Synthesis of dimethyl ether and alternative fuels in the liquid phase from coal-derived synthesis gas
As part of the DOE-sponsored contract for the Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether (DME) and Alternative Fuels in the Liquid Phase from Coal- Derived Syngas, the single-step, slurry phase DME synthesis process was developed. The development involved screening of catalyst systems, process variable studies, and catalyst life studies in two 300 ml stirred autoclaves. As a spin-off of the Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH*) process, the new process significantly improves the syngas conversion efficiency of the LPMEOH process. This improvement can be achieved by replacing a portion of methanol catalyst with a dehydration catalyst in the reactor, resulting in the product methanol being converted to DME, thus avoiding the thermodynamic equilibrium constraint of the methanol reaction. Overall, this increases syngas conversion per-pass. The selectivity and productivity of DME and methanol are affected by the catalyst system employed as well as operating conditions. A preferred catalyst system, consisting of a physical mixture of a methanol catalyst and a gamma alumina, was identified. An improvement of about 50% in methanol equivalent productivity was achieved compared to the LPMEOH process. Results from the process variable study indicate that higher pressure and CO[sub 2] removal benefit the process significantly. Limited life studies performed on the preferred catalyst system suggest somewhat higher than expected deactivation rate for the methanol catalyst. Several DME/methanol mixtures were measured for their key properties as transportation fuels. With small amounts of DME added, significant improvements in both flash points and Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) were observed over the corresponding values of methanol alone.
- Research Organization:
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-90PC89865
- OSTI ID:
- 6454471
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/PC/89865-T6; ON: DE93011700
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Synthesis of dimethyl ether and alternative fuels in the liquid phase from coal-derived syngas; Quarterly technical progress report No. 3, 1 July--30 September 1990
Synthesis of dimethyl ether and alternative fuels in the liquid phase from coal-derived synthesis gas. Final technical report
Related Subjects
DME
SYNTHESIS
CATALYSTS
SYNTHESIS GAS
CONVERSION
CHEMICAL REACTORS
DEHYDRATION
FUEL ADDITIVES
LIQUID PHASE METHANOL PROCESS
METHANOL
SLURRIES
SPECIFICITY
ADDITIVES
ALCOHOLS
COAL LIQUEFACTION
DISPERSIONS
ETHERS
FLUIDS
GASES
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUEFACTION
MIXTURES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SUSPENSIONS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
010405* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Hydrogenation & Liquefaction
010404 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Gasification