Synthetic Gas Recycle Apparatus and Methods

Processes and apparatuses for synthesizing a hydrocarbon by reacting a carbon-containing feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas stream having a greater molar ratio of oxygen than the feedstock to produce a first synthetic gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, reacting the first synthetic gas in a shift reaction zone to produce a shifted synthetic gas, optionally but preferably blending a recycled synthetic gas with the shifted synthetic gas to produce a second synthetic gas, reacting the second synthetic gas with a catalyst in a synthesis reaction zone to produce hydrocarbon(s) and a purge gas, passing the purge gas through a separation zone to produce a hydrogen-containing permeate stream having an increased hydrogen molar ratio compared to the purge gas and a methane-containing non-permeate stream having an increased methane molar ratio compared to the purge gas, and reacting the methane-containing non-permeate stream in a reformation zone to produce the recycled synthetic gas.