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Process for co-production of higher alcohols, methanol and ammonia

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6961828

This patent describes an integrated process for the production of higher alcohols, methanol and ammonia. It comprises: catalytically reforming at first methane-containing stream with steam and carbon dioxide to form first a hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing synthesis gas; removing carbon dioxide from the first synthesis gas and recycling at least a portion of the carbon dioxide to the reformation; rejecting at least a portion of the hydrogen content of the first synthesis gas to produce a first carbon monoxide-rich synthesis gas and a hydrogen stream; at least partially catalytically reforming a second methane-containing stream with steam and carbon dioxide to form an initial methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing synthesis gas and further reforming the initial syntheses gas by partial oxidation with an oxygen-enriched gas to result in a second hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing synthesis gas; removing carbon dioxide from the second synthesis gas and recycling at least a portion of the carbon dioxide to the catalytic reformation; combining the hydrogen stream with a nitrogen-rich stream and catalytically reacting the combined stream to produce ammonia; combining the first and second synthesis gas streams and catalytically reacting them to produce higher alcohols and a purge stream of residual unreacted synthesis gas at an elevated pressure; and reacting the purge stream to produce methanol.

Assignee:
Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Allentown, PA
Patent Number(s):
US 4886651; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-195516A
OSTI ID:
6961828
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English