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Feasibility analysis of ternary feed mixtures of methane with oxygen, steam, and carbon dioxide for the production of methanol synthesis gas

Journal Article · · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie970363g· OSTI ID:624325
 [1];  [2]
  1. Chemical Process Engineering Research Inst., Thessaloniki (Greece). Foundation for Research and Technology
  2. Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki (Greece). Chemical Engineering Dept.
The feasibility of ternary feed mixtures of CH{sub 4} with O{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, and CO{sub 2} is analyzed in relation to the production of methanol syngas. Stoichiometric constraints are formulated in terms of three parameters characterizing the steam, partial oxidation, and carbon dioxide reforming reactions of methane. The equilibrium analysis is conducted using the methanol balance ratio {mu} and methane slip fraction {chi} as explicit design parameters. General results are derived for the feasibility of each ternary feed combination as a function of pressure and temperature in the range 1 < {mu} < 3 under carbon-free conditions. Numerical calculations indicate that CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} feeds can be used in single-stage adiabatic reformers at low values of {mu}, but the produced syngas requires further treatment. Reforming based on CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2}/H{sub 2}O feeds is endothermic at {mu} {ge} 2 under typical reaction conditions, thus requiring the application of a two-stage process involving primary and secondary reformers. Utilization of CH{sub 4}/O{sub 2}/H{sub 2}O feeds in single-stage adiabatic reactors is feasible for {mu} = 1.7--1.9, yielding syngas which can be upgraded by partial CO{sub 2} removal. The endothermic CH{sub 4}/CO{sub 2}/H{sub 2}O feed combination is always feasible for 1 < {mu} < 3.
OSTI ID:
624325
Journal Information:
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 37; ISSN IECRED; ISSN 0888-5885
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English