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Title: Methanol synthesis using a catalyst combination of alkali or alkaline earth salts and reduced copper chromite

Patent ·
OSTI ID:869720

The present invention relates to a novel route for the synthesis of methanol, and more specifically to the production of methanol by contacting synthesis gas under relatively mild conditions in a slurry phase with a catalyst combination comprising reduced copper chromite and basic alkali salts or alkaline earth salts. The present invention allows the synthesis of methanol to occur in the temperature range of approximately 100.degree.-160.degree. C. and the pressure range of 40-65 atm. The process produces methanol with up to 90% syngas conversion per pass and up to 95% methanol selectivity. The only major by-product is a small amount of easily separated methyl formate. Very small amounts of water, carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether are also produced. The present catalyst combination also is capable of tolerating fluctuations in the H.sub.2 /CO ratio without major deleterious effect on the reaction rate. Furthermore, carbon dioxide and water are also tolerated without substantial catalyst deactivation.

Research Organization:
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-89PC89786
Assignee:
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
Patent Number(s):
US 5384335
OSTI ID:
869720
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Liquid phase hydrogenolysis of methyl formate in a semi batch reactor journal January 1986
Catalytic Processes for Methanol Synthesis – Established and Future book January 1988