Methanol synthesis beyond chemical equilibrium

In commercial methanol production from syngas, the conversion is thermodynamically limited to 0.3–0.7 leading to large recycles of non-converted syngas. This problem can be overcome to a significant extent by in situ condensation of methanol during its synthesis which is possible nowadays due to the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering science 2013-01, Vol.87 (14), p.204-208
Main Authors: van Bennekom, J.G., Venderbosch, R.H., Winkelman, J.G.M., Wilbers, E., Assink, D., Lemmens, K.P.J., Heeres, H.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Availability
Catalysis
catalysts
Catalytic reactions
Chemical engineering
chemical equilibrium
Chemical reactors
Chemistry
Condensates
condensation
Conversion
Exact sciences and technology
General and physical chemistry
High pressure
Mathematical analysis
Methanol
Methyl alcohol
Multiphase reactors
Phase change
Reactors
recycling
stakeholders
Synthesis
temperature
Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In commercial methanol production from syngas, the conversion is thermodynamically limited to 0.3–0.7 leading to large recycles of non-converted syngas. This problem can be overcome to a significant extent by in situ condensation of methanol during its synthesis which is possible nowadays due to the availability of highly active catalysts allowing for lower reactor temperatures. For the first time, in situ methanol condensation at 20MPa and 473K was demonstrated visually in a view cell. The condensation of reaction products (mainly methanol and water) drives the equilibrium reactions nearly to completion, as is demonstrated experimentally in a packed bed reactor and supported by thermodynamic calculations. Contrary to conventional methanol synthesis, once-through operation becomes possible avoiding recycling of unconverted syngas, which can be economically beneficial for industrial stakeholders. [Display omitted] ► Methanol synthesis was visualized in a view cell. ► In situ condensation of methanol was demonstrated during methanol synthesis. ► Conversions higher than the chemical equilibrium were obtained. ► Conversions are accurately predicted with a chemical and phase equilibrium model.
ISSN:0009-2509
1873-4405
DOI:10.1016/j.ces.2012.10.013