Liquid phase methanol process development unit: installation, operation, and support studies. Technical progress report No. 11, 1 April 1984-30 June 1984

Technical Report · Fri Jul 20 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6379722

This quarter's activity was highlighted by the successful operation of the LaPorte PDU during the 40-day activity maintenance run using the EPJ-19LR (United Catalysts, Inc.) catalyst (Task 6) and during a 6-day run using a BASF catalyst (Task 10). As with the LaPorte PDU shakedown run during the last quarter, the pelletized catalyst rapidly attrited to a fine powder slurry. Nonetheless, the catalyst remained highly active with a methanol production rate reaching as high as 8 tpd. Operation was smooth and the post-run inspection showed that the plant was in good condition, free of blockages or large deposits. However, about 20% of the original catalyst charged had deposited as film on vessel walls or in dead spaces. Methanol production decreased from an initial 5 tpd to a final 2.5 tpd. The 40-day run produced 165 tons (50,000 gal) of methanol. Valuable information catalyst activity maintenance and properties was obtained. Analysis of catalyst samples revealed the slow but steady buildup of iron and nickel on the catalyst. The mechanical performance of the LaPorte PDU during the 40-day run was excellent. With almost 1000 hours of slurry operation, there were no signs of erosion of the slurry pump or piping. The Stein seal functioned extremely well. After the unit was inspected, it was cleaned out and prepared for the liquid-entrained run.

• Research Organization: Chem Systems, Inc., Tarrytown, NY (USA); Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC22-81PC30019
• OSTI ID: 6379722
• Report Number(s): DOE/PC/30019-T13; ON: DE85001311
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

090221* -- Alcohol Fuels-- Chemical Synthesis-- (1976-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
CARBONYLS
CATALYSTS
COAL LIQUEFACTION
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
INFORMATION
LIQUEFACTION
LIQUID PHASE METHANOL PROCESS
NICKEL COMPOUNDS
NUMERICAL DATA
PERFORMANCE
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT UNITS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS