Energy-saving and resource-saving methanol synthesis process

The technology of non-recycled methanol production on the basis of synthesis gas was developed by methods of computer modeling. Synthesis gas was produced in power engines ( internal combustion engines, gas turbines) or catalytic reactors by partial oxidation of methane by air ( or air enriched oxygen). Catalytic reaction of methanol synthesis was carried out on novel copper-containing catalyst in Three Reactor System with intermediate methanol removal after each reactor. The reactors were kept at the temperatures of 180- 270 degreesC, pressures of 4-10 MPa, volumetric rate of the feed flow of 500-5000 hr(-1) nitrogen content in syn-gas of 35-60 vol %, H-2/CO ratio of 1.85-2.2. The conversion of synthesis gas into desired products was 70-85 % mass. The products of catalytic reaction contained methanol (96-99.5 % vol.), the rest was water. Organic compounds were found in trace amounts. On the basis of vast investigations at the laboratory and pilot plant we constructed mathematical models of separate units of technological equipment and chemical technological scheme on the whole. The modes of catalytic reactor operation providing the required productivity with high quality of methanol produced were calculated. The regimes of technological equipment operation ensuring the production of electricity at all stages of natural gas conversion into methanol were established. The production of electrical power took place: I when obtaining syn-gas in internal combustion engines; 2. when obtaining methanol in steam turbines: 3. when utilizing the heat of tail gases in gas turbines. This makes it possible to organize energy-closed, resource- and energy-saving methanol production.