Industrial Methanol from Syngas: Kinetic Study and Process Simulation

In this study, a detailed rigorous kinetic model is proposed for the industrial production of methanol taking into account changes in total mole flowrate. The kinetic model proposed is compared with the one proposed in literature (Rezaie et al., Chem Eng Process Process Intensification 2005; 44: 911-21), showing significant differences in terms of compositions and total mole flow. A complete simulation of the methanol production process is developed with a commercial software. The rigorous reactor model is integrated in the simulation using the CAPE OPEN standard. Flowsheet simulation is carried out, and results show small differences with those found in previous studies (Luyben, Ind Eng Chem Res 2010; 49: 6150-63).