEA) of a biorefinery process with calculated minimum selling prices. This study includes both sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis for key cost drivers and for projecting path forwards in research and development. The analyses reveal that the conversion efficiency, LA product titer, LA productivity, and gas flow rate have the most significant impacts on cost. The MSP varies from $5.83-$2.17/kg LA depending on these key process attributes. Further, a life cycle assessment of this process concept is evaluated and compared to understand the sustainable aspects. In this TEA study, the bio-upgrading process from natural gas to LA presents a potentially promising approach in terms of the feedstock versatility, economic viability, and environmental impact.

中文翻译：

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用于生产乳酸的天然气生物价值化：技术经济分析和生命周期评估

摘要 由于天然气、页岩气和火炬气的可用性，人们越来越关注通过具有成本效益和可持续的过程将这些气体中的甲烷转化为商品化学品。最近，我们展示了一种通过具有高碳通量的甲烷营养细菌将甲烷转化为乳酸 (LA) 的有效工艺概念，具有商业化的关键潜力。在此，我们展示了生物精炼工艺的首创概念设计和技术经济分析 (TEA)，并计算出最低销售价格。这项研究包括关键成本驱动因素的敏感性分析和情景分析，以及预测研究和开发的前进路径。分析表明，转化效率、LA 产品滴度、LA 生产率和气体流速对成本的影响最为显着。根据这些关键工艺属性，MSP 从 $5.83-$2.17/kg LA 不等。此外，对该过程概念的生命周期评估进行了评估和比较，以了解可持续方面。在这项 TEA 研究中，从天然气到洛杉矶的生物升级过程在原料多功能性、经济可行性和环境影响方面提供了一种潜在的有前途的方法。