A Single-Stage Catalytic Process for Obtaining Dimethyl Ether from Synthesis Gas

Obtaining dimethyl ether from synthesis gas with the use of a two-layer catalyst was studied. An optimum level-by-level loading was determined for two catalytic systems such as methanol production catalyst Katalco-58 and methanol dehydration catalyst gamma-Al2O3. It was demonstrated that increasing the temperature and contact time results in increasing the CO conversion level and the yield of dimethyl ether, whereas their maximum values are attained at a pressure of 3 MPa. The optimum process conditions are: T = 280 degrees C, P = 3 MPa, H-2/CO = 2, the contact time 6 s.